Mold growth is usually a harmless, natural process in outdoor environments. When mold moves indoors, it can affect the well-being of your home and the people in it.
According to a Mayo Clinic Study, nearly all chronic sinus infections are a result of molds. According to a USA Today cover story, a 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years has also been linked to molds.
By understanding how to recognize the health risks of exposure you may be able to prevent serious problems from developing.
Molds produce toxic byproducts which, if inhaled or ingested, can lead to a range of problems. In mild cases, they can aggravate allergies and worsen asthma. The most common symptoms that result from exposure include headaches, sore throat, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, red eyes, difficulty breathing, rashes and coughing. These types of symptoms do not always indicate a mold problem, but they do suggest that testing should be performed to uncover the presence or extent of a contamination.
Healthy people can usually resist serious health effects from mold exposure, but for high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, the sick, and people with already weakened immune systems, molds can produce infections and other serious health conditions.
Of course fungi are not the only elements that may be causing air quality or health issues in your home, school, office or place of business. If you do not have mold, other things to investigate include asbestos, radon, lead, carbon monoxide, viruses, bacteria, mites, insects, pet dander, pollen and a host of other airborne contaminants.
We can help you turn a musty, moldy home into a happier home.
