HEALTH ISSUES AND MOLD

Exposure to mold spores manifests in allergy-type symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion, cough, wheezing or difficulty breathing, sore throat, skin or eye irritation, and upper respiratory infection. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks vary greatly from one location to another and from person to person. One thing for sure though, prolonged exposure to excessive mold spores will negatively affect almost anyone's health. Infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk to mold exposure, as well as individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions. For these people, a mold inspection is very important for their good health.

Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds called mycotoxins although not always. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins. Black mold, called stachybotrys, is known to be particularly harmful.

People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants, for example, by touching moldy surfaces, and by swallowing it. Once a mold colony forms it can spread rapidly releasing millions of tiny spores into the air in search of new places to grow and spread. If you suspect you have a mold problem, you should call Strictly Business Mold Inspections today.

This is what the Environmental Protection Agency said about mold in March 2001: "All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants."

If you suspect that you have a mold problem and need remediation, call Strictly Business Mold Inspection. Strictly Business serves Brooklyn and Staten Island in New York, and in New Jersey, the cities and towns of Princeton, New Brunswick, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Belmar, Camden, Manasquan, Trenton, Point Pleasant and Morristown, among others. Mold inspection services are also provided in the Philadelphia area.