The long-term health effects of mold remain a topic of debate, even with all the mold remediation techniques. It is certain though that mold exposure causes the body to have allergic reactions. It’s important to understand that mold affects people differently. It’s not healthy for anyone, but the same way some people are allergic to certain foods, some sensitive individuals may suffer more adverse effects to mold exposure than others.
The way you come in contact with mold plays an important part as well. For example, you can breathe in mold spores, eat rotten food, or touch moldy surfaces, resulting in different reactions. The duration and the intensity of exposure can also make a difference.
There are more than 100,000 species of mold, each and everyone of them may be harmful. Mold doesn’t affect everyone at first. However, frequent and prolonged exposure to mold causes health problems. Mold exposure can cause many different problems, such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory related illnesses.
Contents
Allergic Reaction
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors. While mold itself is not poisonous or toxic, some mold species produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic substances that can cause a number of health problems, such as skin rashes, and even cancer in extreme cases if exposed long enough to the toxins.
Allergic reactions are a common result of mold exposure. A few common signs that you’re experiencing mold related allergies include eye irritation, stuffy nose, coughing, throat irritation, skin irritation, and wheezing.
Asthma Attacks
High levels of mold spores in the air can also trigger asthma attacks in people with the condition. The common symptoms of an asthma attack are shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. Mold exposure can also lead to the development of asthma in some children.
Other Health Problems caused by lack of mold remediation
Mold exposure can also cause chronic sinus infections. Mold exposure may not be the main cause of the infection, but those who suffer from the condition should avoid contact with mold to prevent any further problems.
There is even a study performed by The American Journal of Public Health that show mold exposure is linked to depression.
Those with compromised immune systems, like people doing chemotherapy for cancer, HIV, or AIDS also present a higher risk to mold-related illnesses.
Effects and health risks of Mold on Pets
Mold affects pets as well. When exposed to mold, common symptoms that pets can show are difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, nose bleeding, pulmonary hemorrhage, excessive scratching and licking, lethargy, runny nose and allergic reactions.
If pets ingest moldy food products, they can be affected by mycotoxins. Pets that eat this poisoned food may experience muscle spasms or body tremors. Always check the food that you give to your pets and dispose any moldy foods in your home.
Mold Remediation professionals use advanced tools to efficiently dry your entire property before getting rid of any mold issues.
