Mold can grow anywhere indoors: in your basement, bathroom, under a leaking sink, or behind drywall. In large concentrations, toxic mold spores in the air can cause allergic reactions to building occupants. In the long run, these could develop into more serious health conditions.
Don’t let allergies keep you from doing the things you love! The best way to manage and to prevent mold allergies is to see an allergist and have a mold evaluation of your home done by ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief.
Basic Facts About Mold
- Molds are fungi that grow from microscopic spores found in the air and grow on surfaces in mold cluster form.
- Mold requires moisture and organic material to grow. It can appear greenish-gray, brownish-green, gray or black.
- Mold thrives best on surfaces having warmth, oxygen, and darkness.
- Household mold can thrive almost everywhere, such as the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living room, and other areas.
- Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a water damage event.
- After a flood, mold may grow in hidden places, including behind drywall, within insulation, on carpets or throughout the HVAC system.
- Mold is propagated by spores, acting as seeds to create new colonies.
- Mold formation starts with the presence of mold spores combined with moisture, either in water form or high humidity.
- Fungi spores that cause allergic symptoms are most common from July to early fall, but fungi grows both indoors and outdoors, all year round.
- Mold inhibitors may be added to paint before painting to reduce the potential for mold growth.
Symptoms of Mold Allergies
Mold allergy has the same signs and symptoms as that of other types of upper respiratory allergies. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Cough and Post-Nasal Drip
- Itchy Eyes, Nose and Throat
- Watery Eyes
- Dry and Scaly Skin
Mold allergy symptoms can range from minor to severe, depending on the individual. You may experience symptoms throughout the year or only during particular seasons. Symptoms may appear during wet weather or when you’re in an indoor or outdoor environment with a lot of mold.
If you have mold allergies, your immune system reacts disproportionately when you breathe in mold spores. The best defense is to lessen your exposure to the types of mold that cause serious reactions. Medications can keep your reactions under control.
Mold Allergy and Asthma
Mold allergy is linked to asthma in certain people, and exposure causes constricted breathing and other airway symptoms. If you have both a mold allergy and asthma, exposure to mold spores may trigger your asthma symptoms.
Exposure to certain mold species can cause serious asthma attacks. Signs and symptoms of asthma include:
- Sneezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Tightness
Who is at Risk?
Individuals who may be more sensitive to the effects of mold, in addition to people with allergies and asthma, are:
- Infants and children
- The elderly
- People whose immune systems are weak due to HIV infection, cancer, liver disease or chemotherapy
- People suffering from chronic lung disease
How To Prevent Mold Growth?
- Ensure adequate airflow to reduce air humidity levels and condensation, as well as to not let rooms and walls become cold.
- Install and use appropriate ventilation, especially in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Ensure that the roof, pipes and window frames are watertight.
- Put lids on saucepans, dry/wash outside and avoid using paraffin or bottled gas heaters.
- Open the bedroom window for 15 minutes each morning.
- If you’re cooking, showering or bathing, open the window, put the fan on and close the door of the room you’re in.
- Dry wash outside if possible. Otherwise, hang laundry up in the bathroom, close the door and have the window open or a fan working continuously while it dries.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Mold Remediation Specialists
Mold remediation services can be a big help to your mold problems at home. ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief offers IICRC-certified, superior mold removal and restorations in Pinellas County, Florida.
Contact ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief at (813) 295-7797 or message us to know more about our restoration services. We service Oldsmar, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor, Florida and the surrounding areas.
