Avoid Respiratory Infection Caused by Molds in Your Home with These Tips

Molds can cause a variety of respiratory infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and even meningitis. While most mold spores are harmless, some can be dangerous, particularly to people with allergies or asthma. If you think that you have a mold problem in your home, read on to have a brief overview of mold and tips on avoiding respiratory infection.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungi type that can grow both indoors and outdoors. Mold grows best in humid environments, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. They multiply by releasing spores into the air. When these spores land on a wet or moist surface, they can start to grow.

Mold comes in different colors, including black, green, white, and brown. Some molds can also be toxic, and black mold is one of them. They can produce mycotoxins, poisonous substances that can cause various health problems, including respiratory infections.

Often, mold arises after flooding. If your house has been flooded, it’s important to clean and dry all wet materials within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If the disaster is severe, consider contacting a property damage company.

Ensure to find one within your community certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Ask for referrals from people around you or look online by searching “restoration companies near me.”

Signs of Mold in Your Home

There are a few signs that mold might be growing in your home, such as:

• Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
• Visible mold growth
• Strong, musty odors
• Condensation on windows or other surfaces
• Peeling paint
• Stains on walls or ceiling tiles

What Are the Symptoms of a Respiratory Infection Caused by Mold?

The symptoms of a respiratory infection caused by mold depend on the person’s sensitivity to mold and the present mold type. However, common symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Difficulty breathing

How to Prevent Mold

The best mold prevention is to keep your home clean and dry. Consider the following tips:

• Keep your home clean and dry. Molds thrive in damp and humid conditions. Keep your home clean and dry to prevent them from growing. Regularly cleaning your home with a damp cloth or mop will help remove any mold spores that may be present.
• Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers help eliminate excess moisture from the air, preventing molds from growing.
• Fix any leaks. Leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing can create damp conditions that molds need to grow. Make sure to fix any leaks as soon as possible.
• Ventilate your home. Good ventilation helps to remove humid air from your home and prevents mold growth. Opening doors and windows, using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and running a window air conditioner with the vent open are good ways to ventilate your home.
• Keep mold out of your home. If you live in a mold-prone area, take steps to prevent it from coming into your home. For example, you can use doormats and exhaust fans when showering and keep the humidity in your home below 60%.
• Check your HVAC system regularly. Ensure it is not creating too much humidity (find here how to prevent HVAC water damage).

Key Takeaways

Mold can cause respiratory infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and even meningitis. Most mold spores are harmless, but some can be dangerous. However, it’s best to eliminate mold entirely from your home to avoid potential health risks. If you believe you might have a mold problem, contact a professional immediately.

 You can also take some preventative measures to keep mold from growing in your home in the first place, such as fixing any leaks immediately and keeping the air dry with a dehumidifier.