Children and Mold – How to Manage Health of Your Home?

Children and mold have a strong connection with each other. Whether your children are playing in the summer days or in winter days, all activities always cause entry of moisture into the home and cause mold growth.

There are many places where mold grows. These include books, toys, clothes, walls and others. As a result, mold growth can turn your valuable items into musty residues that you only need to put in the garbage bag. Commonly molds are fungi of many types. They are present both indoors and outdoors.

Mold produces spores can easily spread through the air. These spores are commonly present indoors. However, it is difficult to prevent the spread of spores. The reason is that these can remain in areas where mold can’t grow.

The common and favorite place of mold spores is humid and warm areas. So when these spores are present in the moist area, they start growing. The growth of mold occurs on different surfaces. These include paper, wood, glass, plastic and fabric. So with growth, these digest each material.

Types of mold

Maybe you don’t know the types of molds present in the air or in your home. But experts know that there are almost 300,000 types of molds. Some types are more common than other types. Let’s discuss some common types of indoor molds:

Alternaria:

These are common in moist areas, including leaky sinks and showers.

Aspergillus:

These are common in indoor areas, dust, powdery items, drywall and materials.

Cladosporium:

These are common in cool and warm places. Also, these are present in wood and fabrics.

Penicillium:

These are common on items damaged by water. The colors of these molds are blue and green.

Some other molds are in black, yellow, green, blue and white colors. In comparison, some look like discolored or transparent molds. On the other hand, some molds have a smooth, and some have a rough appearance.

How does mold get into a house?

Mold and health

Mold may become major harm to health, especially in people with allergies. Also, molds cause respiratory issues by weakening the immune system.

Breathing problems

With the growth of molds, the cells and spores start entering the air. As a result, these produce allergens and irritants. Some irritants are harmful to sensitive people.

Moreover, moisture in the area cause the breakdown of materials. Also, it increases the spores, dust and molds in the air.

So these particles cause imitation in the nose, throat and lungs, commonly in people with breathing issues, asthma and lung problem.

Allergy

Mold spores also cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to allergies. This allergy is similar to other forms of allergies, such as hay fever or other allergies. Also, allergic substances impact the respiratory tract.

Some common signs of allergic reactions are:

  • A runny nose
  • An irritated nose
  • Wet eyes
  • An irritated throat
  • Sneezing

An asthma attack is most common in people with asthma issues and mould allergic reactions. Also, there are many other causes of allergic reactions. One of these causes is the presence of dust in the air which in turn produce dust mite. So this might cause allergic reactions.

Aspergillosis

It is a common but serious health issue in some people, which is caused by a well-known mold called Aspergillus.

Some people can breathe in the air containing spores of this fungus without harming their health. In comparison, people with weak immune systems can’t breathe into the air containing spores. As a result, they suffer from some lung diseases.

The following are some common types of Aspergillosis:

Allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA):

This type of Aspergillosis is harmful to the lungs and causes breathing issues.

Allergic aspergillus sinusitis:

This type of Aspergillosis is harmful to the nose and cause headache.

Aspergilloma, or fungus ball:

This type of Aspergillosis is harmful to the throat and causes cough. Also, it causes some serious breathing issues.

Chronic pulmonary Aspergillosis:

This type of Aspergillosis cause breathing issues, cough and weight loss.

Protection and prevention

Moisture in the home or air causes the growth of mold. So you should control moisture to keep mold away from your indoor areas. Also, you should keep your home clean and airy. The following are some reasons for moisture in indoor areas:

  • Breathing of pets and humans
  • Using water for washing and cooking purposes
  • Water leaking bodies
  • Humidity in the atmosphere
  • Homes with sealed windows and doors

Conclusion:

Mold and its spores are present in almost every indoor environment. But not necessarily that all these affect humans.

While these spores affect some people with weak immune systems, they are at high risk of illness and lung issues. In comparison, some people are at high risk of allergies. So you must keep the indoor area dry, airy and clean. It is a better way to keep mold away from your home and improve your health!