Is Mold Really a Health Concern

Lately there's been alot of talk about mold infestation and the possible health concerns associated with it. This is starting to affect the real estate industry as well as it is mandatory to disclose mold content in a house you are trying to sell. Is Mold Really A Health Concern? The short answer is YES!

Any type of mold growing in your home is unacceptable but there are some kinds that are especially dangerous. It is always best to deal with mold swiftly yet safely. If you see any visible mold growth, kill and remove it immediately.

Some molds will cause various allergy-like symptoms like asthma, stuffy nose, runny nose, eye irritation, skin rash, lung inflammation, fever and wheezing. But there are also some molds that are toxic, especially for small children and infants as well as people who have respiratory issues.

Safe levels of mold have not been determined because the effects of mold largely depend on the individual and the type of mold it is. Though it's more important to quickly get rid of the mold rather than try to identify the type.

Mold that is considered toxic is called black mold. It produces potent toxins called mycotoxins. Exposure to these mycotoxins can cause short and long term health problems. Large amounts of these toxins in the air can cause serious illnesses, including cancer such as kidney cancer.

Black mold is the most dangerous and feared kind of mold. It has caused many evacuations and some homeowners have lost their homes because mold infestations are not covered by homeowners insurance. It is best to deal with mold quickly and cautiously. Get an inexpensive mold test kit if you suspect your home contains black mold.

Mold is really just a symptom of a home that has a moisture problem. In order to control or prevent mold you have to control the moisture by reducing the humidity in your home. Ideal moisture levels are between 30 - 50 percent. Dehumidifiers can be used to prevent mold.