Given the right environment, mold can – and will – grow almost anywhere…
Even if you live in South Jersey, the Jersey Shore, Southeastern Pennsylvania, or Philadelphia areas…
Don’t let your health take a hit because you didn’t know how to deal with mold problems
Indeed, many types of mold can grow in our homes or buildings…
and we don’t consider any of them safe.
Mold needs water (or moisture) to grow & flourish (it also needs warmth, moving air, and a food source (more on that in a future post). .Aand studies suggest over 50% of American homes or buildings have wet or damp conditions, making them ideal for potential mold colonizing.
If you happen to live in one of those wet or damp homes or buildings – and you don’t take care of the moisture source – the eventual, inevitable mold infestation will thrive and grow on the structural members inside your walls, under your floors, and above your ceilings.
And, that will eventually cost you handsomely for the necessary treatment, remediation, and structural restoration.
Not only can it be costly to repair structural damage, it can end up costing you your health.
So when there a mold problem, who’s at risk?
Technically, everyone’s at risk of experiencing the various health concerns mold exposure can cause.
Why is that?
Since people can experience many different reactions to mold when exposed to it, predicting with any certainty how a certain ‘type’ of person will react isn’t feasible, much less the degree to which they’ll react.
What we do know is – people with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk of having a reaction of some kind.
Those health conditions may include (but aren’t necessarily limited to)…
• Allergies
• Lung conditions
• Respiratory disease
• Asthma or emphysema…
Pregnant women, infants, and the elderly – given their respiratory systems are in a relatively weakened or underdeveloped state – are also at increased risk.
If you – or someone you know – have one of these pre-existing conditions, it’s important to take precautions.
What are some of the physical symptoms of mold problems?
If you know, or suspect you have mold growing in your home – and you and/or members of your family have been experiencing symptoms you think may be caused by it – you should contact your doctor.
These symptoms may include, but aren’t limited to…
• Respiratory problems (wheezing, difficulty breathing, etc.)
• Nasal & sinus congestion
• Itching, burning, watering, or bloodshot eyes (and possibly blurred vision)
• Dry cough
• Skin irritation
• Nose & throat irritation
• Fever
• Aches & pains.
In addition to these cold or flu-like symptoms, mold may cause other symptoms…
Stick with me for a minute. I’m gonna get technical and throw a couple of scientific words
at you…
Molds emit what we call Microbiological Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs).
You may be thinking, ‘What the heck does that mean?’
The MVOCs emitted by molds are known for their unpleasant odor – you’ll recognize them
for their strong, musty smell (like the one I always smelled in Gram’s basement)
Once released, these MVOCs can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
We‘ve heard of cases where people have become ill from alleged mold infestations. (See my recent post on the “Shoddy Landlord Mold Cover-Up,” where the Mom was hospitalized – temporarily losing her ability to walk or talk – apparently caused by the alleged mold infestation.)
Now remember, this was an extreme case, and we didn’t mean it to scare you.
But, since we don’t know specifically what reaction you might have to mold, it’s important to be aware of the possible reactions you and your family might have to the presence of mold.
To wrap up – based on what you’ve just read, doesn’t it make sense to be very aware of the implications of water and mold coming together
in your home or building… and doing your utmost to prevent that from happening?
Repeat after me… water is the ‘disease,’ mold is the just ‘symptom.’
Water is the ‘disease,’ mold is just the ‘symptom…’
What can you do to protect yourself, your family,
and your home or building from the perils of mold?
As you read above – if you suspect you have a mold problem, and you’re worried about it spiraling out of control – don’t wait.
Call a local mold inspection and treatment service provider TODAY!
Taking the appropriate action to protect the health of your home or building, right now, will help protect you and your loved ones, too.
Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the role of dehumidification in fighting the scourge of mold – and breathe a sigh of relief…
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