Bill Tyrrell first got into the mold testing and removal business after combating mold at his former job with FedEx. Ever since, Tyrrell’s own company, Triage Bio Cleaning Services, has been helping residents of Iowa, Missouri and Illinois deal with their mold problems. In his many years testing and cleaning mold from homes and businesses, he has become a real scholar on all things mold related. Mold is more than just a gross, smelly substance; mold can also present some serious health hazards. In the following article, he outlines a few dangers presented by mold and some preventative measures you can take to ensure your home or workplace remains mold free.
If my phone is ringing, it can only mean that it is already too late; you’ve discovered mold in your home. While it’s true that cleaning mold is my business, I also want what’s best for my friends, neighbors and even complete strangers regarding harmful molds. So many people simply live with mold in their homes, never bothering to get it tested or cleaned. Mold is fungus, a natural part of our world, and while some forms of mold are completely benign, others can be extremely hazardous to your health. As such, I’ve decided to outline a few of the risks and dangers of mold, not as a scare tactic, but as an educational warning. I’ll also discuss a few preventative measures you can take to ensure you never have to deal with the scourge of mold.
As aforementioned, mold is a fungus. Its membership in this classification of organisms is the source of its danger. Fungi breed by spreading their spores throughout an environment, like your home. Some people are actually allergic and are sensitive to mold spores when inhaled, while others are not. In addition, asthmatics and people with other respiratory problems are often at greater risk of exposure to molds. A few common hazards of mold exposure include:
- Nasal and breathing troubles, stuffiness
- Wheezing
- Eye irritation
- Skin rash and irritation
Those with chronic allergies to mold may experience severe symptoms, especially following prolonged exposure. These can vary depending on the individual, but some people have actually contracted fevers and severe infections on account of mold in their homes. Farmers working with hay often complained of labored breathing until it was discovered that mold growing in the hay was the source of their troubles. Those with serious lung conditions are at greatest risk, as molds can actually cause severe lung infections in such individuals.
As we see, mold is more than just an eyesore in your home and should be remediated immediately if discovered. But before that happens, let’s discuss a few preventative measures you can take to discourage mold from growing in your home in the first place.
Molds really on require two things to grown and thrive in your home — food and moisture. Deprive the fungus of these things and it simply won’t grow in your house. Since mold prefers areas with greater moisture, a simple way to prevent its spread is to control the moisture in your house.
- Make sure the level of humidity in your house does not exceed 60%. Using a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier in damp spaces like basements can greatly decrease the overall moisture and humidity in your home.
- It’s important to keep your entire house ventilated. Your kitchen and bathroom tend to be the moistest areas of your home. If you keep these areas ventilated, you greatly decrease the chances of mold growth.
- Use a mold inhibitor whenever you paint. Mold loves to grow in the paint on your walls, so adding a paint inhibitor can help tremendously.
- Fix leaks and plumbing problems immediately. So many home mold problems occur because of water damage that happens during a leak flood or plumbing accident. If such accidents to occur in your home, be sure to fix them and dry affected areas thoroughly.
- Use mold-killing products when you clean your bathroom or kitchen.
Mold contamination can be bad for your health and your home. However, if you follow my list of preventative measures, you are assured a mold-free home that is also a healthy environment for you and your family. Keep it dry and hopefully you’ll never need to call me in for a serious cleanup.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
