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Dangers From Bathing in a Moldy Tub

Mold is an unsightly, and certainly unwelcome, addition to a bathroom. This fungus can form in any shower, bathtub or sink if the conditions are just right. Simply using the same space as a mold-infested bathroom is hazardous to your health. Bathing in close proximity to bathroom mold, or even a moldy tub itself, may have negative consequences.

  1. A Brief Introduction to Mold

    • Mold is a seemingly simple fungi that prevails all over the world. With the capacity to thrive on almost any surface, mold is considerably successful. In fact, there are more than 1,000 common species of mold found in the U.S. alone. Mold can continue to grow and damage household surfaces, all the while reproducing via spores. Despite its harm to households, mold is a highly important player in ecosystems, as it breaks down organic substances.

    Why Mold Forms In the Bathroom

    • Mold primarily thrives in places with high humidity, low lighting, little air circulation and most importantly, dampness. Most bathrooms fulfill every criteria. Bathtubs are often left slightly damp after bathing. As the lights go off, the door shuts and the humidity settles, the beginnings of mold may attempt to take hold. Sometimes mold in a bathtub is not immediately obvious, because the spores can infest and grow in even the tiniest of crevices. In these cases, mold can sometimes be identified near a bathtub by its distinct, musty odor.

    Dangers Of Mold Exposure

    • One of the more common molds that develops in bathrooms and around bathtubs is called "black mold." Black mold is dangerous to humans because it produces a toxic substance known as mycotoxins. Bathing in or near black mold may expose you to the dangers associated with black mold. The effects of black mold vary from person to person, as some people are more susceptible to its effects than others. Common reactions to black-mold exposure include dizziness, nausea and fatigue. Spores from black mold may also induce respiratory problems.

    Cleaning Mold

    • The first step to removing mold is creating an environment that doesn't promote its growth in the first place. Reducing humidity in a bathroom is as simple as switching on a bathroom fan, cracking open a window or leaving the bathroom door open after exiting. The most efficient way of maintaining a mold-free bathtub, however, is to regularly clean it with a cleaning solution or bleach. Removing scum and mildew from the bathtub ensures the mold will stay away.

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