Most people don’t take notice of mold until it can no longer be ignored. That leads to some people having exposure to mold without the appropriate medical assistance. That being said, it’s rare for mold to cause people big problems—but it’s still important to know the signs of mold-related illnesses.
Anyone could be affected by mold in a home, apartment, office building, and other locations. Again, this is rare, but the preliminary symptoms of exposure to be aware of include sneezing, eye irritation, and coughing. Basically, these can be dismissed as seasonal allergies, getting a cold, and other simple, everyday illnesses. Mold, if left untreated, can get worse and lead to respiratory infections. So it’s important to be aware of what your body is telling you, as well as the condition of the area where you suspect mold.
Mold is not isolated to just indoor locations. It can be found outside, too, and it is crucial to know how you can be exposed. You should also familiarize yourself with best practices for making sure you minimize your risk of exposure and take action should you come in contact with it.
Mold exposure locations
- Places prone to extra moisture
- Doorways
- Windows
- Bathrooms
- Around pipe and roof leaks
- Outside mold brought into your house by
- Doors
- Shoes
- Pets
What can mold really do to your health?
In 2009, the World Health Organization released their guidelines for indoor air quality.
Some people are more sensitive and susceptible to mold exposure. Though it can start with nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing and general allergy-like symptoms, those with a weakened immune system or with increased/prolonged exposure can find themselves with conditions like asthma or serious lung infections.
If you have been exposed to mold and exhibit any of these symptoms, you need to see a doctor to receive appropriate treatment. This can be as general as over-the-counter allergy medicine or as targeted as prescription medicine specifically ordered to treat an infection. Both the CDC and Institute of Medicine acknowledge that additional studies need to be done in order to continue to show the connection between mold and respiratory infections, especially in infants and children.
You’ve found mold, now what?
Are you proactively checking your home or building for mold? By finding mold locations before they get worse, you are able to control the mold and minimize exposure to yourself, your family and your business.
If you find mold in your home, you not only need to clean it up, you also need to determine the cause of the mold itself. Where is the moisture coming from to create the mold? Look for leaks, water damage, wet spots, condensation, and other precursors for mold. The issue needs to be resolved so that once the mold is removed, it will not be a recurring issue.
Never try to remove mold yourself unless it’s found in your bathroom, such as mold and mildew found in and around your tub. Instead, give Paul Davis a call and let us take care of your mold remediation needs. And remember our motto, This Is No Time for Second Best®.
