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The Basics
Mold spores are
everywhere and cannot be avoided. They float in through your open
windows and doors, or come inside by riding on your clothing or your
pets. Real problems in homes and buildings rarely occur unless there
has been intense flooding, usually in basements, sometimes from leaky
roofs, or where there has been an extensive plumbing problem.
If spores land on a
moist or damp surface, usually in a poorly lit area -- they can grow.
So the key to mold
control is moisture control. Water-damaged areas must be dried within
twenty-four to forty-eight hours to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Health
Risk
Most people have a
natural immunity to antigens present in mold, but some are more
sensitive than others – and a moldy home is not a healthy home.
At-risk individuals are mostly infants, the aged and asthmatics being
treated with steroids. The highest level of danger is for those with
pre-existing respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis or cystic
fibrosis and those undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments that
adversely affect the immune system.
The most common
health concerns include symptoms similar to hay fever. Others may
experience respiratory difficulties or skin and eye irritations.
There are some reported extreme reactions, too.
According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, determining the level of
health risk is mostly a factor of looking at the individual and
assessing whether they fall into one of the risk groups. However,
exposure to mold is not a desirable living condition and it should be
removed, just like you would also throw away moldy bread without
eating it. |
