You’re probably aware that mold is a bad thing to have in your home, but you may not know just how detrimental it can be for your health. Depending on what type you’ve been exposed to, this allergen can have a range of effects. Learn more about mold exposure, how it impacts your health, and why you should schedule mold removal for your home.

The Detrimental Effects of Mold

How You Can Be Exposed

Mold naturally exists both indoors and outdoors, meaning that it’s almost impossible to avoid it altogether. As it grows, it releases spores into the air, making exposure even more likely. Chances are that you come into contact with mold every day either by touching it or breathing in its spores.

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to harmful mold, your physician may be able to test you for mold-specific antibodies. However, there are limits to these tests because they don’t determine the time, place, or type of mold exposure. In most cases, prevention in the home is the safest bet. Mold professionals will assess your home environment and make recommendations for removal.

How It Can Affect Your Health

Depending on the type of mold, it can produce irritants, allergens, or toxins, all of which may cause ill health effects in humans. The severity of the exposure and mold type—as well as your age and personal allergies and sensitivities—determine how serious your reaction will be.

Some common symptoms caused by allergenic molds include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes. Other allergic reactions may include itching, a skin rash, or asthma.

Pathogenic molds may cause infections or diseases in those with compromised or weakened immune systems and are particularly dangerous for babies and elderly people. There are also certain toxic molds that produce mycotoxins, which are poisonous chemicals that harm humans. Stachybotrys chartarum, a greenish-black mold, is an example of the latter.

Prevention

No matter what kind of mold you find growing in your home, the best way to handle it is prompt removal. In addition to eliminating the current mold growth, you’ll need to determine whether you have a moisture problem in your home that’s contributing to the problem.

A professional mold removal company will be able to take care of your current mold problem and fix any underlying issues that may contribute to future growth.

Make your home safe for the long term by contacting the mold removal experts at Basement and Crawlspace Solutions in Chattanooga, TN. These specialists will check your entire home, including your basement and crawlspace, for moisture issues that provide a perfect mold growth environment. Through the sealing process, they’ll keep your spaces dry and waterproof to prevent future problems. Schedule your free estimate by calling (423) 320-8883 or learn more about the company’s services online.