There is a possibility that you have seen mold in your home. The cold weather is such a breeding season for molds in the home. This is because mold thrives in moisture and can spread like wildfire if not curtailed on time.

You may be wondering if you have mold in your home and if yes, you probably want to know the health risks it portends and what can be done about it. This article will help in answering most of the questions you have about molds.

What exactly are molds?

Molds are those unsightly decayed organic matter that you find on the wall and other surfaces. It is a fungus that grows everywhere and anywhere because it does not require light to be able to grow.

Molds are everywhere and feed on nutrients that are dissolved. It is important to state that molds are very important to the ecosystem because it helps in recycling plant material that are dead and turns it into fertilizer so that other plants can make use of it.

However, molds can pose some health risks if left unattended to. We will come to that shortly.

Do you know that molds have seeds? Yes, the seeds come from the spores but have a single cell. Most times, you may not be able to see molds with your naked eyes because they are so tiny. To explain how tiny molds, when you dust a mushroom, those smoke-like substances you see wafting away are molds.

Molds can float and travel far distances with the air current. And they can appear as a green, white, black, or blue stain or discoloration on a surface. They may also appear fuzzy, velvety or rough in appearance.

Why are molds a problem?

As long as there is air, molds do not have a problem reaching even hard-to-reach places. When it comes to molds, walls, books, clothes, shoes, wood, carpet, paint, wallpaper, chairs, toys and anything with the surface are not spared. Before you know it, your prized possessions will become moist and musty and may end up in the trash.

In as much as molds travel far distances in the air, it requires some sort of moisture which may be from the flood, humidity in the bath, a leak or even a spill to grow.

While we may not like the appearance of mold in our home or any of our properties, the concern is the effect this menace may have on our health.

How molds can affect your health

Molds can have different types and degrees of reactions on people. There are some certain categories of people such as the elderly and kids who may suffer from exposure to molds than others. People with some allergies as well as asthmatic patients may find that molds aggravate their symptoms.

The Center for Disease Control says that molds can actually make one sick. When exposed to molds, some people tend to experience different degrees of respiratory problems. Some symptoms that may arise as a result of exposure to mold are:

  • stuffy nose, wheezing, coughing,
  • shortness of breath
  • throat, nose and eye irritation

People with low immune system, asthmatic or people who are sensitive to mold are usually affected when exposed to mold. Sometimes, such exposure may lead to serious lung disease.

According to WebMD, skin rashes, runny nose, sneezing, watery or red eyes are some of the symptoms of exposure to molds.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), states that molds are capable of worsening air pollution indoors, which could also lead to some respiratory conditions. They are of the opinion that excess moisture in the home or any indoor material can encourage microbes to grow such as mold, bacteria, and fungi. These then emit cells, spores and fragments, and unpredictable organic compounds into the air in your home or property.

There have been reports of people experiencing headaches, and in extreme cases – damaged organs and impaired brain functions – when exposed to such toxic species as molds.

Although there are many other things that could cause such symptoms in an individual, if the individual noticed that his or her health condition worsened after being exposed to mold, then the mold is most likely the culprit.

Now that you know some of the dangers associated with exposure to molds in the home, you may wonder what the solution is.

What to do about molds

We have already stated that molds in your home could be the reason why you are experiencing some health symptoms that were not there before. However, you are to first check with your doctor before concluding that the mold is responsible.

In the meantime, you can prevent mold from breaking out in your home by ensuring that all leaks, overflows, and spills are properly handled on time to discourage indoor humidity.

Ensuring that your ventilation system is working properly will go a long way in preventing molds.

Nevertheless, there is no reason you should allow molds to continue growing in your home. Apart from the fact that molds are unsightly, with the health challenges they expose one too, you definitely will not want to wait to see if you would fall sick before doing something about it.

And that is where Ocert1 comes in.

You will no longer have to deal with those ugly looking molds and musty smell. Be it molds behind the cabinets, hidden under the carpet, on the ceiling or any place that is hard to reach, we will get rid of that mold and nip it in the bud.

Don’t wait to find out if the mold in your home is dangerous before doing something about it.

Environmental agencies such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highly recommend that you hire experts in molds cleaning to get rid of molds in your home. Their reason is that such experts can discover hidden molds in places you never thought molds can be.

Are you in Ladera Ranch, CA?

Take a totally free mold inspection.

Ocert1 Emergency Response will ensure that your home and property are free from the mold so that you can enjoy your life without this annoying menace. Take advantage of our 24/7 service and 30 minutes emergency response by giving us a call on 949 573-4074 today!

Share on Social
Ocert1