Most of us are so busy in our daily lives that we don’t give much thought to the undesirable substance called mold. It can grow in just about any area of the house — even if you frequently clean your home.

Since mold growth starts small, it often goes unnoticed. Mold spores can form in your home around vents, windows, doors, and HVAC ducts. They typically grow in areas where there is an excess of water, and they are only visible once they develop into a larger colony.

Many people are aware that mold takes place in humid areas, and that exposure to mold spores is not healthy. But do we really know the health hazards of mold growth?

In this post, we’re going to discuss some of the main reasons why mold is dangerous, and what steps can be taken to prevent mold growth in Arlington Heights:

Allergies

One of the most common problems of mold exposure is that it can cause allergies. If you have mold in your home, studies show that there is close to a 10% chance that the residents in your home will have mold-related allergies. A mold-related allergy can begin with upper respiratory breathing issues. These could be as minor as a runny or stuffed nose, or occasional sneezing. On the more severe side, mold-related allergies could result in continuous watery or itchy eyes, persistent cough, scratchy throat, or dry skin.

Asthma Attacks

Exposure to mold can be fatal for those who suffer from asthma. While mold exposure by itself is a risk factor for asthma attacks, if you combine this with a mold allergy, it could lead to serious issues. In severe cases, it could prevent sufficient airflow to your lungs, leading to a life-threating problem.

Infections

Although rare, mold exposure can lead to a systemic fungal infection. This type of infection, if left untreated, can be extremely life-threatening. The symptoms could start with coughing up blood, fever and chills, shortness of breath, or skin lesions. This rare scenario is known as invasive aspergillosis, and it is more likely to occur in people who have had bone marrow transplants, chronic lung disease, chemotherapy for cancer, or suffer from an immune system disease.

High-Risk Factors

Young children and older adults are more prone to mold reactions due to their weaker immune systems. If you have people in these two high-risk age groups in your home, it’s important that you keep your home free of mold by hiring a mold removal service. At the very least, you should ensure that your home is kept at low humidity levels.

Mold Poisoning

One of the biggest hazards of mold exposure is mold poisoning, which is also known as mycotoxicosis. Mycotoxicosis does not occur in healthy adults; rather, it occurs in high-risk age factor groups such as children, older adults, or those with a compromised immune system.

Mycotoxicosis could begin with minor headaches and fatigue, and it could lead to cold and flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy throat, aches, and respiratory problems. In extreme cases, it could lead to diarrhea, itchy or dry skin, and even hair loss.

Get Professional Help to Test for and Remove Mold from your Arlington Heights Property

Do you need mold tested or removed from your commercial or residential property in Arlington Heights? Are you seeking a professional service to have it taken care of? If so, the team at Axis Response Group is here to help.

Our team of seasoned mold abatement specialists has worked on many properties in the Arlington Heights neighborhood. If you are looking for quick and safe asbestos testing and removal, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to discuss your needs!