While mold is part of the natural environment, it can cause havoc on our homes and bodies. People sensitive to molds can experience nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, even skin irritation. People with mold allergies may suffer from severe reactions. Similarly, people with suppressed immune systems or chronic lung diseases can develop serious infections in their lungs when exposed to mold.
The following comes from the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm):
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.
To protect yourself and your family from these dangers, follow these tips to prevent mold growth:
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%—all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
- Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fansin the kitchen and bathrooms, and make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
- Fix any leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing, so mold does not have moisture to grow.
- Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
- Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
- Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
- Remove or replace soaked carpets and upholstery thatcannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas that may accumulate a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms or basements.
If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact Restoration 1 Mid-Cities today to begin the process of removing mold and restoring your home.
