Mold is a type of fungi that that thrives in warm and moist services in our homes. They can grow on both indoors and outdoors of our homes. They yield spores that spread in the household by floating in the air. With time, they grow visible and produces a stuffy odor. The molds can damage household items as well as affecting the health of humans. This article discusses the health effects of molds in homes.
Health effects of molds.
Molds can cause health problems to people with allergy, respiratory problems such as asthma and a weak immune system. It also poses health risks, such as inflammatory and rash skin problems. The health effect of the molds mostly affects infants, kids and the elderly. It also adversely affects people with the compromised immune system due to infection such as HIV, Liver disease and cancer.
Breathing problems
Mold produces spores, fragments and unstable organic substances that enter the air. They also produce substances such as allergens and toxic irritants that can cause breathing problems to people who are sensitive to them. Molds also cause dampness that facilitates material breakdown, which in turn increases the volume of particles and dust in the air. The associated dust and particles irritate the nose, throat and lungs of the people exposed to them. Breathing problems can be more severe to people affected by health conditions such as asthma and chronic lung condition. Common symptoms of mold exposure include runny nose, irritation on the throat, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness.
Allergy
Molds can cause allergic reactions to people who are sensitive to particles and dust produced by molds as they grow. They can result in allergies that have similar symptoms to other sensitivities. The reactions include hay fever and seasonal allergies. Mold dust also affects the upper parts of the respiratory tract. Symptoms of mold allergy include blocked nose, itching nose and throat, sneezing and teary eyes. Individuals with mold sensitivity and asthma have a higher risk of getting asthma attack due to exposure to mold substances in homes.
Aspergillosis health problem.
The type of mold called Aspergillus causes the condition. The disease mostly affects people with weak immune system and chronic lung diseases. It is caused by breathing mold spores. Types of aspergillosis include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, allergic sinusitis and fungal ball.
Pulmonary haemorrhage
Molds in homes can lead to pulmonary haemorrhage, which causes bleeding of the lung. The health condition is common in children exposed to molds. Exposure to molds composed of mycotoxins derived from Stachybotrys chartarum causes the disease. The disease can cause death among children.
Other health conditions
Molds can produce bacteria and microbes that may trigger inflammatory reactions to people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO). These bacteria and germs increase the risk of fungal and bronchial diseases. The infections include bronchitis, lower respiratory tract infection in children, allergic alveolitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Protection and prevention
Control moisture in your home to prevent mold from growing. Ensure rooms are kept clean and well ventilated. Reduce humidity around homesteads and remove molds from households.