Health Concerns Related to Mold in the Home

Mold is a form of fungus that can live anywhere—outdoors or indoors—provided it has a dark, moist, and humid environment. With these factors, mold can thrive in your home at any time of the year. This means that if your basement and/or crawlspace has high levels of wetness and dampness, mold will definitely grow there.

Mold forms spores that migrate through the air as mold reproduces, allowing it to spread across the area. Unchecked, mold can spread to other areas of your house such as bathrooms and kitchens that are also susceptible to mold growth. When airborne, however, mold can propagate anywhere, including your bedroom. 

There are various kinds of molds, but the most dangerous is black mold. With persistent water exposure, it often grows inside buildings and homes where it then produces toxic spores. This can cause major health problems for anyone living in the home.

Mold Related Health Issues

In the home, mold growth can produce various types of health problems. Nasal discomfort, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and throat irritation may result from inhaling mold fragments or spores. Prolonged exposure to high levels of humidity can also contribute to reduced functioning of the lungs and asthma.

When continuously exposed to mold growth, people already suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis are likely to aggravate their problems further. Indoor dampness and mold growth can be due to a significant portion of the world’s 300 million cases of childhood asthma, according to WHO (World Health Organization) figures.

Mold Prevention & Removal Strategies

There is a strong possibility of mold growth in your home if your basement and/or crawl space is exposed to moisture, or if there is a dark, musty smell in your home after rain. Professional mold treatment services are provided by Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement, as well as other services to prevent the start of mold growth from the very beginning. We will clear the current infestation of mold and treat the surfaces below your home that are infected. 

Just like how every home is unique, so is our approach. However, most homes experiencing mold and moisture problems can benefit from the following services: an encapsulated crawlspace, as well as dehumidifiers to minimize air humidity and condensation levels in order to avoid potential mold development.

To see if your basement or crawlspace has leaks, check your basement and/or crawlspace, especially after rain, or contact us today!