Mold is a common issue in NJ homes. It takes mold to grow 24 to 48 hours in damp and dark areas. As a result, any home’s bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room is the prime location for mold to thrive. You can also find mold in your basement, crawl spaces, attic, etc.
Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that can be found indoors and outdoors. While outside mold helps break down organic matter, mold inside the home can be problematic.
Mold produces allergens, irritants, and, in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. When inhaled or touched, these substances can cause adverse health effects. In addition, it can damage your property as well.
In this guide, we will discuss whether mold can make you sick and how to eliminate it. Without ado, let’s get started.
Contents
Symptoms of mold exposure
While mold in your home won’t necessarily make you sick, touching or inhaling the mold spores has the potential to cause allergy-like symptoms, including:
- Runny nose
- Irritation in eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Skin allergies
- Headache
- Watery eyes
- Respiratory issues
- Asthma attacks
- Wheezing
Remember that the symptoms can vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. You may experience these symptoms throughout the year or notice a flare-up at a certain time of the year.
Signs of Mold in the Home
While you can easily spot mold in your home in the form of dark color patches on the walls, sometimes mold colony does an impressive job at hiding. Here is where mold remediation services in NJ come into play.
The most common signs of mold are:
- Visible mold
- Musty odor
- Damp and humid environment
- Water stains or peeling paint
Can Mold Make You Sick?
There are different types of mold strains, some of which pose no health risk. On the other hand, some, like Stachybotrys chartarum (commonly known as Black mold), can be very dangerous and lead to short-term and long-term health issues.
Though the symptoms of toxic black mold are similar to those of other types of mold, they can worsen over time and may require emergency medical attention. That is why taking the necessary steps to eliminate mold is crucial, especially if you or any of your family members have respiratory issues.
How Long Does It Take For Mold To Make You Sick?
Well, it depends on the type of mold, how long you have been exposed to mold, and the immune system of the person. For example, toxic black mold and exposure to mold for a long time can lead to symptoms quickly. Furthermore, those persons who have a weak immune system can easily have a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and other respiratory problems.
What to Do If You Find Mold in Your Home?
Mold can be found in any environment that contains moisture and oxygen. That is why it is crucial to take the necessary steps.
Step 1: Mold Testing
Professional mold testing helps you identify the mold type and decide on an action plan. All you need to do is hire a professional mold remediation specialist who will collect samples from your home and test them.
Step 2: Identify and address the cause
Moisture and damp environments are the perfect places for mold to thrive. It can also enter your home via cracked windows. If you have damaged pipes or leaks in your house, fix them ASAP. Also, repair them before the situation worsens.
Step 3: Isolate the area
Mold spores can travel to other areas of your home, so try to seal off the affected room. Then, remove the severely damaged material, such as furniture, rugs, etc.
However, before you go ahead, wear protective gear.
Step 4: Thoroughly clean the area or hire a professional
Hiring a professional can make a huge difference. They have the right tools and solutions to help you permanently remove mold.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know how harmful the mold can be and what should you do to get rid of it, what are you waiting for? Hire a professional mold remediation company that can help you make your house mold-free.
