Mold Related Health Risks

If you and your family have experienced an increase in allergy symptoms, or other unexplained respiratory problems, mold could be to blame. Mold has been shown to have several negative effects on health, which can range from minor irritation to serious health complications. Additionally, mold can be difficult for homeowners to detect because it is not always readily visible. Here is some basic information about mold, as well as some of the ways it may negatively affect your health.

Mold Basics

Mold is a fungus that thrives in warm, moist, and shaded climates, and spreads through the release of spores. Mold spores are often more resilient than the mold itself, enduring harsh conditions such as dry environments where mold typically will not grow. Once spores encounter an area ideal for mold growth such as basements, bathrooms, or places behind walls and ceilings where there is moisture or water damage, mold will develop and produce more spores continuing the cycle.

Mold Exposure Symptoms

Mold has been shown to cause and agitate health problems. Some symptoms that a person may experience when exposed to mold may include:

Cough
Wheezing
Runny nose or nasal congestion
Post nasal drip
Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
Watering eyes or tearing
Rash
Headache

People with prolonged exposure to mold can experience more severe reactions.

Other Mold Related Health Concerns

Mold exposure can also trigger symptoms for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms may include:

Cough
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Tightness in chest

Individuals with chronic lung diseases such as COPD are also at risk for developing fungal infections in their lungs.

Intervention Services

If you have discovered mold in your home, or believe that you and your family may be suffering from mold related health problems, contact ServiceMaster located in Florence and Columbia, South Carolina for mold remediation and removal services. ServiceMaster also encourages you to seek medical treatment if your symptoms persist.