Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for any homeowner because too much clutter can be stressful. Because of this, they go the extra mile to ensure their homes are clean. However, there are some instances where a person could forget certain spots, especially the hard-to-reach ones. When these areas are left dirty, mold growth is possible.
Molds are fungi that produce spores that can quickly spread in the air and on surfaces, leading to health problems. These types of fungi are common in the environment, and they can take advantage of the moisture, food, and heat found indoors. It can lead to health problems and affect a person’s breathing and immune system when this happens. These health problems can be quite serious if left untreated, so you should strike at the source by preventing mold growth in your home.
Not many people are aware of how mold can affect their health, so this article will detail the matter.
How Fast Can Mold Affect a Person’s Health?
The question of how fast mold can affect someone’s health is hard to determine because it depends on the person. Mold spores are not dangerous in small amounts, but they can if inhaled excessively.
Here are some of the most common factors that influence how fast-acting mold can be in a person’s body:
Allergies and Sensitivities
Some people will experience an immune response due to mold exposure that can cause an allergic reaction. This may include sneezing, sneezing, congestion, or a skin rash. Molds are allergic, so people with allergies are more likely to have an adverse response to mold.
Mold Amount
The amount of mold present in the air or on surfaces also impacts how fast it will affect a person. Mold needs to be in a wet and warm area to thrive. If this situation is present, it can spread quickly and cause health problems.
Duration of Exposure
If someone is exposed to mold regularly, like when one spends a lot of time indoors, they may develop a tolerance to it. However, they could experience an allergic reaction if they are exposed to a large amount of mold.
Proximity to Mold
The proximity to mold also affects how fast it can cause a health problem. If you have mold in your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience adverse health effects. However, the results may show up faster if you’re close to it.
Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure
If you believe that you or someone you live with has been exposed to mold, you should look out for the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chronic cough
- Rashes
The symptoms of a mold infection are pretty similar to other common conditions, so it’s not easy to identify them. This is why it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms associated with a mold allergic reaction or sensitivity.
How Long Does It Take for Mold to Get Out of the Body?
Similar to how a person exposed to mold will react, how fast mold leaves the body also depends on the level of exposure. However, there are specific steps you can take to make it leave your body faster.
If you think you’ve been exposed to mold, you should remove yourself from the area where it’s present as quickly as possible to help slow the mold’s progression. Also, if you have a mold infection, you should seek medical attention to receive the treatment you need.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re unsure if you’ve been exposed to mold, check out some of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. If you experience more than one of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will examine you and ask you some questions to determine the level of mold you’ve been exposed to. They’ll also recommend a course of treatment and possible further testing if necessary.
Preventing Mold Growth at Home
The best way to prevent mold growth in your home is to know how to avoid it. Here’s some information on how to prevent mold growth in the house:
- Keep moisture, humidity, and temperature levels low. Mold thrives in warm, moist environments, so this is the best way to prevent it from growing.
- Don’t leave your windows and doors open during rainstorms and other weather events. Moisture can enter your home and cause mold growth.
- Have a qualified and experienced HVAC contractor or home inspector help you find areas in your home with a higher risk of mold growth.
- Keep your home’s AC system in good repair and change the filters regularly. This will help prevent mold from growing in the ducting.
- Clean the ducting system regularly to prevent dirt, dust, and debris.
Conclusion
Mold growth can occur quickly and cause serious health problems if the proper steps aren’t taken to prevent it. For this reason, you must be proactive to ensure that mold growth doesn’t occur in your home. This way, you’ll be saving yourself or your loved ones the trouble of experiencing illnesses and a trip to the doctor.
If you’re looking for mold remediation solutions, Environmental Mold LLC can help you! We are a consulting firm specializing in handling mold and indoor air quality-related issues to ensure that your home remains a safe environment, all for fair prices. Call us today at (949) 333-3998 for a consultation!