A house is a long-term investment, so the homeowner must ensure it is well-protected. For this reason, homeowners go above and beyond to protect their homes, even if it means spending extra money. However, not all homeowners can prepare for whatever may come, especially if they can do little to nothing about it. One example of this is water damage.
As the name suggests, water damage is any physical damage to a property caused by water. It could be a leak, burst pipe, or flood, but the damage is bound to happen regardless of the extent. However, even more pressing is that water damage can harm our health, particularly because it attracts mold. While mold is relatively easy to clean, prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues, with many being potentially fatal. For this reason, we will discuss how mold can adversely affect our health in the following ways:
Rashes
Mold is a type of fungus that can cause a wide range of health problems, including rashes. Mold spores are microscopic and can easily travel through the air, meaning that even a tiny amount of mold can cause an allergic reaction. The most common symptom of a mold-related rash is red, itchy, or raised bumps on the skin. These bumps can range from small and localized to large ones that cover the entire body.
Additionally, mold-induced rashes are more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing skin conditions. People with asthma, allergies, and eczema are particularly prone to experiencing these rashes.
Infections
Molds can cause severe infections in both humans and animals. The most common mold-related infections are aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis. Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the Aspergillus mold and can cause sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Conversely, cryptococcosis is caused by the Cryptococcus mold and can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and skin infections. On the other hand, histoplasmosis is caused by the Histoplasma mold and can cause fever, cough, and chest pain.
In addition to causing infections in humans, molds can also infect animals. For example, Aspergillus mold can cause aspergillosis in birds, while Fusarium mold can cause cat infections. Mold-related infections can be hard to diagnose and treat and deadly if not treated promptly and properly.
Respiratory Conditions
Respiratory illnesses are some of the most common results of prolonged mold exposure. These conditions can be mild to severe, and symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation.
Sometimes, prolonged mold exposure can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is an airway disorder caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways, making breathing difficult. On the other hand, COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe.
Who Is at Risk?
Mold exposure can affect anyone, but some people are more vulnerable than others. People with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more likely to suffer from the effects of mold exposure. Those with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions are more likely to experience mold-related health complications.
Of course, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mold exposure. Children are still developing, and their bodies are not yet strong enough to fight off the effects of mold. The elderly, on the other hand, may have weaker immune systems and be unable to fight mold's effects as easily as younger people can.
People who work in damp or humid environments, such as in construction or industrial sites, are also at greater risk of mold exposure. This is because these environments provide the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Taking Care of Mold
The best way to care for mold is to hire a mold remediation company. They are trained to safely and effectively remove mold from homes and businesses. The process typically involves identifying the source of the mold, removing contaminated materials, and using specialized equipment to clean the area.
However, you must be wise when hiring a mold remediation company. This means considering various factors, such as their experience, tools and equipment, insurance and warranty, and cost, to ensure you get the best service.
Conclusion
Mold caused by water damage can severely harm your health, so you must fix it as soon as possible. Mold can be difficult to remove, so hiring a mold remediation company is necessary. This way, your home will remain a safe and clean place for you and your family.
Best Option Restoration provides top-quality services for water damage repair. Our water damage restoration professionals will ensure your home will look as good as new for fair prices. Call us today at (720) 669-8063 to book an appointment!