During the fall and winter months, due to the cold damp weather, mold growth is a common issue for many households. It not only infects the walls of our homes but also virtually everything inside it as well. This means that it can also affect our health!
Basic Facts About Mold
Mold is a form of fungus which can be found indoors and outdoors. It grows in moist/humid and warm environments, especially during the colder months of the year when we tend to keep our windows and doors closed as much as possible. It is not only capable of growing on the walls of our homes but also on surfaces such as fabric, paper, and wood making it difficult to remove with normal household cleaning products.
There is a wide variety of molds that have different forms and textures. It can be white, black, yellow, blue or green. Frequently, it is easily noticeable but it can also look like a discoloration or stain. Mold can have a velvety, fuzzy or rough appearance, depending on its type and where it is growing.
How Mold Infects Our Homes
Mold spores enter our homes either through the air or after attaching to objects or people. However, it begins to grow when spores land on areas where there is excessive moisture and a steady supply of nutrients. Otherwise, molds do not normally cause any problems.
The most common locations infected by mold are areas that have experienced leakages and flooding and around windows with condensation build-up. As it begins to grow it becomes visible and can produce a musty odor.
How Mold Can Affect Our Health
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that mold issues be dealt with promptly and any water leakage fixed. Immediate action should be taken because of the significant impact mold can have on indoor air quality and consequently the increased risk of certain respiratory conditions and other health issues.
A number of substances can be produced by mold which are harmful to our health especially if we are sensitive to them. For example, it can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins which can irritate our eyes, lungs, nose, skin, and throats, even if we do not have a mold allergy.
If your home is infected, you may experience symptoms such as a blocked/runny nose, itchy nose or throat, sneezing, and watery eyes. What’s more, individuals with mold allergies who have asthma are at an increased risk of having their asthma symptoms triggered.
Unfortunately, according to experts, there are mold species that can even cause serious lung infections and scarring. Additionally, people whose immune and respiratory systems are already weakened by chronic conditions are more susceptible to adverse effects which could even lead to fatal complications.
If you have mold issues in your home, don’t delay taking action. Call BioTek Environmental Inc any time of the day or night. We provide mold inspection, mold removal, and mold remediation services to Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg, SC. Our Clean, Green Restoration methods employ EPA registered and environmentally safe chemistries to help our customers reclaim their property from mold removal, and flood and fire damage in the safest ways possible. What’s more, BioTek’s warranties for mold remediation are the longest and most comprehensive in the industry.
