Got Mold In Your Home?

Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. Contact ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION for a free brochure that will provide a brief overview; it describes some of the potential health effects related to mold exposure.

• Why is mold growing in my home?
• Can mold cause health problems?
• How do I get rid of mold?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

 

Can mold cause health problems?

YES!

Molds have the potential to cause serious 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 may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. Mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.
• Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.
• Mold can destroy objects they come into contact with.

Mold spores, when inhaled, even in small amounts, can cause a wide range of health problems including:

• Respiratory problems wheezing, asmatha, emphysema, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath
• Nasal and sinus irritation leading to frequent colds, sinus headaches
• Watery and red eyes
• Nose and throat irritation, dry hacking cough
• Skin irritation
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Chronic fatigue
• Fever
• Immune suppression
• Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
• Pulmonary edema and even death

Molds produce allergens substances that can cause allergic reaction, in some cases reactions may be potentially toxic.

• Exposure irritates eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs
• Inhaling or even touching mold spores may cause debilitating illness.

 

How do I get rid of mold?

The first step is to contact Anderson Construction for an interior and exterior sampling of the air to see if mold spores are present. If mold is present, spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back. Total care must be taken to rid all spores or the problem will just keep growing and coming back.

 

Mold can destroy objects in your home.

 

 

Contact Anderson Construction for a mold inspection today. We are certified mold inspectors. 515-967-1670