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Health Hazards of Mold & Mildew

High humidity levels cause condensation on cold surfaces inside buildings. If the moisture from the condensation remains for an extended period of time, mold and mildew can grow. Mold is a fungus that develops on food, walls and ceilings particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. If there has been a flood, the water that entered a home can remain in the walls for a long time, which can be hazardous to your health. Mildew is a type of mold that usually grows on fabric and is potentially harmful.

  1. Allergies

    • Allergy symptoms

      Certain kinds of mold cause allergies. Typical complaints are runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, nose and throat, watery eyes and sinusitis. If you have asthma, it can become worse when you are exposed to mold. The symptoms are usually coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Your body tries to protect itself from the foreign mold spores, which causes the allergic responses.

    Serious Health Conditions

    • Medication

      Some molds produce toxins that can affect people in a contaminated environment. Depending on the length of time and exposure to the toxic molds, you can develop more serious conditions than simply allergies. Symptoms could include breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, flu-like symptoms, acid reflux and excessive bruising. To alleviate the symptoms, you may have to take medication or other treatments and therapy.

    Permanent Damage

    • Brain

      Being exposed to toxic mold for a lengthy time can result in permanent damages to your mind and body. Mold can cause a weakened immune system and brain damage. You may experience balance and coordination loss, hearing or eyesight loss and even memory loss from extended exposure to toxic mold. Some conditions are not reversible. The most dangerous strains of mold can lead to autoimmune disease. Mold awareness is important to your physical and mental health.

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