Last week, we discussed What to do about mold in your home. We talked about how mold gets in your basement and attic and some of the way mold causes damage to your home and family. Damp and wet weather, flooding, snow fall melting through leaky roofs, and structural damage from pests and nuisance wildlife create the ideal incubator for mold growth. This environment can cause illness for your family members.
What are the health effects of mold in your home?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause a variety of health issues from mold sensitivity to sever respiratory problems.
Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Persistent dry cough
- Skin rashes
- Sore throat
- Sinus infections
- Congestion and stuffy nose
- Respiratory issues such as wheezing and difficulty deep breathing
Return your home to a safe and healthy environment.
While all of this may sound a little overwhelming, it is manageable. The first thing you should do is contact a professional. At Accurate Pest Control we are trained to inspect your home for mold and treat as needed. As of January 1, 2016, the New York State Department of Labor has established licensing requirements for professionals engaged in mold assessment and remediation. Please review Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law for more information about the requirements and the law.
We also partner with a mold remediation service for mold abatement. Mold abatement is defined as removing mold from your home and ending the opportunity for the mold to return. Mold abatement can take hours or days to complete, but rest assured, once the project is completed, you and your family will be returned to a safe and healthy home once again.
Attic mold after treatment
Attic mold before treatment
What can I expect when I contact you for help with mold?
First of all, don’t worry, we can help. We offer free visits to uncover the extent of the mold damage and work with you on a plan to inspect your home or business and determine the best course of action.
Secondly, contact us if you find any amount of mold. Catching it early makes the remediation and cleanup process quicker amounting to much less damage.
Visit our page on Mold Remediation for more information.
