Frozen Pipes Burst? We’re Here for Emergency Restoration – Available 24/7 to Address Flood Damage and Water Cleanup After the Break.

24/7 Emergency Response

The Health Risks Associated with Mold Exposure and How to Mitigate Them

-- Serving Colorado Since 2004 --

Licensed • Insured

Mold is one of the most common allergy triggers and illness causes within the average home. Some types of mold can harm your health, particularly your respiratory system, while others can be deadly. Mold can lead to lung issues, worsening asthma, and even more serious health problems like hallucinations. Yes, it can happen! Mold is never a small problem. Any traces of mold can become a serious and more significant issue that causes further health risks. Never let mold grow undisturbed, and learn what you can do to reduce the risks of finding mold around the home. Here’s what you should know about the health risks associated with mold exposure—and how to mitigate them.

The Health Risks Associated with Mold Exposure and How to Mitigate Them

What is Mold?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), molds are “fungi that grow in moist places and can cause health problems and damage to buildings.”

Various fungi types exist. Some are edible, while others are considered dangerous or hallucinogenic. Other types of fungi will “melt” when they die. They can melt their way right through man-made materials like they are made from acid.

Fungi are pretty fascinating. However, certain mold types are very dangerous.

Mold spreads through the air by releasing invisible spores. Air, water, or animals can carry spores and settle on damp surfaces. Mold loves humid or dark spots in the corners of the home, and people don’t necessarily look or know to look in those places.

Can Mold Make You Sick?

Mold exposure negatively impacts indoor air quality and can make you sick. You may not even realize the cause is mold.

Depending on the amount of mold, exposure can trigger light dust-like mold allergies, repeated respiratory infections, or headaches.

Most types of mold exposure are dangerous, but only a few are fatal, such as black mold.

However, black mold often travels alongside other mold types. Black mold can be more challenging to spot and control than mildew in the shower.

Continually assess your house for mold. A professional screening can tell you exactly where mold and its traces are. Professionals use chemicals and equipment that most people don’t have.

While you can guess where mold is by the musty smell or spotted growth, this isn’t always a sure way to know. There may be mold in other places that you can’t reach or notice.

Mold exposure can cause a list of health problems. Symptoms can be more severe in people with compromised immune systems.

What are Mold Exposure Health Risks?

Symptoms of mold exposure can trigger:

  • Asthma
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Skin rash
  • Allergies
  • Damage to the immune system
  • Severe headaches

Certain types of mold can also take root in the brain, causing anxiety and hallucinations that are often mistaken for sudden-onset mental illnesses.

What Triggers Mold Growth?

Initial spores (which travel through the air much like the “seeds” of the fungi family) can trigger mold.

However, remember that spores tend to grow quickly in dark or humid environments, and you can introduce mold into the house by bringing in other items that contain it, even if you don’t realize it. Spores can lay dormant, too.

Mold growth is triggered by the presence of its spores and ideal conditions. Ideal mold conditions are dark and damp but might also be warm and humid.

Mold is dangerous because you might not notice it growing, and it doesn’t always leave behind that characteristic mold smell.

Factors that Contribute to the Spread of Mold Spores

  • High humidity levels
  • Water damaged areas
  • Leaking pipes or walls
  • Poor ventilation

Spotting Mold: Expert Tips

According to the CDC, people may be able to spot mold by looking for its characteristic spotty, mildewy appearance.

  • Mold can also look like large wet spots.
  • They can resemble dust-like maps with distinct topographical shapes
  • They can grow upwards, looking like strands or mushrooms

Call a mold remediation expert to help you spot and remove mold. Looking too close can increase your risk of accidentally breaking in spores!

Sometimes, the easiest way to expose yourself to mold is, ironically, trying to find it. Call an expert and do it safely.

Prevent Mold Growth in the Future to Reduce Mold Exposure Health Risks

To prevent mold growth, improve ventilation and control moisture by:

  • Using kitchen and bathroom vent fans
  • Open windows
  • Use air conditioners
  • Clean with fungicidal cleaners

For future issues, mold really hates exposure to heat (e.g. boiling water), vinegar (because of its acidity), and specific chemicals for their formulation. Clean problem areas, making sure they’re properly dry.

Contact a professional to clean up the mold if:

  • You have large amounts of mold
  • Mold is behind walls or in crawl spaces
  • Black mold is present

Denver Clean-up & Restoration Services

With over 150 years of combined experience, the Colorado Cleanup Services, Inc. team has the knowledge, skill, and commitment necessary to handle any emergency cleanup services you may require. From flood and fire damage restoration to sewage backup, and coronavirus cleanup services in Denver, CO, you can always turn to us when you need deep, disinfecting cleaning for your home or business.

Family-owned and operated, our cleaning company is proud to provide the services of trained and certified technicians to all our clients. Our impressive team knows what it takes to return damaged properties to their original condition with the highest level of professionalism. Don’t settle for anything less when you require high-quality disaster recovery services. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you receive the help you need when you need it give us a call: 303-237-4406.

Share this post!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email