What Is Mold?

Mold might be welcome on fancy cheeses, but it's certainly far from a treasured guest in our homes. Most homeowners only acknowledge mold when it's discovered in some dark, dank corner of the basement or damp cabinet. Since the symptoms associated with the presence of mold are often ambiguous, they are easily mistaken for seasonal allergies or a simple cold.

Mold spores are ubiquitous, meaning that they're literally everywhere. In fact, most people breathe in mold spores every day, both indoors and outdoors, without even knowing it. Mold spores are harmful in large doses or over long periods of time, however, and even the healthiest person can be seriously affected. A mold problem in the home is especially dangerous to anyone with preexisting conditions, such as COPD and asthma, to the elderly, and to young children and babies. 

Common Mold Types

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these four types of mold are the most common:

• Cladosporium- This type of airborne mold is commonly found in decaying organic matter, specifically dirt or dead plant matter. 
• Penicillium- More commonly known for its medicinal uses, this widespread genus is responsible for saving many lives since its discovery. Exposure to the wrong strain of penicillium, however, can cause major health issues.
• Aspergillus- This very common type of mold is found both indoors and outdoors, and its presence typically only affects those already living with a compromised immune system. 
• Alternaria- This mold is brought about by decomposing organic matter, such as dead leaves, and is often cited as a major causative agent of asthma.

Is Mold Affecting Your Health?

Because the symptoms of mold toxicity can be rather ambiguous, it's easy to ignore the possibility of a mold contamination in the home until it becomes a serious danger to your health. Some symptoms of mold-related illness include:

• asthmatic aggravation (such as wheezing, coughing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest)
• cold symptoms (like a runny nose or sneezing)
• itching or watering eyes

Toxic mold syndrome is a serious disease caused by dangerous spores that can take up residence in your home without your knowledge, leading to more serious health issues. These include:

• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• feeling unusually confused or forgetful 
• depression
• chronic sinusitis
• bronchitis and pneumonia

Let Us Help!

If you are experiencing the symptoms of mold toxicity or have discovered a large amount of mold in your home, your first step should be to seek a diagnosis and any relevant treatment from your doctor. Without fully eradicating the mold from your home, however, you will continue to experience mold-related illnesses, which is why thorough remediation services are often necessary.

With BioClean CT, you'll have access to a comprehensive range of mold remediation, waterproofing, air-quality testing, and other professional services to meet your home or business's needs. We're committed to providing the highest level of satisfaction to our customers from beginning to end and, as always, our services are eco-conscious and safe for the environment. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!