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What Are the Health Risks of Mold Exposure?
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Glopinion by
Vitaly Stotland May 29, 2025
When I was ten years old, my family moved into an old house with a leaking roof. One rainy afternoon, I found fuzzy black spots growing on my closet wall. I didn’t think much of it until I woke up sneezing and had a sore throat every time I went into that room. That’s when my mom called our family doctor, and I learned about the Health Risks of Mold Exposure. From that day on, I made it my mission to understand how tiny mold spores could make people sick and how to keep our homes safe and healthy.
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Understanding the Health Risks of Mold Exposure in Our Homes
Mold is a type of fungus. It likes to grow in places that are wet and warm. You might find mold in your bathroom, basement, or anywhere there is water damage. Mold spreads by releasing tiny spores (like seeds) into the air. You can’t see these spores, but you can breathe them in.
Some molds are harmless, but others can cause health problems. That’s why it’s important to keep your home clean and dry. However, if you want the best Mold Removal and Remediation in Norcross, contact MMI Home Improvement Pro
.Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold can grow almost anywhere there is moisture. Here are a few common places mold likes to live: On walls or ceilings where water has leaked In bathrooms that don’t have good airflow Around windows that collect condensation On carpets or furniture that have gotten wet On old food that’s gone bad Mold grows fast sometimes in just 24 to 48 hours! That’s why it’s important to clean up spills and fix leaks quickly.
How Do People Get Exposed to Mold?
There are several ways mold can get into your body:
into your lungs. Breathing it in: Mold spores float in the air and can go
Touching it: If you touch mold with your hands, it can make your skin itchy or cause a rash.
it: Eating moldy food by accident can upset your stomach. Eating
Read Also: How Black Mold Affects Your Health: Key Symptoms and Effective Treatments
Common Health Risks of Mold Exposure: Allergies, Asthma, and More
Now, let’s talk about what can happen when you are exposed to mold. Everyone reacts to mold differently. Some people don’t get sick at all, but others can have serious problems. 2/6
1. Allergies
One of the most common health risks of mold exposure is allergies. If you're allergic to mold, your body treats it like something dangerous and tries to fight it off. This can cause:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy eyes
Coughing
Skin rash
These symptoms are a lot like having a cold. If you notice these signs every time you're in a certain room, mold might be the cause.
2. Asthma Attacks
Mold can be really bad for people who have asthma. Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to breathe. Mold can trigger an asthma attack, causing:
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest
Coughing
If you or someone in your family has asthma, it's extra important to keep your home moldfree.
3. Skin and Eye Irritation
Even if you’re not allergic to mold, touching it can still bother your skin or eyes. You might get: Red, itchy skin A rash Burning or watery eyes
Wearing gloves and a mask while cleaning mold can help protect you.
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4. Infections in the Lungs
For people who have weak immune systems, mold can cause infections in the lungs. These people might include: Babies and small children Older adults
People with serious illnesses like cancer
If someone has trouble fighting off germs, mold can make them very sick.
5. Toxins from Certain Molds
Some molds make poisons called mycotoxins. These toxins can be harmful if you breathe in too many spores over time. Mycotoxins can cause: Headaches Feeling very tired Problems with memory Nausea (feeling like you might throw up)
These symptoms usually happen when there’s a lot of mold in a building over a long period of time.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can get sick from mold, but some people are more likely to have problems: Children (especially babies) Older people People with asthma or allergies People with weak immune systems
If you or someone in your house falls into one of these groups, it’s really important to keep your home dry and mold-free.
Signs There Might Be Mold in Your Home
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Sometimes, mold is easy to see. But other times, it hides behind walls or under carpets. Look out for these signs: A musty or earthy smell Water stains on walls or ceilings Peeling paint or wallpaper Frequent allergy or asthma symptoms at home
If you think mold might be hiding in your home, tell an adult so it can be checked and cleaned up.
How to Prevent Mold
The best way to deal with mold is to stop it before it starts! Here are some simple ways to prevent mold:
Fix leaks right away: Don’t let water sit in your home. Use a fan in the bathroom: This helps dry the air.
air helps! Keep windows open when the weather is nice: Fresh
Throw out wet things that don’t dry quickly: That includes old towels, carpets, or books.
Clean up spills quickly: Mold loves to grow in puddles.
What to Do If You Find Mold
If you see mold, don’t panic! Tell a parent, teacher, or adult right away. They can: Clean it up with safe products Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning Call a professional if it’s a big mold problem
Sometimes, mold is too big to clean up on your own. That’s when it’s best to get help from someone trained to remove it safely. Mold might be small, but the health risks of mold exposure are big! It can cause allergies, asthma problems, infections, and even toxic effects. But the good news is this: you can stop mold before it becomes a problem. However, keep your home clean and dry, tell an adult if you see mold, and take care of your health. Learning about mold helps you stay safe, smart, and healthy. Keywords:
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Health Risks of Mold Exposure
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