The Dangers of Mold in Attics: Some Health Issues

Mold is a silent yet potentially dangerous intruder found in many homes. The attic is one of the most common places where mold exists due to its warm, moist environment and lack of airflow. Identifying the health issues associated with attic mold is essential in keeping your family safe and healthy.

Below, we will discuss the dangers of mold in attics, how to find its presence, and the steps you can take to prevent molds from growing. With the right knowledge, you can be sure that your family’s health is in order.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in a variety of different places. Most often, mold can be found in dark, damp, and humid areas such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. There are many different mold species, each of which has a unique look. Most molds have visible spores that can appear as fine, white dust, making them easier to identify. However, the color of the mold can vary depending on the species and where it grows.

There are three different types of molds according to the health risks they pose:

• Allergenic – This mold is often not dangerous and only causes an allergic reaction in some people. This reaction can show up in the form of itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and skin irritation. 

• Pathogenic – This mold is harmful to people and can lead to various health problems. Pathogenic mold can lead to serious health conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, and dermatitis, and it can even cause some people to become very ill.

Toxic – This type can be dangerous to humans and cause serious health issues. Toxic mold is rare, but we find it in areas where the environment is very humid. If toxic mold is left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the central nervous system and organs.

Treating Health Issues Caused by Mold

Health issues caused by mold exposure are serious and can affect many people, including children and the elderly. In addition to the health issues listed above, mold exposure in attics can also cause breathing difficulties, allergies, and throat or ear infections. If left untreated, mold exposure can lead to serious health issues, including heart or lung disease or even death. 

Breathing in mold spores can lead to a serious lung infection called aspergillosis or “mold syndrome.” The symptoms of mold syndrome include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In more serious cases, this disease can cause fluid to build up in the lungs and lead to aspiration pneumonia. 

You should be extra cautious about mold exposure if there are young children or older adults in your household. If you or a household member shows signs of a health issue caused by mold exposure, you should seek medical attention immediately.

How to Find Mold in Attics

You can identify the presence of mold in your attic by looking for signs of water damage, such as peeling paint or discoloration. Mold often appears as a black or dark green patch on the surface of wood or other materials. You can also detect a musty smell, a common mold characteristic.

If your attic has molds, you can take samples and send them to a lab for testing. Mold samples should be placed in a bag or container and not put directly on the surface of your attic or furniture.

When cleaning molds in your attic, wear a protective gear and a pair of gloves to prevent exposure. You should then clean the mold and dry out the area to prevent the spreading.

Prevention Strategies to Avoid Mold Exposure

Mold thrives in warm and moist environments. Thus, ensuring your attic does not become too humid is essential to prevent mold from growing. You can use a hygrometer to check the humidity levels. Unfortunately, attic humidity levels can easily reach 100% during the summer, so you should take steps to lower them. For example, you can use fans to circulate the air and install attic vent fans to create better air circulation.

You should also ensure that your roof is regularly inspected, as leaks and poor roof maintenance can lead to excess moisture—seal leaks in your roof and walls to prevent moisture from entering your attic. In addition, it would help to clean your gutters and catchment areas to prevent excess water from building up around your house. 

Summary

Mold is a dangerous fungus that doesn’t just grow in the attic, but also in many areas of the home that are prone to humidity. Its dangers are not limited to allergic reactions and breathing difficulties; it can also lead to serious health issues. When looking for molds in your attic, look for signs of water damage, a musty smell, or discoloration on woody surfaces. Lowering the humidity level in your home helps a great deal in the prevention of mold growth. And the sooner that you find mold in your attic, the sooner you need to clean it up. 

Mold is more than just an ugly sight; it can cause serious health issues if left unchecked. And while you can clean it by yourself, you will be putting your own health at risk especially if you don’t have any protective gear. Let PuroClean of Zephyrhills help eliminate molds in your home and get the peace of mind and health you and your family deserve. Contact us today!