Did you know that mold exposure can lead to serious health risks? From allergy-like respiratory symptoms to even cancer, mold has the potential to inflict severe harm on exposed individuals. And while many symptoms may seem mild at first, they can develop into significant and potentially life-threatening medical problems down the road if the mold exposure continues.
The very real dangers of mold exposure are what inspired the creation of National Mold Awareness Month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What Are the Effects of Mold On Your Health?
Observed every September, National Mold Awareness month was designed to inform, educate and raise awareness about the adverse health effects due to exposure to indoor molds and mycotoxins. Some common symptoms of mold exposure can include:
- Skin irritation
- Allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough and itchy eyes
- Respiratory issues
- Nose bleeds
- Colds and flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Mold-induced asthma episodes or irritation
How Can You Prepare For Mold Awareness Month?
In observance of National Mold Awareness Month, here are some ways that you can take action to spread the word about mold this September:
- Carefully check your home for mold. If you've been holding off on inspecting your home, do it now. There's no reason to wait for the mold to grow out of control, increasing your risk of sickness and damage to your property. Be on the lookout for any leaky pipes or plumbing issues that can create excess moisture in small, poorly ventilated spaces such as the basement, attic, bathrooms and garage. If you see any leaky pipes, repair them immediately and check the area for mold. If you’re unsure of what to do, call a mold remediation expert for help, they have the tools and know how to identify and assess what needs to be done to address the damage.
- Prevent any future mold growth. Dry out and ventilate areas of your home regularly, especially small, damp areas of your home such as your bathrooms, basements, or crawl spaces. Bathrooms require ventilation fans to run for at least 30 minutes after a shower or bath to ensure that the area is adequately dry in order to prevent mold.
- Study your mold facts. Check the ServiceMaster Restore blog for all the information and instructions you need to address [or] deal with specific molds in unique areas of your home. it is recommended to talk to an expert so you know what you’re dealing with and avoiding potential health hazards.
- Spread the word. Have your friends and family check for mold in their homes as well, especially if you suspect that they are showing symptoms of prolonged exposure to mold. Because of the potential danger that mold poses, help your loved ones who are older or have health concerns as they are more susceptible to the effects of mold.
- Call the experts. For serious mold issues, remember that you can always trust the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore to remediate the problem. Let our experts put their training, experience and professional-grade equipment to work to safely treat and kill mold as quickly as possible, so that your home and health can be restored. With our proven expertise, you can rest assured that we have the know-how to address mold damage in your home quickly, safely and completely.
Rely On the Experts For Mold Remediation
Make sure that mold exposure can't affect you, your family or your home's structural integrity by participating in Mold Awareness Month every September. Knowing how to address mold in your home can help you prevent costly home damage while also preventing health damages to your family. If you have found yourself in a situation where you are struggling with mold or need mold remediation services for your home, find a ServiceMaster Restore location near you to help remedy your situation.