Mold & Allergens in Greater Philadelphia

Allergies and Mold

Mold is consisted of microorganisms that are usually found in dark, damp, and humid areas. Places such as your basement, attic or crawl space are the perfect breeding grounds, especially if they have been ignored for long periods of time. A small patch of mold might not be so much of a threat, but if left untreated and given the opportunity to spread and grow, it can heavily affect one’s health – with sensitive individuals being the most vulnerable.

When molds “reproduce,” they diffuse their spores into the air. The spores attach themselves onto nearby surfaces to start the cycle once more, but those that are airborne, can find themselves moving into the lungs of unsuspecting victims. If a person is exposed for too long they could experience the following symptoms, which can lead to allergies, respiratory problems and in extreme cases, even lung cancer.

• A runny or stuffy nose
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
• Coughing and sneezing
• Shortness of breath
• The tightening of the chest

To control this kind of allergy, avoiding mold completely whenever possible -- and although it will be nearly impossible to avoid mold outdoors, indoors you can successfully limit your exposure to it by making sure your home is healthy and dry.

Preventing The Growth of Mold The Right Way

A lot of problems begin with mold, and the best solution to deal with the organisms is to remove the conditions that caused them to grow in the first place. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use, to keep mold from growing in your home.

• Fix any foundation leaks or cracks to reduce moisture buildup from ground water seepage
• Repair any pipe or plumbing leaks in your home
• Use an antibacterial spray or cleaner when cleaning your home
• Immediately dry heavily soaked items
• Encapsulate your entire crawl space, separating it from the outside air
• Perform routine mold inspections around your property
• Keep your ventilations and ductwork clean
• Ensure your dryer vents are properly vented outside
• Install a dehumidification system in your basement or crawl space