Is mold in a house serious?

Exposure to mold can cause health effects for some people. Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but widespread mold pollution can cause health problems. Breathing mold can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms. Exposure to a large amount of mold can sometimes cause a more serious reaction known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

This type of exposure is generally due to occupational or occupational hazards, rather than exposure to mold in your home. Molds aren't usually a problem indoors, unless mold spores land in a humid or humid place and start to grow. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Allergic responses include symptoms like hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Having mold nearby is never healthy, and it gets exponentially worse when you inhale that mold. Mold can cause allergic and asthmatic reactions and cause respiratory problems and infections.

People with mold allergies and asthma are more likely to have an asthma attack when there is mold in the environment. This has been a source of litigation when insurance companies have denied coverage to remove mold and repair damaged structures. For example, removing wallpaper can cause a massive release of spores if mold grows on the underside of the paper. Because EPA or other federal limits have not been established for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to verify a building's compliance with federal mold and mildew regulations.

Mold growth can leave an unsightly stain anywhere where mold infestation has occurred, even after a thorough cleaning. Investigating hidden mold problems can be difficult and will require caution when research involves disturbing potential mold growth sites. The reason mold is so prolific is because it only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow in a humid indoor area. Removing mold from large areas requires experience and protection for both moving specialists and occupants of the affected space.

May said that while mold needs moisture, oxygen, a food source and a surface on which to grow, a mold spore looking for a home can find those essentials relatively easily, even inside a central heating system. They will also help develop a remediation plan to eliminate mold and address the source of the growth, known as the source of moisture intrusion. So, whether the exact cause is mold or an accompanying indoor contaminant, spending time in places that are humid enough to encourage mold growth is a potential cause of health problems. Mold sampling should be performed by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting the results.