Infestation of mold and mildew is the topic of the day. People residing in humid subtropical region suffer from mold problems very much. Molds, mildews and other fungus need humid weather to live and breed. Humid regions provide the right conditions naturally.
Flood is another natural phenomenon that leads to serious mold problem. When flood water enters into houses, indoor places become damp and molds and mildews get the right condition for life.
Water damage, leaky roofs, cracks on the walls through which rainwater can penetrate, overflow of kitchen sink and dampness in bathroom and basement are the main reasons behind indoor mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere; they float around with air current. As soon as they get the right conditions, they begin to sporulate and colonize.
How much dangerous are they? Are they health hazardous at all? Do all species of fungi pose health threats? Let's find answer to all the questions one by one.
Molds may result in allergic responses in human beings. Coughing and wheezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery and red eyes, itching of throat, sneezing, skin rashes and dermatitis, respiratory problem, headache and fatigue are most common symptoms of exposure to molds. Sometimes, fever and flu-like symptoms are also observed in infected people.
The condition may worsen in case of exposure to toxic black mold. Black molds produce toxins which are very much injurious to health. Black molds produce mycotoxins as metabolic byproduct. Exposure to mycotoxins results in diarrhea, high fever and sickness.
Therefore never ignore mold growths inside your home. It can be black mold. Conduct mold testing and inspection before you apply mold cleaning products for mold removal. Mold testing yields the value of mold spore and airborne hyphal part concentration in your home. Basically molds are present everywhere; chances are whenever you conduct mold testing in your home, it will show traces of molds. But high spore count is not desired, though there is still no guideline on what should be the safe mold spore concentration.
Basically it depends on the immune system of individuals. A certain amount of mold spore may be hazardous for one, whereas, it may not affect another person. That is why it is quite difficult to set a mark as safe mold spore concentration.
People with weak immune system may face severe health problems including heavy respiratory trouble, high fever, bleeding in lungs, headache and more serious troubles.
There are innumerable types of fungus, not all of them have been identified yet. Some members of fungi class are health hazardous only; not all. Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys atra produce toxins and pose high health threats.
Mold removal is the only way to remove molds and mildews when they nest in your home. There is no point in sharing room with these unhealthy organisms. They are not only responsible for various allergic responses, but they damage your property as well.
While cleaning mold, take enough precautions. As you are going to disturb the mold colony, hyphal parts and mold spores would get aerosolized. Hence you need to wear mask, goggles, gloves and cleaning suit to avoid cleaning time exposure.
By using organic cleaning products you reduce health problems. Unlike acids or bleaches, organic products do not contain any harmful chemicals and free from side effects.
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