Mold. You know what it looks like, velvety-like in appearance and green or black in coloring. And you probably know it grows and spreads where there’s moisture and humidity.
But do you know all the health hazards it creates?
Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces by creating spores. These spores float through the air and can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in people with existing respiratory problems, allergies, and a weak immune system.
For people with allergies, mold can produce similar symptoms to other allergies, such as:
- a blocked or runny nose
- an itchy nose
- an itchy throat
- sneezing
- watery eyes
People with a weakened immune system, such as those with uncontrolled HIV, organ transplant patients, or people undergoing cancer treatment, are at risk of severe health problems. Mold exposure could lead to:
- inflammation of the lungs
- bronchitis
- inflammation of the nasal cavity
- sinus fungal infection
- lower respiratory tract problems
Water and mold go hand in hand. If your property has sustained water damage due to a storm or flooding, you have between 24 and 48 hours to prevent mold from growing.
Think of the SFM Disaster Recovery crew as your first responders during a catastrophic event. The sooner we get started repairing the damage, the quicker you can stop worrying about the health risks. Add our number to your emergency plan for this storm season and we’ll be ready to assist.