Mold and its Effects
Mold has existed on the planet for millions of years. It is a fungus that can grow on moist or decomposing substances and spread. Mildew is a term used to describe a variety of molds or fungi that grow in a consistent manner. Mold can be found on clothing, paper, shower walls, and windowsills. Mold can have a negative effect on someone’s health if they are exposed to too much of it too frequently. Mold can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, coughing, or a rash on the skin. Asthmatic people or those who are allergic to mold may experience more severe symptoms. Mold can also cause infections in the lungs of those who are immune-compromised or who have a chronic lung illness.
At a high degree mold can lead to sporotrichosis which is a fungal infection. Cutaneous sporotrichosis is the most common and usually presents itself in the skin or tissues underneath the skin. Symptoms can present themselves as small bumps on the area where the fungus has entered through a break in the skin. The bump may grow larger and more bumps may appear. Pulmonary sporotrichosis is rare, occurring after someone breathes in fungal spores, but still possible. Its symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever. Disseminated sporotrichosis presents itself in various ways depending on where the infection has gone in the body. For example the joints may be affected leading to joint pain or the central nervous system leading to difficulty thinking or headaches. This type of sporotrichosis can affect those with health problems or who have a weaker immune system. If you believe you have sporotrichosis your doctor will perform a biopsy of the infected area of the body for laboratory testing. Most cases of sporotrichosis are not life threatening but must be treated with antifungal medicine for a certain period. If you have severe sporotrichosis such as pulmonary sporotrichosis further action may need to be taken.
Mold in Buildings
Mold is fairly frequent in buildings and homes because it grows in damp environments. This means if there is a leak in the roof, windows, or pipes it might create an atmosphere suitable for mold growth. Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including paper, ceiling tiles, wood, paints, wallpaper, and insulation.
How Mold Gets Indoors and How It Grows
Mold can be found both indoors and outside, but it can enter a home through various ways including open doors, vents, and heating and cooling systems. It can also be carried indoors through clothing, shoes, and pets. Mold spores tend to thrive and grow their colony when they cling to surfaces and have access to the high moisture environment they require.
Do I Have Mold?
Large mold colonies can be seen or smelled, but the goal of dealing with mold is to discover it early on before it becomes an issue. Regular inspections, or building maintenance, are required to keep mold out of your structure. These inspections should check for water damage and visible mold growth. Water leaks, condensation, and floods should all be addressed immediately if discovered. Mold growth can be controlled within your home by managing humidity levels, repairing leaking roofs or windows and thoroughly cleaning up after flooding.
Should I Be Concerned About “Toxic/Black Molds”?
Mold is everywhere and it is almost impossible to keep out. Certain molds are toxigenic and produce toxins, or mycotoxins. While not all fungi produce mycotoxins, all mold found should be held to the same standards and be removed as standards for judging an acceptable amount of mold has not yet been established. This being said, it is notable that few reports find toxigenic molds inside households leading to rare health conditions.
Removing Mold From Your Entire House
If your home has experienced major flooding or roof leaks it is possible that mold has grown throughout the house. Mold removal expenses on a whole house might cost anything between $15,000 and $30,000. When considering mold removal it is important to factor in the repair of the affected areas or the initial source of the problem. Most of your additional costs will present themselves in drainage system improvements or window replacement. While this is a general estimate, the cost of mold removal will be determined by your specific circumstances and the extent of the damage. Every issue is unique and necessitates a thorough examination.
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