Fungi-Related Health Issues and the Importance of Mold Remediation
Mold is composed of microscopic organisms that grow and thrive in humid, damp conditions.
Like other types of fungi, it can release tiny spores as a means of reproduction.
Exposure to these contaminants can cause an array of health problems, such as respiratory distress, skin problems, and eye irritation.
If you have found or suspect mold is growing in your home or office, you'll want to promptly seek a mold remediation service to properly remove the fungi and spores.
Health Effects of Indoor Mold Inhaling excessive quantities of airborne spores or mold particles can become a health risk, especially if you are frequently exposed.
Exposure can result in allergic reactions, respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, and other toxic effects.
When these spores or particles are inhaled, they end up in the respiratory tract.
As the immune system attempts to destroy the invaders, it can overreact and cause an allergic response in the body.
Common symptoms of an allergic illness include a scratchy throat, a runny nose, and sneezing.
Asthma sufferers can also be affected if exposed to large quantities of contaminants.
During an asthma attack, the individual's airways become partially closed, causing breathing difficulties.
The airways can become inflamed, often due to the inhalation of irritants in the air.
This inflammation causes the throat muscles to tighten, which partially closes the airways and restricts airflow to and from the lungs.
Some species of fungi are also to blame for respiratory infections caused when spores or airborne particles attack the soft tissues of the respiratory tract or lungs.
While most healthy people have immune systems that can fight off these infections, individuals with weakened immune systems may suffer from chronic respiratory infections.
Children and the elderly are especially at risk.
Individuals exposed to fungi may experience a wide range of symptoms, including the following: -Cough -Sinus and nasal congestion -Throat irritation -Headache -Eye irritation (red, itchy, watery eyes) -Wheezing or difficulty breathing -Skin irritation (rash) -Chest tightness Recognizing a Mold Problem It's not always easy to recognize a mold problem, as the growths can hide behind walls, inside ceilings, and in other hidden areas.
If you suspect a fungus problem, look for visible signs of growth, such as discolorations or staining that can appear black, white, brown, gray, green, or yellow.
You may also notice a strong musty smell that lingers in the air.
As fungi requires moisture to survive, also look for standing water, water leaks, or watermarks on carpet, ceilings, walls, and other building materials.
When to Call in a Professional Unless you are experienced in fungi removal, it's best to call in a professional mold remediation service to properly and safely remove the contaminants.
There are several situations in which you'll want to hire out this job.
For example, you might hire help if a large area is affected, if the heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems are contaminated, or if you have had flooding with sewage or other potentially dangerous substances.
You'll also want to hire a pro if you have a medical condition that could worsen with increased exposure or if you are already experiencing allergy-type symptoms.
Like other types of fungi, it can release tiny spores as a means of reproduction.
Exposure to these contaminants can cause an array of health problems, such as respiratory distress, skin problems, and eye irritation.
If you have found or suspect mold is growing in your home or office, you'll want to promptly seek a mold remediation service to properly remove the fungi and spores.
Health Effects of Indoor Mold Inhaling excessive quantities of airborne spores or mold particles can become a health risk, especially if you are frequently exposed.
Exposure can result in allergic reactions, respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, and other toxic effects.
When these spores or particles are inhaled, they end up in the respiratory tract.
As the immune system attempts to destroy the invaders, it can overreact and cause an allergic response in the body.
Common symptoms of an allergic illness include a scratchy throat, a runny nose, and sneezing.
Asthma sufferers can also be affected if exposed to large quantities of contaminants.
During an asthma attack, the individual's airways become partially closed, causing breathing difficulties.
The airways can become inflamed, often due to the inhalation of irritants in the air.
This inflammation causes the throat muscles to tighten, which partially closes the airways and restricts airflow to and from the lungs.
Some species of fungi are also to blame for respiratory infections caused when spores or airborne particles attack the soft tissues of the respiratory tract or lungs.
While most healthy people have immune systems that can fight off these infections, individuals with weakened immune systems may suffer from chronic respiratory infections.
Children and the elderly are especially at risk.
Individuals exposed to fungi may experience a wide range of symptoms, including the following: -Cough -Sinus and nasal congestion -Throat irritation -Headache -Eye irritation (red, itchy, watery eyes) -Wheezing or difficulty breathing -Skin irritation (rash) -Chest tightness Recognizing a Mold Problem It's not always easy to recognize a mold problem, as the growths can hide behind walls, inside ceilings, and in other hidden areas.
If you suspect a fungus problem, look for visible signs of growth, such as discolorations or staining that can appear black, white, brown, gray, green, or yellow.
You may also notice a strong musty smell that lingers in the air.
As fungi requires moisture to survive, also look for standing water, water leaks, or watermarks on carpet, ceilings, walls, and other building materials.
When to Call in a Professional Unless you are experienced in fungi removal, it's best to call in a professional mold remediation service to properly and safely remove the contaminants.
There are several situations in which you'll want to hire out this job.
For example, you might hire help if a large area is affected, if the heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems are contaminated, or if you have had flooding with sewage or other potentially dangerous substances.
You'll also want to hire a pro if you have a medical condition that could worsen with increased exposure or if you are already experiencing allergy-type symptoms.
