Asthma is a common childhood malady, but one that may actually be magnified by exposure to mold at an early age. A recent study has concluded that infants exposed to mold stand a much greater chance of developing asthma problems later in life, nearly three times more likely to exhibit symptoms by age 7.
A spokesperson for the University of Cincinnati, who was responsible for the study, says that this knowledge should motivate expectant parents to properly repair and correct water damage or other water related problems in their homes that might make it possible for mold to grow and thrive.
The study examined the factors involved with childhood asthma in 176 children, followed from their birth in the Cincinnati area. Mold levels in the individual homes were monitored and measured according to EPA standards, and the children were evaluated for asthma when they reached the age of 7.
18% of the children had asthma by that time, and it was determined that children living in homes with a high mold count during their first year of life were more than twice (2.6 times) as likely to suffer from asthma as opposed to those who lived in a home with a much lower mold count.
Other considerations were also factored in, including the family history of asthma problems, as well as allergic sensitization to dust mites and other aggravating factors.
A properly air conditioned home was also shown to help alleviate the effects of mold.
Almost 10% of all school aged children will suffer from asthma at some point. Asthma is easily recognized by a nagging cough as well as shortness of breath and wheezing that may require emergency treatment.
Mold is of course, the most common byproduct of any type of water damage in the home, often appearing in as little as 48 hours following a water damage event, spreading rapidly, and proving almost impossible to remediate. Mold brings with it a variety of health issues, not just asthma, but other respiratory problems, lung disease, neurological disorders, and in rare cases, even death. Mold related deaths are rare, but have occurred where mold was encountered and inhaled in high enough concentrations. Better to be safe than sorry.
Far too many property owners mistakenly think that it is enough to simply kill the mold. This is a mistake.
Like a monster in some grade B horror movie, mold will simply return after a period of time. The affected area will need to be properly treated to make it a less hospitable area for mold to grow and thrive. Proper cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing is required, along with decreasing the moisture and humidity levels and improving ventilation.
Water Damage Local.com is a nationwide network of water restoration professionals, available 24/7, with a full staff of IICRC certified technicians, the latest in gear and procedures, and offering a full range of services, including mold remediation. All work is fully guaranteed for one year, meaning you can rest assured of a job done right.
For all of your mold removal and other water restoration needs, call the professionals at Water Damage Local.com
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