Being a homeowner is beneficial, because you have a place to relax and live comfortably. However, it’s also a responsibility because it has to be clean. Otherwise, a filthy home will attract pests and dirt, making it difficult to maintain. Beyond that, it will also attract contaminants that will be dangerous to your health. A perfect example of this is mold.
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in warm, damp, and humid environments and can spread quickly. When ignored, mold can cause various health problems and aggravate conditions, such as asthma and allergies. In severe cases, mold exposure can even lead to death. Many homeowners often take mold in their homes for granted, so we’ll discuss how bad it can affect our health in this article.
Common Health Problems Caused by Mold
Typically, health issues caused by mold will be respiratory. These include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Throat irritation
- Breathing difficulties
Mold in your home is a danger to you and your family. Some people are more susceptible to mold than others. A perfect example of this is people with asthma or allergies. If you have either of these conditions, you’re more likely to experience more severe symptoms, such as:
Chronic Respiratory Problems
Chronic respiratory issues induced by mold are worse than common respiratory problems because they cannot be cured by conventional means. This is because the mold spores have already infiltrated your lungs, and it is difficult to remove them without causing severe damage.
Lung Inflammation
Mold can also cause lung inflammation, which is a severe condition that can be fatal. Mold spores can irritate your lungs and cause them to swell. This can make it difficult to breathe and can even lead to death.
If you think you may have been exposed to mold, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to determine if you have a mold allergy or if you have developed a respiratory condition due to mold exposure.
Compromised Immune System
A compromised immune system is problematic because it makes it harder for the body to fight off infections. In turn, it can make it more difficult for the body to fight off diseases. When mold compromises your immune system, you will be more susceptible to developing respiratory illnesses and other diseases.
Types of Dangerous Molds
There are various types of mold, but some are more dangerous than others, especially when they enter your home. These include:
Allergenic Molds
These molds do not usually cause any severe health problems. However, they can cause allergic reactions in people with mold allergies. Some of the most common allergenic molds include Cladosporium, Penicillin, and Aspergillus.
Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic molds are more dangerous than allergenic molds. They can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as people who have HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes. Pathogenic molds can also cause infections in people with chronic lung diseases, such as bronchitis or emphysema. Some of the most common pathogenic molds include Aspergillus, Candida, and Penicillium.
Toxigenic Molds
Toxigenic molds are the most dangerous type of mold. They produce toxins called mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems in people with weakened immune systems. In worst cases, these molds can cause death. Molds such as stachybotrys/chartarum and memnoniella.
Conclusion
You should always take active steps to prevent mold growth because it has serious health risks that can harm you and your family. Since mold can grow in any home, you must be vigilant and clean up any mold. Call DryZone, a professional mold removal company that will ensure that the mold is removed safely from your home. Call (239) 360-5207 today and allow us to help you!