Is Mold from Water Damage Dangerous to Your Health? Facts You Need to Know

Water damage not only destroys properties but can also lead to mold growth and infestation. This is because molds thrive in moist and damp environments and can spread throughout the home quickly if not properly handled. Although there are different types of molds, to be on the safer side, it is better to get rid of every appearance of mold in your home immediately.

The health effects of molds can range from mild to severe. This is especially true for people who are allergic to mold spores. If you’re in Vancouver and you see signs of mold in your house after water damage, don’t hesitate to invite Robinson Restoration serving Vancouver for professional help. This article provides facts about mold from water damage and what to do if you suspect it.

What is Mold?

Mold is a common indoor problem that can cause significant damage to your home, belongings, and health. They produce spores that can spread throughout your home. While mold is a natural occurrence, conditions like water damage can increase the likelihood of mold growth.

Therefore, if you have a wet area in your home, like the bathroom or kitchen, it’s likely that you will see mold growing there. Mold spores can also be found on floors, carpeting, walls, and foods like bread.

Sometimes, mold can be invisible to the naked eye, but it has a unique odor that makes it easy to identify. Mold spores can also be absorbed through the skin and inhaled into the lungs, leaving harmful toxins in the human body. To help you confirm the presence of mold in your home, the following are some signs you should look out for:

●       If you notice that the color of your wall, basement, or ceiling changes to green or brown, there’s a chance you have mold in that area.

●       You hear the sound of dripping water within the walls

●       You perceive a musty smell around the room

Causes of Mold Growth

Aside from flooding, there are various ways water can get into your home and cause mold growth. Below are some of the ways mold can grow in your home:

●       Your AC has a blocked drainage tube

●       You have a damaged pipe

●       Your home lacks proper ventilation

●       Dirty or damp areas

●       Leaving damp clothes in a cool and dry place for a long time

●       Leaking roof

Health Effects of Mold

Mold can have adverse effects on one’s health. Some complications that arise from mold exposure include;

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a type of infection that affects the respiratory system of people with weak immune systems. Aspergillosis is caused by a type of mold called Aspergillus. The following are different types of aspergillosis:

●       Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis: It sometimes comes with a headache and affects the nose

●       Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): It causes difficulty in breathing and affects the lungs

●       Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: This comes with weight loss, cough, and difficulty in breathing

●       Aspergilloma, or fungus ball: Aside from breathing problems, you may also see blood when you cough.

Breathing Problems

Mold growth produces different irritants, mycotoxins, and allergens which can be harmful to people who are allergic to them. When the environment is damp, mold spores and other particles break down faster which increases the volume of dust in the air. When someone with underlying health conditions inhales these particles, the condition becomes worse.

Due to their weak immune system, children are also at higher risk of breathing problems as a result of mold. They can quickly develop asthma and other respiratory system problems with continued exposure.

Allergies

People who are allergic to mold-related particles may experience fever and other related symptoms. They may also have problems with their upper respiratory tract. Below are some common symptoms of mold allergy:

●       Running, blocked, or itchy nose

●       Frequent sneezing

●       Watery eyes

●       Itchy skin

●       Itchy throat

●       Persistent coughing

How to Test for Mold?

There are different ways you can test for mold in your house. However, the accuracy of your results depends on how experienced you are. This is because some of the equipment requires a professional who can accurately read the results and knows what to do when there’s a problem.

Keeping your environment clean and dry is an effective way to prevent mold growth. However, if you suspect mold growth in your home, your best option is to invite professionals who will visit your home and inspect after which they will take the necessary steps to ensure your home is free of mold.