Have you noticed a discoloration on your wall or a persistent musty smell that does not seem to disappear no matter how much you clean? Mold can be the culprit.
Mold is a fungus that accumulates in damp and poorly ventilated buildings. It develops quickly, usually in areas with recent water damage. Mold spreads by releasing microscopic spores into the air and can form colonies in other areas of the building if remediation is not performed immediately.
ServiceMaster of Savannah discusses the top effects of mold exposure indoors and the health risks involved. Take notes to protect your family’s health!
Got mold? We got your back. ServiceMaster of Savannah offers comprehensive mold remediation in Savannah and other areas in Chatham County, Bryan County, Effingham County, Liberty County, and Bulloch County, GA. Call us at (912) 244-6966 or contact us online for more information.
Mold exposure is harmful to human health. This does not mean anyone coming into contact with mold will develop health issues. However, the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as allergies or a weakened immune system will be more at risk of suffering side effects. Even healthy people will experience symptoms if exposure is prolonged.
The consensus is that long-term exposure to mold spores can make you more susceptible to breathing in or ingesting mold spores, potentially leading to health-related issues.
Here are some of the most significant effects of mold exposure:
#1: Allergic Reactions
One of the most common effects of mold exposure is triggering allergic reactions. The most common symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches or migraines
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Irritated eyes (red, bloodshot, itchy, or watery)
- Skin rashes
- Itchy skin
More severe reactions can be experienced by people with existing mold allergies, especially if their exposure is prolonged.
#2: Asthma Attacks
For people with asthma, mold can be particularly harmful. Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have more severe symptoms when exposed. Inhaling mold fragments or spores can inflame the airways, causing nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and throat irritation.
#3: Respiratory Issues
Even in individuals not allergic to mold, it can irritate the respiratory system. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of mold can reduce lung function and cause severe health problems even in previously healthy individuals.
#4: Immune System Suppression
Mold exposure can suppress the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections. This is particularly concerning for individuals who already have weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS or those who have had organ transplants or are undergoing chemotherapy.
#5: Fatigue and Discomfort
Chronic exposure to mold can lead to general feelings of malaise, fatigue, and discomfort. Individuals might feel unwell without a clear cause, experiencing a decreased quality of life due to ongoing health issues associated with mold exposure.
Remember, mold can also cause health effects in otherwise healthy people. So, measures to prevent or reduce mold exposure are essential to everyone.
What to Do If You Spot Mold in Your Home
- If you find visible mold in your home, there is a need to remediate it and identify and address the cause of the excess moisture. Depending on the level of contamination, there is also a need to throw away absorbent materials, such as carpets and rugs. It’s best to consult a professional mold removal company in Savannah for this matter.
- In addition to visible mold, other signs of damp problems may include mold odor, water stains, frequent condensation, peeling or cracked paint or wallpaper, and a damp basement. For these issues, call a professional water damage restoration company to prevent further damage and mold development. This must be done quickly!
- If you believe mold is exacerbating your health problems, our recommendation would be to avoid touching or attempting to remove the problem yourself, as this could potentially aggravate your symptoms. Instead, speak to your general practitioner or seek professional medical help and contact the experts of ServiceMaster of Savannah for immediate mold remediation.
Make an Appointment With Our Mold Remediation Experts
If you suspect mold growth in your home or workplace, our local team at ServiceMaster of Savannah is available to give you helpful advice on what to do. We are trained to remedy the situation with advanced equipment and the industry’s latest techniques.
Don’t know what to do next? We do. Call ServiceMaster of Savannah at (912) 244-6966 or message us online for a FREE quote.
