What are Mold Spores?
If it were possible for mold spores to remain outside, we wouldn’t worry about them quite as much, because when they are outside they are actually performing an important function.
Unfortunately, they don’t remain outside, they come into our homes and businesses continuously.
Mold is a fungus that benefits the environment by breaking down animal or plant matter which is slow to decay, such as:
Without the help of mold, we would be overcome with leaves and wood, that needs help to decompose.
But that’s outside…inside, mold spores are not helpful.
Mold spores inside our homes
Mold spores have one function; to breakdown organic materials. So whether they are inside or out, they seek out moist, nutrient rich surfaces where they can grow and produce more spores.
In our homes some of their favorite breeding grounds are:
- Poorly ventilated or insulated attics and crawl spaces
- Continuously moist wood caused by condensation on windows or leaks under sinks
- Walls and ceilings
Mold Spores Cause Health Problems
Because symptoms of mold exposure are so similar to the common cold or allergies, many people don’t realize they are having a reaction to mold.
Keep in mind that colds and seasonal allergies don’t last for 12 months of the year.
So if you are experiencing such symptoms as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, wheezing and even chronic headaches for prolonged periods of time, you are possibly feeling the effects of mold exposure.
For some, the exposure is more dangerous; it can trigger asthma attacks, other respiratory problems, predominantly affecting infants, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions.
Usually when the mold is remediated, people who have these symptoms recover just fine, but there are people who have been exposed for too long and have never fully recovered.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as these and you’re in the Seattle Puget Sound area, Bellevue, Everett, or Tacoma, give me a call for a free assessment…so you can breathe easy!
Mold Solutions is a full service mold solutions provider, who can remove the threats to your health and safety caused by mold.