What is Mold? How Harmful is it?
What is mold?
Mold is a living, breathing organism that belongs to the kingdom of Fungi. It is ubiquitous in nature, making up 25% of our biosphere. Mold is a crucial component of life that is responsible for the breakdown of organic material and acts as a recycling mechanism for decomposing organic matter. This amazing mechanism takes on many different shapes and forms and spans over 100,000 species.
Molds have the potential to be harmful to one’s health. Molds create allergens (compounds that can cause allergic responses), irritants, and even poisonous substances in some situations (mycotoxins). In susceptible people, inhaling or handling mold or mold spores may induce allergic responses.
Hay fever-like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash are examples of allergic reactions (dermatitis). Mold allergies are rather frequent. They might be both immediate and delayed.
Molds can also trigger asthma episodes in persons who are allergic to mold.
Moreover, mold exposure can irritate both mold-allergic and non-allergic people’s eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Inhaling mold does not often cause symptoms other than allergic and irritating reactions.
Keep in mind:
- Moisture management is the key to mold control.
- If mold is a problem in your house, you should clean it up immediately and address the water issue.
- To avoid mold formation, dry water-damaged places and belongings within 24-48 hours.
One of the best mold testing businesses in the tri-state region is Caspi Service Group. Call us to set up a consultation if you believe you have been exposed to mold at home or work before it affects your health . For businesses and residences, we offer mold testing, mold remediation problems, and water and fire damage restoration in Hamilton/Burlington/Oakville/St. Catharine’s/Niagara Falls.
