Feeling Sick at Home? It Could Be Mold
Have you ever had a stuffy nose or a cough that just won't go away? Sometimes, the reason you feel sick could be hiding in your house. It’s called mold, and it loves to grow in damp, wet places. Let's learn about the signs of mold and what you can do to keep your home safe and healthy.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus, which is in the same family as mushrooms. It’s a natural part of the world and is found almost everywhere, inside and outside. In the outdoors, mold is a helper because it breaks down things like dead leaves. But when a lot of it grows inside your house, it can be a problem.
Mold grows from tiny seeds called spores that float in the air. You can’t see them, but they are all around us. These spores can get into your house through open doors and windows or by riding on your clothes and even your pets.
The most important thing mold needs to grow is water. That’s why you often find it in wet places like:
Bathrooms with a lot of steam
Basements that are damp
Around a leaky pipe under the sink
Near windows that get wet
If you find a leak or a spill, drying it up within one or two days can stop mold from starting to grow.
What About "Black Mold"?
You might have heard people talk about scary "black mold." While some mold is black, many types of mold can be black, green, or brown. The color of the mold doesn't mean it's more dangerous. The most important thing to know is that
all mold inside a house should be cleaned up, no matter what color it is.
How Mold Can Make You Feel Sick
When mold is growing in your house, it can make some people feel sick. This usually happens because of an allergy to the mold spores in the air. Your body thinks the spores are germs and tries to fight them off. This can give you symptoms that feel a lot like a cold or seasonal allergies.
Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure:
A Stuffy or Runny Nose: This is one of the most common signs. You might feel like you always have a cold.
Sneezing a Lot: If you find yourself sneezing whenever you're in a certain room, it could be a sign of mold.
Itchy, Watery Eyes: Mold in the air can make your eyes red, itchy, and watery, just like pollen does in the spring.
Coughing: A dry cough that doesn’t go away can also be a symptom.
Itchy Skin or a Rash: Sometimes, mold can make your skin itchy or cause a rash.
Do your "allergies" seem to last all year? Do you feel better when you're away from home? If so, you might have a mold problem.
Who Needs to Be Extra Careful?
Anyone can be affected by mold, but some people need to be extra careful.
Kids and Babies: Children's bodies are still growing, which can make them more sensitive to mold. Because they breathe faster than adults, they can also breathe in more mold spores.
People with Asthma or Allergies: For someone with asthma, mold is a common trigger that can cause an asthma attack, making it hard to breathe.
Older Adults and People with Weak Immune Systems: People who are older or are already sick can have a harder time fighting off the effects of mold. For them, it's very important to live in a mold-free home.
What to Do If You Think You Have Mold
If you see or smell mold, don't worry! Here is a simple plan to take care of it.
1. Be a Mold Detective Use your eyes and nose to find the problem. Look for colored spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Sniff the air for a musty or earthy smell, which is a big clue that mold is hiding somewhere.
2. Stop the Water! You can't get rid of mold without getting rid of the water it needs to grow.
Fix Leaks: Fix any leaky pipes, roofs, or windows right away.
Keep the Air Dry: Use fans in the bathroom when you shower and in the kitchen when you cook. If you have one, a dehumidifier can help pull water out of the air.
Dry Spills Fast: If something gets wet, dry it completely within 24 to 48 hours.
3. Clean Up Small Mold Spots If the moldy spot is small (smaller than a 3-foot by 3-foot square), you can probably clean it yourself.
Stay Safe: Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask (like an N-95 respirator) to protect yourself.
Scrub It: Use soap and water to scrub the mold off hard surfaces like tile or glass. Then, dry the spot completely.
Throw It Out: If mold is on something soft like a carpet or ceiling tile, it’s usually best to throw it away.
Don't Paint Over It: Never paint over mold. You have to clean it off first.
4. Know When to Call for Help If the mold covers a large area, or if you think it's inside your walls, it's time to call a professional mold cleaner. They have special tools and training to get rid of mold safely.
By keeping your home dry and clean, you can stop mold before it starts and make sure your family has a healthy place to live.
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