Mold and bacteria can form even in the slightest cases of water damage. If this water damage is hidden, it can spread throughout your ventilation system and put you and your employee's health at risk. Mold can also multiply after water damage and create dangerous variants, including black mold and aspergillus mold.
If you have damp and mould in your home you're more likely to have: respiratory problems. respiratory infections. allergies.
Sleeping in a house with water damage is not safe because it exposes you to various health risks. These include respiratory issues, allergies, infections, and the potential for accidents due to weakened structures.
It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.
Persistent Respiratory Problems
One of the most common warning signs of mold toxicity is persistent respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. If you or your family members experience these symptoms, especially when at home, it could be a sign of mold presence.
Musty Smell
If you think there's mold in your walls, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets. This might sound silly, but it may help you sense mold if it's growing within walls. Outlets have better access to the area behind the walls. Thus, smelling them can help identify the mold problem.
For most people symptoms will go away in 1 to 3 days, assuming their exposure is limited and the mold is cleaned up/avoided. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor. They can prescribe an allergy medication or provide other treatment ideas to make sure you are feeling better.
Water damage usually looks like pooled water in yellow, orange, or brown stains while mold comes in darker shades like black, green, blue, or grey. In addition, water damage causes bubbling, buckling, warping, or peeling of surfaces. Mold appears fuzzy and slimy and smudges when touched.
Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.
Water can cause significant damage to your home, including mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and structural irregularities. If you have water damage on walls or ceilings, it is important to take action immediately before it worsens or causes very serious structural damage.
Exposure to a damp bedroom environment can precipitate health risks including allergies, asthma exacerbations, respiratory problems, and a heightened risk of infections in the airways. Dealing with issues related to dampness and mould is crucial for averting these possible adverse health effects.
Mould Growth
It can cause health problems or exacerbate existing ones, such as allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. Mould reproduces by producing spores, which need water to start growing. When the drywall is exposed to water, mould spores may start growing in it.
Damp and mould predominantly affect the airways and lungs. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death. The respiratory effects include: general symptoms such as cough, wheeze and shortness of breath.
If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.
Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.
However, some common signs that may indicate mold exposure include: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and frequent sinus infections. Rashes, itching, burning sensations, and persistent skin irritation.
Urine mycotoxin tests are ideal for testing yourself (and your family members) for mycotoxin exposure. They're absolutely painless, totally non-invasive, and incredibly easy to use.
Mold can make you sick in 3 ways (1) allergic reaction (2) Invasive fungal infection (3) Mycotoxin poisoning.
Dip a clean cotton swab into a diluted bleach solution and dab it on your wall. If the area brightens after a while, it is mold. Dirt/dust won't react with bleach. It is mold if you smell something earthy, damp, or musty.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.