In a research study that easily qualifies for the most glaringly obvious conclusion ever to be drawn anywhere, it has been determined that children living in homes with visible mold problems have a much higher risk of developing asthma and allergies.
Of course this should not exactly come as news, given mold’s ability to cause respiratory and neurological disorders, not to mention the occasional case of lung disease, but 61 international studies conducted since the 1990s have concluded that children living in water damaged, mold ridden homes stand a much higher chance of suffering from asthma or other breathing disorders than their peers.
The research is somewhat contradictory, refusing to officially name mold as the culprit, but concluding that airborne mold spores can create inflammation in the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
It has long been believed that mold is bad news for their overall lung health, and many studies have supported that idea. But more recent studies have linked certain proteins in mold "components" in the home to a lower risk of asthma and allergies in children. Those components are particular fungus cells that can mix in with house dust.
This latest review sought to eliminate those factors from their research, choosing to concentrate instead on visible mold growth and its effects on children and respiratory issues.
The conclusion? Children in homes with visible mold present were up to 49% more likely to have asthma than children not exposed to such a problem. According to figures provided by the CDC, 10% of all children in the United States have some form of asthma.
As for allergies and allergic reactions, the study found that children in mold infested homes had a 39% higher risk than their peers.
All this information, of course, underscores the importance of eliminating mold from your home. Mold can grow wherever there are ripe conditions, namely sufficient moisture, and in addition to health problems, can also affect the structure of your home, as it tends to destroy whatever surface it is growing on.
Unfortunately, too many people mistakenly conclude that killing or removing the mold is all that needs to be done. The second step, which is usually overlooked, is easily the most vital, namely treating the affected area and transforming the environment to make sure the problem doesn’t return.
Altering the environment to make it inhospitable for mold to grow primarily consists of making sure the area is dried out, cleaned, disinfected, sanitized, and that humidity and moisture levels are in the lowest possible percentage. Under 50% humidity helps guarantee that mold growth will not return. You can do this by increasing the ventilation to the area, as well as using a dehumidifier to remove all residual moisture from surfaces and the surrounding air.
Mold is usually the result of some form of water damage, appearing within 48 hours of the original problem (and sooner if the water is sewage based). This makes it imperative to deal with water damage as it happens, to avoid such long term, potentially damaging and threatening issues.
The professionals at Water Damage Local.com are available 24/7/365 to handle any water damage or mold removal problem you may encounter. Our providers have a full staff of trained and experienced professionals, with the latest in water and mold removal gear as well as utilization of the latest techniques and procedures. They also offer a complete range of services designed to return your property to its former beauty.
Don’t let mold become a health hazard in your home. Keep you and your children safe and healthy by contacting the professionals at Water Damage Local.com.
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