Inhaling or touching mold or its spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, with symptoms similar to those of hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Mold needs organic matter for food and moisture for growth. When the conditions are right, mold releases spores and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can make some people feel unwell.
Molds are small organisms found almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, including on plants, food and dry leaves. Molds are beneficial to the environment and are needed to break down dead material. Very small and light, mold spores travel easily through the air. When molds are present in large numbers, they can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they fall in a humid place in the house, they can begin to grow.
When mold grows on a surface, the spores can be released into the air, where they can be inhaled.If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a large amount of spores, you could have health problems. It's impossible to remove all mold and mold spores from your home, but because mold spores can't grow without moisture, reducing humidity in your home is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If mold is already growing in your home, it's important to clean it and fix the problem that causes humidity. If an area of mold growth is more than 10 square feet (3 feet x 3 feet), it is recommended that a contractor with experience in mold removal clean the area. The health risks associated with inhaling mold spores vary depending on the type of mold present and the amount of exposure.
Some people may experience mild symptoms such as sneezing or coughing while others may experience more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing or skin irritation. People with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory conditions may be more susceptible to health risks associated with inhaling mold spores. It is important to take steps to reduce the amount of mold in your home by controlling moisture levels and cleaning up any visible mold growth. If you suspect that you have a large amount of mold in your home, it is best to contact a professional for help with removal.
