Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit.
mold spores
Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae. Molds can thrive on any organic matter, including clothing, leather, paper, and the ceilings, walls, and floors of homes with moisture management problems. Mildew often lives on shower walls, windowsills, and other places where moisture levels are high. There are many species of molds. In unaired places, such as basements, they can produce a strong musty odor.
Symptoms Of Mold Sickness: Breathing In Mold Spores?
Some symptoms of mold sickness are a stuffy or runny nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes.
More Severe symptoms could be nosebleeds, memory loss, and possibly pulmonary hemorrhage.
Many people believe that these conditions are caused by exposure to a dangerous substance released by the mold. The good news is that scientists have chalked this up to media hype since studies have yet to find any proof that a link exists between exposure and those symptoms.
But the bad news is that, while those aren’t directly linked to mold exposure, there are some other symptoms that are that can be pretty serious. In fact, inhalation of mold spores can cause a number of reactions and can be dangerous to certain groups of people. Mold can grow in almost any place that is wet., As it grows, it reproduces by releasing teeny-tiny spores, small enough to fit 250,000 on the head of a pin.
These little guys attach themselves to dust particles in the air and can be inhaled without you knowing it.
In some cases, depending on the temperature, humidity, and material it’s growing on, mold produces mycotoxins., These substances can be dangerous, especially in large quantities. They can cause disease or even death in certain groups of people., When you inhale mold spores with these toxins, they travel from your lungs into your bloodstream. To fight them off, your body may elicit an allergic reaction, especially in those prone to allergies.
You may develop a runny nose, a cough, or watery eyes. But some people may have more severe reactions. Like those who are exposed to large amounts. They could experience a fever or shortness of breath. Their condition may put them at risk for a fungal infection.
Those with asthma or preexisting lung problems could see the symptoms of their condition worsen. Exposure to mold can even increase your risk of developing asthma. Studies have found that children exposed to mold in their homes have a higher risk of developing asthma as they grow up., Mold is more common in buildings and houses than you may think.
Experts believe that over half the homes in the U.S. have mold problems, and 28 percent of the population have genes that make them sensitive to mold-related health issues. Mold can also be a major issue on farms. Contaminated hay or grains can cause respiratory problems, a condition known as Farmers Lung.
Over time, as farmers continue to inhale spores, they will become more and more sensitive to them and experience more severe reactions, like chronic cough or even feelings of depression. But interventions to improve housing conditions can reduce asthma and respiratory allergies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest taking precautions to avoid mold growth, such as controlling humidity levels, quickly fixing any leaks, and venting moist areas like the bathroom or laundry room., because once mold starts to grow and those tiny spores are released, they can be really difficult to remove.
Who Is Most At Risk For Health Issues Due To Mold Exposure?
Individuals with immune suppression
People with allergies
People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease
Individuals with chronic respiratory disease(like people with an obstructive pulmonary disorder, or asthma)
How To Prevent Mold From Growing In The Home, Schools, Or The Office
Home:
Controlling the humidity levels keeping them between 30% and 50%
Quickly and correctly fix leaky roofs, leaking water lines, and drains, and windows
After fixing any leaks, completely clean and dry the wet area
Make sure that the shower, laundry area, and cooking areas are properly ventilated
Schools And Office:
Have proper flooring. Do not have carpet in areas the have the potential for moisture problems(drinking fountains, under classroom sinks, or any plumbing drains
Venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
Increasing ventilation
Controlling the humidity levels keeping them between 30% and 50%
How To Clean Mold And Mildew
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with soap and water, and dry completely
Use a bleach solution: no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) of bleach in 1 gallon of water(never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners) For safety information on mixing the bleach solution go to https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
Mold is dangerous to you and your family’s health. Following the preventative tips will help to keep mold from growing in your home, schools, or office building. Sometimes tho, in some circumstances, like a plumbing leak behind a wall, mold growth will happen. Mold has a musty, dirty sock smell. If you smell this odor, and can’t find the source, you might need a professional company to come to assess the situation for you. That’s when you need to call us. We(StinkInc) will come to the location where the problem is, find the cause, do a mold test, and fix and restore the location back to normal.
