Health hazards caused by Mold are one of the under-rated subjects people take into consideration. Mold is primarily fungi that habitats in damp regions and are commonly found in households. Unattended damp basements, Moldy carpets, water leaks, and soggy drywall serves as a perfect moisturizer for these to grow and spread. WHO estimated that 10% to 50% of the indoor environment in Australia is exposed to mold particularly river valleys and coastal areas. Here’s a 101 on how Mold can be hazardous for human health.

Allergies and Asthma:

Actively growing indoor Mold are serious potential problems. These can be colonized by bacteria, dust mites which indeed forms toxic-Mold. These have a musty odor and produce air-borne germs that cause respiratory infection.

According to the extensive study of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), people who spend time in a damp indoor environment complain about headaches and breathing allergies such as upper respiratory (nose and throat) symptoms, cough, wheeze, and asthma symptoms. There are also a few evidences of chest tightness and shortness of breath in healthy children. To an extent, it might lead to serious issues such as interstitial lung disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoidosis, recurring cold-like symptoms, sinus infections, and hoarseness.

Toxic Mold Syndrome:

Toxic Mold Support Australia, which is referred to as TMSA aims to create awareness and support Australians who suffer from mold exposure. The exposure consists of chemicals such as mycotoxins from Stachybotrys Chartarum and biotoxin which causes Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome illness (CIRS). This is called “Toxic Mold Syndrome”. Mold release toxins and if left untreated, consequences might be severe.

Silent, yet Dangerous:

Some people are more allergic to Mold simply because of chemical factors and genetics, so a small amount can trigger a person where no symptoms are seen in other people living under the same roof. Age and general health factors can also contribute to sickness because the immune system is compromised among the elderly and children as well.

Physical signs can range from rashes, itchiness, watery eyes, irritating throat, running nose, and sleeping disorders. To the worst-extent, it even causes pollution in the form of carcinogenic substances by some types of Mold.

Prevention:

Always do a visual inspection in and around your house for Mold and remove immediately because it can destroy the material it grows on and is also associated with health problems.

Caulks as a Precaution:

Acetoxy Silicone Sealants commonly called the Caulks are proven to be the best measure to prevent Mold colonization. These can be used both indoors and outdoors, their life expectancy is generally longer. Caulks are moisture-resistant and have fungicide properties. As these caulks are blended with silicone, they have extra durability against moisture. These are budget-friendly and doesn’t require repeated scraping.

These control moisture on the surfaces and prevents their growth and these can be applied to the main sources within the house such as sinks, bathrooms, standing water in drains, on floors, heating/cooling ducts, wet floors, and carpets. As they have acetic properties, these can also prevent bacteria and pests.