Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold is a very common issue throughout the state of Massachusetts. It can commonly be found in a home’s bathrooms, basement, kitchen, and other areas that are wet or damp. The most common causes of mold growth are leaking/burst pipes (often caused by freezing water during the winters) or flooding. Mold can also be found in food due to expiration. There are thousands of species of mold that range from benign and harmless to possibly life-threatening. But for the most part, most molds that we come in contact with cause only mild issues. That being said, certain people are at greater risk for those issues. Children, elderly, and anyone with a pre-existing breathing condition like asthma can be at risk of mold exposure.

What Are The Signs of Mold Exposure

Mold often grows in wet, damp, warm, and dark places. You may find mold while performing a routine cleaning of your home. However, mold can grow in the walls or between the gap of your floors and ceilings. Because mold can be difficult to see, you may not notice its effects in your home. Often, mold will negatively impact air quality. For the majority of people, mold causes minor allergy symptoms. These include:

• Red Eyes
• Itchy Eyes
• Watery Eyes
• Runny Nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Pain in Chest
• Difficulty Breathing

You may notice that these symptoms share a lot in common with many other contaminants. Having these symptoms does not ensure that you have a mold problem. In fact, pollen, dust, and other debris can cause these same problems. The clearest signs of mold in your home is visibly seeing mold or smelling mildew. Regardless, it is important to be aware of these symptoms. If you consistently have an issue with these symptoms, it is likely due to a contaminant like mold.

How To Prevent Mold Exposure

If you experience mold symptoms the first thing you should do is improve airflow in your building. Using fans and windows, you can cycle fresh air from outside into your home. The second thing you should do is clean and inspect your home. Removing dust and other debris may solve the problem. You may also notice mold while cleaning your home. Be alert and look in harder to see areas especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and your basement. If you see mold, consider working with a mold remediation specialist. IF you do not see mold, it may still be in your home. If you consistently have allergy symptoms and you do not know what is causing it, you should consider hiring a mold inspector to take air tests for your home.

Call ECS Carpet Cleaners

If you have an issue with air quality, consider calling ECS Carpet Cleaners. Our team provides a variety of services that help homes in Woburn, Arlington, and the Greater Boston area deal with poor air quality. With water damage cleanup, mold remediation, furniture cleaning, and carpet cleaning, we can make the air in your apartment, office or home safer to breathe.