Health Problems Caused By Mold Indoor Air Quality

By Frances Howard


Molds are already part of the environment. They can be found everywhere, it maybe indoors or outdoors. These can often be found in wet areas like sinks, bathroom curtains, and floors. So, to control the growth of molds, you should be able to control moisture.

Too much exposure of these may cause you to have skin, eyes, nose, lungs, and throat irritations. Mold indoor air quality problems are common causes of most health problems. These are slimmy black green organism that are usually found in roofs and walls. These are some species of mold which are uncommon and it produces toxic spores, this is according to some investigations.

Some types of environmental problems can be resolved by just fresh air, but living organic substances such as molds must be removed. Even when dead, it still releases spores on air. Some molds are harmless, but some are very toxic. Many tests are conducted for the levels of potential risk from exposure. But this results only to few regulations and documentation.

Many people would think that human beings are more sensitive to mold today compared to people from a hundred years ago, because the rate of exposure is higher due to the use of materials that are being used in buildings today. Most buildings contain high cellulose and low nitrogen content which are natural targets for spores when moisture is present. Materials that are wet from a water source may be considered at higher relative humidity. Materials like these should be dried quickly.

When you inhale and touch it, and if you are very sensitive to this, you may have some allergic reactions such as runny nose, sneezing, skin rashes, and red eyes. And if you have some serious allergies, you may have a severe reaction such as shortness of your breath. People who have asthma may also be very sensitive to this and may cause them asthma attacks. Persons with serious diseases like cancers and infections, and as well as the children and the elderly are very sensitive to this as well.

It could be impossible to get rid of these spores indoors. If moisture is not there, spores will not be able to grow. You must control the moisture indoors to prevent this. Water problems should be fixed and cleaned right away when you see mold growth in your home. If you cannot fix problems right away, it is possible for molds to keep coming back.

If leaks and spills happen, dry it immediately. If these are dried directly within 24 to 48 hours, in most cases, spores will not grow. Roof gutters are to be cleaned and repaired regularly. In air conditioned rooms, always make sure that the drip pans are clean and the drain lines are properly constructed are flowing properly.

The humidity indoors should always be below the 60 percent temperature, preferably from 30 to 50 percent. Dry wet surfaces directly if you happen to see any condensation on walls, windows, and pipes to lessen the moisture. If there is condensation, it means that there is high humidity.

Biocides or pesticides helps destroy living organisms. Cleaning up using chlorine bleach is really not recommended. Mixture of chlorine bleach and biocides can produce toxic fumes, so do not ever do this. Proper ventilation and exhaustion of air outdoors should be done.




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