What Are the Health Hazards of Mold?

Last updated 9 months ago

In many homes, mold growth is triggered due to excessive moisture, often caused by roof leaks, cracked pipes, and other forms of water damage. If left untreated, mold growth can completely destroy houses and cause serious health problems. Breathing difficulties, asthma complications, and allergic reactions are some of the health complications that can result from mold exposure. Here’s some more information on mold-related health hazards:

Allergies

After being exposed to mold, people often exhibit allergy-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and congestion. Depending on the individual, these symptoms may develop very quickly or take hours or days to manifest. Mold allergies are usually not serious and can be alleviated by improving air circulation throughout the home. However, some mold spores can cause serious allergic reactions such as fever and labored breathing.

Asthma Complications

People who have asthma are highly susceptible to mold-related health issues. Mold can worsen asthma symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties, chest constriction, and wheezing. Additionally, exposure to mold can bring about a full-fledged asthma attack. Children, in particular, should avoid mold because they are more susceptible to asthmatic episodes. If someone in your family is asthmatic, contact a mold removal company immediately.

Lung and Respiratory Problems

Exposure to mold also increases the risk of developing lung and respiratory problems.

Mold can cause upper respiratory tract infections in healthy people and lung infections in people with weak immune systems. Additionally, mold can cause a pneumonia-like condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This condition causes the lungs to become inflamed and results in fever, body aches, and breathing difficulties. People normally notice symptoms of HP four to 12 hours after heavy exposure to mold. The condition is serious and medical attention is required for treatment.

Mold can be damaging not only to a home’s inhabitants, but also to the building’s structural integrity. Fortunately, mold removal doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you suspect that mold is growing in your house, call the professionals at Ideal Restoration. We are located in the Bay Area and have years of experience performing mold removal and clean-up services. Give us a call today at (888) 419-4279.