Your Health: Why You Should Address Mold Problems

Your Health:  Why You Should Address Mold Problems is the first in a 3-part series on the importance of addressing mold at the first sign.  This first article will discuss the impact that mold can have on a person’s health.    

So you had some water damage, perhaps from Superstorm Sandy or a leaking pipe, you never quite got around to replacing the drywall and now the mold is clearly visible.  The telltale discoloration and black dots are covering the area that was wet, in fact, the room is beginning to take on a musky odor.  But the damage is in the basement or some other unused part of the house and you wonder: is it really necessary that I treat or remove that mold?  It’s not bothering me, it’s not in a high traffic area of my home and, at least for now, it doesn’t seem to be spreading, does it have to go? 

The first reason why signs of mold should be addressed is the impact it can have on your health. 
According to the Mayo Clinic, 93% of chronic sinus infections have been attributed to mold.  In fact, mold can cause all types of respiratory issues up to and including problems with asthma.  The EPA says that people that are sensitive to mold can have the following symptoms:

• Nasal stuffiness
• Eye irritation
• Wheezing
• Skin irritation

Some people have serious allergies to mold and their reaction can be much more serious, including:

• Fever
• Asthma
• Mold infections in the lungs

Just because the mold is growing on the lowest level of a home, an area that you do not use regularly, don’t make the mistake of believing that it won’t affect you.   Mold growing anywhere in a home can still impact your health.  This is due to the stack effect.  Experts agree that the stack effect causes 40% of the air you breathe to come up from the basement and/or crawlspace.  This is due to differing temperatures outside versus inside.  The stack effect can be reversed during different times of the year.  The important thing to note about the stack effect is that the air in your home is being circulated and you are breathing in air from all different parts of your home, even from rooms that you do not use regularly. 

If you or someone in your home is currently suffering from chronic sinus infections or other symptoms mentioned above speak with your doctor about the possibility that mold is to blame.  Homeowners should also keep in mind that mold is not always seen with the eyes.