Contact A Mold Professional For Help With Your Mold Problems
Give us a call today to work with some of the best mold removal specialists in the Greater Boston Area, with over 20 years of mold removal experience.
Free consultations, and expert removal including dustless demolition which ensures that we leave your home the way we found it after the job is done.
Mold Poisoning Symptoms In Humans
Mold poisoning can cause a number of different symptoms, depending on the age of the affected individual, the strength of their immune system, and whether or not they have a pre-existing mold allergy. Here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of mold poisoning in humans.
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Sinus issues or infections
- Worsening or development of asthma
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Skin itchiness, redness, or discomfort
- Fever and shortness of breath
- Rashes
Mold Toxicity: The Effects Of Living With Mold
Rapid growth and an overtaking of your environment are a few characteristics that can be used to describe the dreaded but common household issue that we know as mold. Mold is a fungus that can grow on almost anything, with the ability to thrive in many conditions but most specifically in warm temperatures and high moisture environments.
The versatility of mold allows for this fungus to grow in both indoor and outdoor environments, making it an invasive presence in both your outdoor area and most importantly in your indoor areas such as your home. When you are exposed to mold chronically, you can develop mold toxicity symptoms.
Mold has the ability to spread far and wide, as tiny microscopic spores called mycotoxins, are released from the source in an effort to allow additional mold to grow. As mold begins to reproduce, its effect on humans who have been exposed could be significant.
Sensitivities can plague some individuals when contact occurs between mold, with symptoms spurring into overdrive in some cases. The type of mold present can lead to variations of symptoms, with a rough estimate of 1,000 species of mold currently in the United States . The level of hazard existing to human health can significantly reflect based upon on the specific type of mold in the environment and can thus lead to a scary health effect called mold toxicity.
Also Check: Cleaning Mold From Bathroom Ceiling
Health Effects Of Black Mold
According to the EPA, various types of mold can cause health problems for some people. Those health problems are primarily in the form of allergies such as stuffy head, headache, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, etc. These ailments can be more severe in the young, the old, and those with other health issues. The CDC basically says the same thing that mold can cause health issues in some people, or no issues in other people.
According to the CDC, Stachybotrys black mold is unproven to cause serious medical issues beyond those mentioned above. In other words, symptoms of black mold are only proven to be similar to other molds. The CDC simply states that various types of mold may cause health symptoms, to consult with a doctor if symptoms persist, and that no color or type of mold belongs in a building.
You may be thinking: If all we know for sure is that mold causes allergies in some people, and maybe some serious health problems in a small percentage of other people, then whats the big deal?
Well, our answer to that is to imagine yourself as one of those people who are sensitive to mold. Constant allergies, constantly feeling sick, and miserable in your own home. Theres even a scientific name for it: Sick Building Syndrome . Mold, along with other problems such as radon, Chinese drywall, etc., can cause Sick Building Syndrome. Suffering through Sick Building Syndrome is a terrible way to live, and we wouldnt wish it upon our worst enemy!
Common Places Attic Mold Is Often Found
Attic mold is usually found in green, black, brown, or white colors. It might appear as a stain or slight discoloration on wood or drywall. It can be in small splotches or larger spots. Sometimes attic mold appears to be a light powdery coating. If the surfaces in your attic are worn, mold will grow there especially.
Other areas in the attic which attract attic mold include areas which are very damp and those areas which are poorly ventilated. If you attic has a single, small window which only lets natural light into one side of the attic, the other side will be prone to darkness and dampness and if moisture is caught here, it will not be dried. The walls and the ceiling of your attic are the most prominent places for attic mold to be found.
There are some types of attic mold which are harmless but others which pose severe health risks. Some allergenic molds will cause respiratory infections or irritations to the sinuses if they are inhaled.
You May Like: Removing Mold From Leather
How Can I Prevent Black Mold
Of course, moving out is not a simple or accessible process for everyone. If you dont have the resources to move or simply dont want to, consider these prevention measures to protect yourself against black mold:
- Immediately repair leaks
- Constantly wipe down/dry wet or damp surfaces
- Invest in a dehumidifier to clear the air of excess water vapor
- Clean rooms that are susceptible to water collection with anti-fungal products
- Open windows to facilitate air circulation when possible
- Clean rooms/spaces that dont get much use to ensure mold isnt growing there
Like any prevention method, these steps do not ensure that black mold will not grow in your home, but they lessen the chances. The biggest takeaway here is that black mold flourishes in objects that retain water or places that harbor standing water, which is why avoiding humidity is so imperative in preventing fungus growth.
How To Remove White Mold
The mold removal process will differ depending on what type of surface you’re tackling, but Powell warns that ‘people attempting to DIY mold remediation should know that the drier the mold , the more friable and easily disturbed the mold spores become. For this reason, he recommends the following protective gear :
- A long-sleeved shirt
If you are cleaning a wallboard contaminated with mold, Powell advises to do the following:
If you are dealing with a light dusting on contents/furniture, ‘it is best to carefully move the item outside to be dealt with. When outside you can blow it off or wipe it with a rag and conventional cleaning agent. Clothing can be washed using hot water, although staining may remain.’
Rubino also recommends identifying the type of surface you have before doing anything. The three surface types you need to be able to identify before tackling white mold are:
- Porous: liquid absorbs into them
- Semi-porous: some liquid pools on top and some seeps into it
- Non-porous: liquid pools on top of them
- Protective gear
Recommended Reading: How Do You Remove Mold From Leather
Correlation Between Mold And Human Health
Although we associate mold with poor health, the jury is still undecided as to whether this is actually the case or not. Some studies on mold do not indicate any harmful effects, others have linked mold exposure to allergies, infections and bleeding. Better to play it safe when it comes to your health. Therefore, remove it quickly regardless.
Your Chimney Smells Weird
Chimney sweeps dont only remove dangerous creosote buildup they can clean out toxic mold too. Moisture can accumulate in the porous bricks and mortar of a chimney. Rusty chimney caps or flashing that needs repair allow rain and snow to seep in, creating an environment for mold to thrive. That may be the reason you smell something funky on days when the wind is blowing in a certain direction. Fix the cap and flashing and call the chimney sweep to extinguish the mold issues. Watch out for these other scary ways your fireplace could be toxic, too!
Read Also: How To Clean Mold From Boat Seats
You May Like: Cleaning Mildew Off Ceiling
Different Types Of Mold That Could Be Lurking In Your House
It might sound gross, but mold is everywhere. Mold spores are constantly floating through the air, both inside and outside your home. Luckily, mold spores in small doses arent harmful. But if mold is allowed to grow unchecked, the higher concentration of spores can have harmful effects on you, your family, and your home.
While theres no way to determine exactly how many households have mold growing in unseen places, experts estimate that the number could be close to 70% of homes!
Fortunately, not all molds are harmful to your health. There are hundreds of thousands of different strains of mold, and they all look and act differently. While some could cause respiratory issues, others are just unsightly to look at. Either way, its always best to call a mold remediation expert as soon as you see any signs of mold just to make sure.
Lets take a look at some of the most common types of mold that could be lurking in your home.
The Classifications of Mold
While there might be hundreds of thousands of different strains of mold, they can all be classified into three categories based on how dangerous they are to humans:
Luckily, most types of mold arent toxic to humans. But even if you find a non-harmful type of mold in your home, its still a good idea to call a mold remediation service right away. It can still eat away at your homes structure, causing serious damage over time.
The Harmful Effects of Mold
10 Common Types of Mold
Stachybotrys Chartarum or Black Mold
Is Black Mold Covered Under Home Insurance
Usually mold, mildew, fungus or spores will be covered by home insurance if they were the result of a specific problem that was covered by your policy. An example would be water damage from a burst pipe that then leads to mold. Most homeowners insurance policies have a long list of exclusions of damage caused by mold.
Recommended Reading: Basement Mold Cleaner
Is Mold Dangerous Should I Be Concerned
The short answer, is, yes. Mold is dangerous to our health and well-being. Ideally, our houses should be free from mold and mildew. However, in the warm and humid climate we live in in Singapore, it is impossible for us to be completely free of it. Instead, we live alongside mold and mildew in our daily lives. By knowing about the effects of mold on our health, we can be aware of how to lead our daily lives alongside it and curb adverse consequences before it becomes too severe.
Damp conditions are ideal for mold to grow. Without deliberate removal and cleaning, mold will continue to grow and spread. The fact that you are reading this article means that you are concerned, and that is fantastic news!
Your time can be better spent with your loved ones! Let us do the home cleaning. Free up your time by finding a part time maid with MEIDE today!
In fact, in your attempt to remove and clean moldy areas, you expose yourself to the risks of mold effects too. Improper techniques would result in dead spores flying around. One might accidentally breathe these in and trigger the harmful heath effects as elaborated below. Therefore, always take crucial steps to protect yourself particularly when conducting mold or mildew removal. We do not even recommend doing it yourself because why take the risk and you can get professional help RIGHT HERE?
What Happens If You Breathe In Black Mold
The most common black mold symptoms and health effects are associated with a respiratory response. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning.
Read Also: Remove Mold From Leather With Vinegar
Testing For Black Mold
You can have your mold tested to find out exactly what kind it is. Cost varies, but you can expect to pay hundreds of dollars to determine the type of mold.
There are also black mold testing kits, available at the hardware store or on , that you can purchase for around $35-50. With this DIY route, you take samples from a suspected affected surface, then send off to be tested in a lab.
Testing For Mold In The Home
If youve noticed mold in one part of the home, we recommend testing the rest of your home for mold to make sure it hasnt spread to places you cant easily see it.
We also recommend testing for mold if:
- You notice a musty odor in your home
- Youve had any significant water damage in the home, whether its from a leak in the roof, a broken or leaky pipe, flooding, or something else
- You or other members of the household have experienced symptoms of mold-related illness
You can purchase test kits and conduct a mold test yourself, but we recommend hiring a professional to test your home for mold. A professional has been trained to properly conduct mold tests for the highest level of accuracy and also knows where in the home to conduct tests. If you fail to conduct tests in the right locations, you might miss mold that can be causing serious health problems. Click here to find qualified professionals that can test for mold in your area.
Don’t Miss: Cleaning Bathroom Mold On Ceiling
What Causes Attic Mold
Seasonal and holiday decorations are typically stored here which means that entrance happens only twice per year. This means that attic mold will often go overlooked, especially if there is poor lighting or no lighting in the attic space. If you cannot see the mold, and do not already take preventative measures to fight against the attic mold, and then you will not know it is there until you attempt to move out, or suffer damage which requires an inspection of your home.
Attic mold is toxic and if it is growing in your attic and goes unchecked, it can account for health issues suffered by your family which might otherwise be attributed to the common cold. The first step in preventing attic mold is being able to identify it.
Silent And Deadly: How To Tell If Mold Is Toxic And What To Do If Its In Your Home
Mold can show up in hidden places and start affecting your familys health. Learn how to tell if mold is toxic and what to do about it in your home.
Youve worked hard to create the home of your dreams.
The last thing that you want is for black mold to take it all away from youand even cause you to suffer severe health consequences.
Especially if you have any kind of pre-existing health conditions, mold is something that you need to take seriously.
Identifying black mold can be notoriously tricky.
In this post, well tell you all about how to tell if mold is toxic.
Even more importantly, well let you know the steps that you need to take to get toxic mold out of your home for good.
Don’t Miss: Cleaning Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
How Do Molds Affect People
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, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine 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.
In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould pdf iconexternal icon pdf icon. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.
Your Attic Insulation Is Lumpy
Wave off the spider webs and take a closer look at the insulation in your attic. Attic insulation that is very lumpy and uneven-looking may mean a bigger problem, says John Bodrozic, Co-Founder of HomeZada.The insulation could be in bad shape due to unforeseen roof leaks, which could also mean potential mold issues. If your attic has poor circulation or improper ventilation, it could create ideal conditions for mold growth.
Recommended Reading: Black Mold Ceiling Bathroom
You Feel Like You Have A Lingering Cold Or Are Battling Flu
“It is pretty tough to detect until it starts coming through the walls because mold, as you know, is a problem with some sort of leak somewhere,” Hayes-Raitt said. “So the problem starts behind the walls. But if you’re getting sick, it might be because of a mold problem.”
If you’re dealing with symptoms that you can’t exactly pinpoint, it could be that you’re stressed, haven’t been taking care of yourself, or wound up with some sort of virus, of course, but it could also potentially be that you’re dealing with mold.
If possible, Hayes-Raitt said that one of the best ways to determine if the sickness you feel is related to the house or not is to leave for a few days and then return home. If you feel those same symptoms coming on again, it might be the result of something more than a cold or virus.
