How Mold Affects Your Health
How Mold Affects Your Health
Discover How Green Tree Environmental Tackles Hidden Mold to Ensure Safer, Healthier Indoor Spaces Across Central New York
Mold is more than just an unsightly nuisance in homes and businesses—it can pose serious health risks to those who are exposed to it. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the potential harm mold can cause, especially when it’s hidden behind walls or in damp, unseen areas.
At Green Tree Environmental, we specialize in mold remediation across Syracuse and Central New York, helping homeowners breathe cleaner, healthier air. Below, we outline how mold can impact your health and why it is essential to address mold issues once you discover them.
Respiratory Risks of Mold: What CNY Homeowners Need to Know
Mold spores can become airborne and irritate the respiratory system when inhaled, leading to various breathing problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both allergic and non-allergic individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that mold exposure can cause upper respiratory tract symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and stuffy noses in otherwise healthy people. Prolonged exposure can exacerbate conditions like chronic bronchitis, making it harder to breathe.
For individuals with asthma, mold exposure poses a significant risk. The EPA notes that molds can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. The CDC highlights that mold exposure can worsen asthma symptoms, particularly in children and older adults.
In 2004, the Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence linking mold exposure to asthma complications, while the World Health Organization (WHO) identified a connection between early mold exposure and the development of asthma in genetically susceptible children.
Long-Term Mold Exposure: Serious Risks You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Allergies and Skin Irritation: One of the most common health effects of mold is allergic reactions, including hay fever-like symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, red eyes, and skin rashes. The EPA confirms these reactions are common and may be immediate or delayed. For some, direct contact with mold can cause hives and skin irritation. Over time, prolonged exposure can increase sensitivity, even in those previously unaffected.
Chronic Sinus Issues: Mold spores can irritate nasal passages, leading to chronic sinus infections. Symptoms often include congestion, sinus headaches, and lingering discomfort. These issues align with findings that damp and moldy environments can cause stuffy noses, sore throats, and coughing.
Immune System Suppression: Mold exposure can be hazardous for individuals with compromised immune systems. The CDC warns that immune-compromised individuals or those with chronic lung disease may develop lung infections from mold exposure. Mold can suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to fight infections and illnesses.
Eye Irritation: Mold spores irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, and discomfort. If these symptoms frequently occur in specific areas of the home, mold may be the underlying cause.
Long-Term Exposure Risks: Chronic exposure to mold can lead to severe health problems. The EPA and CDC both point to conditions like hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which involves lung inflammation and scarring, as potential risks. Left untreated, such conditions can cause permanent lung damage.
Mental and Emotional Health: Living in a mold-infested environment can negatively impact mental and emotional health. Chronic exposure and related symptoms often lead to increased stress and anxiety. However, professional mold remediation can provide relief and restore peace of mind.
Why Address Mold Issues Immediately?
While mild exposure may cause only temporary symptoms like sneezing or mild irritation, the risks of long-term exposure are much more severe.
At Green Tree Environmental, we understand the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. We use advanced equipment to not only remove visible mold but also eliminate airborne spores that can cause lingering health issues.
If you or your family are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, we recommend contacting a mold remediation professional right away. Mold can be sneaky, growing in places you can’t easily see—like behind walls, under floors, or in your HVAC system. Green Tree Environmental provides thorough assessments and testing to identify mold growth and create an effective removal plan.
Breathe Easier with Expert Mold Removal Services
Don’t let mold compromise your health or the safety of your home. If you suspect mold contamination, Green Tree Environmental is here to help. With our expert mold remediation services, we can eliminate mold from your home and prevent future issues. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and breathe easier knowing your home is safe.
FAQs: Mold-Related Health Risks
Q: Can mold exposure make allergies worse?
A: Yes. Mold can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and asthma flare-ups. Long-term exposure can worsen respiratory conditions, especially in children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.
Q: How can I tell if my home’s air quality is affected by mold?
A: Signs include musty odors, frequent coughing, sinus infections, and worsening asthma symptoms. A professional mold inspection can confirm if mold spores are present in your air.
Schedule a professional mold inspection today.
Q: Is black mold the most dangerous type of mold?
A: Not necessarily. While Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) is well-known, many types of mold can cause health problems. The best approach is removing all mold, regardless of color.
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Green Tree Environmental
Two Locations!
115 N. Geddes St. Suite #1
Syracuse, NY 13204
356 Paradise Road
Central Square, NY 13036
scott@greentreeenvironmentalllc.com
(315) 447-8647
Service Areas include: Baldwinsville, Camillus, Canastota, Clay, East Syracuse, Elbridge, Fayetteville, Jamesville, Liverpool, Manlius, North Syracuse, Onondaga, Skaneateles, Syracuse & more.