Health Hazards of Molds You Should Know About
Harmful agents that reside in homes can impact your health adversely, especially when highly exposed to them. Most people spend an average of 16 hours every day in the house, especially kids under seven and senior individuals at the age of 64 and above. Mold often accumulates and develops in damp areas and poorly ventilated buildings. Now, let us learn the health risks that come along with molds.
Five Health Issues of Molds
Most individuals don’t like seeing molds, so they take quick action to get rid of them. Some neglect it when they see molds in their homes and do not do anything about it. If you’re either one of the two types of people mentioned above, do you know the health issues caused by molds? We have listed five of them below to alert and encourage you to get rid of molds in your home if you see one.
1. Mycotoxin toxicity
Mycotoxin is a by-product of the organisms of the kingdom of fungi, where molds are categorized. It is a toxic element that poses a serious health hazard to humans and animals. It can also cause negative health effects ranging from acute poisoning to long-term effects like cancer and immune deficiency.
According to a study, people who live in water-damaged or contaminated structures are linked to severe health problems brought on by mycotoxins. Mold poisoning or mycotoxicosis is one such health issue. So if you spot indications of water damage in your home, hire restoration cleaning professionals immediately to prevent mold and mildew from developing.
2. Weakened immune systems
Several types of molds can cause different effects on humans. When taken in, molds can make you ill. For individuals with weak immune systems and immunosuppressed, breathing in mold can have adverse health effects that can be even worse and may even lead to death.
3. Triggers asthma
Individuals who were not previously allergic to mold might be allergic to it when they inhaled or touched mold or mold spores. When inhaled, it might trigger asthma signs, like cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. While the persons who have allergies are the most prone to respond to mold, non-allergic (non-sensitized) individuals are not spared from the irritations it can bring about.
Leaky pipes, roofings, damp surface areas, ceilings, and wet carpets after a flood are frequently the root causes of mold and mildew growth. Always look around your house and see if there are water damages that can be a probable home for molds. Have a disaster restoration expert come by swiftly if you discover the damages that need to be repaired at once.
4. Fungal Infection
Mucormycosis (also called zygomycosis before) is a serious and unusual fungal infection brought on by mucormycetes, a group of molds present in the environment, particularly in soil and rotting organic matter like animal dung, compost piles, and leaves. The stated fungus is not very harmful to some people; however, it can impact the skin, lungs, sinuses, and brain of people with weak immune systems.
5. Allergic Reactions
Molds can produce compounds that may trigger allergies, irritants, and poisonous substances. Inhaling or touching mold spores can trigger allergic reactions like hay fever signs, such as congestion, itchy nose, sore throat, sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, and skin rash. Allergic reactions to mold are usual and can be delayed or immediate.