Over time, exposure to specific substances could prove detrimental to one’s health. One such material is mold.

Mold Overview

Molds are funguses. Scientists estimate that there are several hundred specific types of the lifeform. Mold emits particles known as spores. These tiny items travel through the air and enable the fungi to collect both inside and out.

Because mold spores are so small, they can attach to just about any object. Known attraction points include:

• Air conditioning and heating units
• Walls
• Spaces like attics and basements
• Clothing
• Upholstery
• Carpeting
• Paper products

Additionally, mold is attracted to moisture. Moreover, water accumulation often stimulates the potentially hazardous substance’s growth rate.

Many mold variations are capable of adversely impacting an individual’s health. However, of particular concern is black mold, which has been linked to several significant medical maladies.

Potential Bodily Impact

Short or long-term exposure to mold can precipitate noticeable, possibly serious health problems.

Arguably, the most common physical manifestations are upper respiratory and skin allergies. Many impacted subjects experience problems including:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Nasal congestion
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Skin rashes

The preceding symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the level of exposure and an individual’s general health.

That said, chronic mold exposure could result in more serious medical problems, such as respiratory system infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. These bacterial diseases could lead to hospitalization and, in persons with other major underlying health issues, death.

Identifying Mold’s Presence

Granted, the early stages of mold development might be difficult to discern. However, as the infestation grows more prominent, noticeable signs may begin to appear.

In an appreciable number of cases, the most obvious indication is the collection of discolored substances festering on walls, upholstery, bathroom tiling, inside attics or basements, and any other location that might have been exposed to flooding or gradually developing moisture issues.

Furthermore, mold has sometimes been known to produce an unpleasant odor. Opinions vary when describing this unpleasant aroma.

Certain individuals ascertain the smell is akin to the damp, musty odors one might encounter upon entering a dank, dark enclosure. However, others opine the scent is more reminiscent of smells given off by wet linens or rotten wood.

Treatment Options Following Mold Exposure

It is important to note that there is no one cut and dried treatment for mold exposure. Several factors often play into the specific therapeutic protocol employed by the diagnosing healthcare provider including:

• Age
• Overall health
• Severity of symptoms
• Existence of complications
• Level of exposure
• The time period the ailing subject was exposed

Mild to moderate respiratory symptoms may be alleviated or suppressed using over-the-counter medications like antihistamines. Those with an especially high level of mold inside their bodies are who have been diagnosed with any serious respiratory or cardiovascular condition might benefit from more potent anti-fungal preparations.

Those stricken with mold-related asthma might benefit from the use of nebulizers designed to counter attacks and open blocked breathing passageways.

Persons afflicted with secondary infections like bronchitis or pneumonia are often administered large quantities of powerful antibiotics.

The exacerbation of more serious lung, heart, or other systemic illnesses resulting from mold exposure are typically addressed in accordance with established protocols.

Prevention Tips

Many people have heard some variation of the expression the best treatment is prevention during their lifetime. When referencing mold, researchers and medical professionals maintain that preventing its progression could be the most effective treatment plan.

Once appreciable concentrations of the substance are visible, they can be difficult and costly to remove. Moreover, greater accumulations could increase one’s risk of developing serious complications.

Fortunately, however, employing the following precautions may reduce a home or business’s chances of developing a discernible mold problem:

Immediately Address Moisture Concerns

As previously stated, moisture is mold’s best friend. Therefore, maintaining a dry environment is crucial to curbing its growth. Any minor leaks to pipes or water-producing appliances should be remediated as soon as possible. Moreover, incidents of flooding should be promptly addressed.

Establish Adequate Ventilation

One important moisture-prevention method is to establish proper ventilation. This is especially true in attics and basements that might not receive significant amounts of fresh air or sunlight.

Purchase Mold-Resistant Products

Certain materials are built to be mold-resistant. These products might cost a bit more than similar materials not possessing said attribute. However, such items could prevent mold accumulation and better preserve the health and safety of those residing in and frequenting such locations.

Contacting Us

For more information on this topic, please contact us at 205-352-9141. Our Hoover, Alabama location provides services geared towards helping patients address the autoimmune responses the body often activates when exposed to toxins like mold.