As experts at mold remediation, Joe Taylor Restoration can attest to the fact that mold is a common occurrence in Florida and Southern Georgia. This is especially true in the summer and fall months when the heat, humidity, and rain provide the perfect environment for mold to grow.
But mold isn’t restricted to the South. It can be found everywhere, which means mold exposure can happen anywhere, any time. These organisms can affect human health in a variety of ways, depending on the type of mold, amount and duration of exposure, and the person exposed.
How does mold exposure happen?
Mold is a type of fungus that loves damp, wet places. Outside, it often grows on moist surfaces and decaying plants, and its levels are usually highest in the summer and fall. Inside,
mold can spread quickly on things like wet drywall or other damp surfaces. Common causes include
water damage, flooding, leaky pipes, high humidity, or poor airflow in a home or building.
Not every kind of
mold is bad—some are even useful. Certain molds are used to make foods like cheese and yogurt, and others help produce medicines such as penicillin. But some types can be harmful to your health. Certain molds create toxins that may cause illness if swallowed, and all molds release tiny spores that can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs. For some people, these spores can even trigger stronger allergic or respiratory reactions.
What do some individuals experience when exposed to mold?
According to the
NIH (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), reactions to
mold spore exposure may include:
- Blurred vision
- Chronic cough
- Eye irritation
- Headache
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
For some people, contact with certain molds may produce more serious reactions:
Asthma —Studies have shown that mold exposure can increase a person’s risk of developing asthma or worsen its symptoms, especially for young children.
Cancer — Aflatoxin, a type of mycotoxin found on corn and other grains, seeds, or nut crops, has been
listed by the NTP as a human carcinogen.
Cognitive issues — Extended exposure to mold has been linked to
short-term memory loss, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and loss of cognitive functions, also known as “brain fog.”
Immune effects — Long-term exposure to inhaled mycotoxins may promote
inflammation and immune system changes.
Mental health issues — Studies have associated prolonged mold exposure with
increased levels or depression, anxiety, and stress in both children and adults.
Hopefully, the majority of people exposed to mold will not experience many of the above allergy-like symptoms, and none of the more serious ones. But should you have any symptoms, and/or discover mold damage in your home or business, contact Joe Taylor Restoration. We are not only experts, but we are also specifically licensed to provide mold removal services. Additionally, we carry Pollution Insurance, which is hard to acquire and more expensive than the standard General Liability Insurance. Our skilled technicians have the training and experience to safely eliminate harmful airborne toxins and restore your property to a clean, healthy environment.
PROVIDING AN UNMATCHED SERVICE EXPERIENCE
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