Minute Health Threats – How Microscopic Molds Can Make You Gravely Sick

Inside your house, not only do you need to feel safe, but you also have to be actually safe. But there are so many things in the environment that can threaten your health and safety, and one of the most pervasive and unnoticeable threats around is the mold. Health experts say that many illnesses are either directly or indirectly caused by molds. Hence, the presence of such organisms inside your home is something that warrants your immediate attention.

How Are You Exposed to Mold?

The most common way for people to become exposed to molds is through inhalation. Molds thrive in dark and moist environments. So, damp hoses or pipes, as well as wet surfaces, are areas where they can easily grow and multiply. Mold spores are typically released in the air, and there are several actions that further scatter these disease-causing particles in the surroundings. For example, more spores are distributed when a contaminated ventilation system is turned on or when a strong breeze detaches them from walls or ceilings. As the spores spread all around a certain area, the individuals inside that place will unknowingly breathe in the dangerous fungi.

How Dangerous Are Molds?

When a person gets sick because of molds, he won’t even consider that a certain fungus could be the cause of his health problems. However, in the absence of other causative factors, it is sensible to consider mold as the most probable source of illness, especially if there are unexplained cases of –

  • respiratory or lung conditions
  • rashes and other skin problems
  • chronic fatigue or restlessness
  • headaches, vision and nervous system problems
  • certain cancers
  • coma or death

mold

Is Your Home Infected?

There are several things that will indicate that there are probably molds lurking inside your walls or within your HVAC system. But what you should always remember is that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Ensure that your home will be a hostile environment for molds so that they won’t grow. It is more advantageous and cost-effective to prevent molds rather than to control or eliminate them. Therefore, before building a home, it is best to talk to your contractor about what preventive measures need to be done. Expert builders at Hayden Homes and other construction companies will listen to your concerns and consider your input during the planning and building phase because it is, after all, your home.

So, here are some ways for you to know if your home is infected.

1. Musty Odor

When you have molds at home, you will observe a certain musty odor. Don’t disregard this because this will only get worse. Conduct a thorough investigation to determine where it is originating from. Make sure to wear a mask. Better yet, hire an expert who’ll be able to properly assess your home.

2. Leaks and Other Water Problems

As mentioned, molds grow in damp and dark areas. So, if you observe water seeping or trickling from certain areas, or if your faucets are leaking, you probably have a mold problem too. Sometimes, leaks aren’t very obvious. But if you see water stains on walls or ceilings, as well as discolorations or peeling paint, investigate the affected areas further.

3. Flooding

If you own a house that has survived a recent flood, this might be infected with molds because certain areas within the home, especially places that cannot be reached by natural sunlight, may still be damp. This warrants a thorough examination. Furthermore, if you want to build a house in a flood-prone area, make sure to get in touch with builders who can give you tips and guidelines on how to prevent and eliminate mold problems.

4. Sudden Illnesses with No Obvious Cause

When you or someone you love suddenly experiences weird ailments and you are unable to determine a cause, consider molds. Ask your physician if your illness might be due to fungi. If it is, then you must purge your home right away. Remember that mycotoxins from toxic molds can cause serious physical and mental illnesses that could lead to coma or death.