The Hidden Dangers of Mold on Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is a hot topic these days and for all the right reasons. The shocking revelations of premature deaths, environmental and health risks, and blazing stats for the polluted indoor air by WHO have tensed people all around the world.

You might’ve noticed that people prefer spending time indoors, 60% to 90%, according to the American Lung Association. And consider it a safe practice, specifically after Covid. But to your surprise, indoor air pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors, leading to higher death rates globally. Indoor air has many unknown pollutants for which people lack awareness. These indoor air pollutants may include dust, dander, smoke, particulates, and majorly unnoticed – mold.

In this blog, we’ll focus on mold and how it degrades indoor air quality. We will explore what health or structural damages it causes and the signs by which you can catch it.

What’s more?

Noble Property Inspections will walk you through the prevention tips so you can better prepare your home and family against mold beforehand.

Hidden Dangers of Mold You Might Not Know Before

People often take mold casually, which is the root cause of its uncontrolled damage to indoor air quality. Mold goes beyond a musty smell and green or black stains as it can cause severe damage – structurally and health-wise. This may eventually harm your family's health and cause safety concerns. And it devalues your property, too.

So, let's delve deeper into how mold impacts indoor air quality.

- Health Damages

Mold releases tiny spores that spread through the air. These spores go unnoticed and, when inhaled, cause serious health issues. The mold-patched wall or ceiling may look harmless but could be the reason for numerous fatal diseases. Let’s explore some of them.

- Respiratory Issues

Mold cells can cause symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and even asthma attacks when they enter your respiratory tract. Patients who already have respiratory disorders are more susceptible to these mold attacks.

- Allergies

Mold is a common allergen causing skin rashes, burning or watery eyes, and nasal congestion. Long-term mold exposure can make these allergies even worse.

- Mycotoxins

Some molds release mycotoxins, which are highly toxic for your kids and pets. And the worst part: exposure to mycotoxins for a long time can cause fatal health issues such as neurological problems and immuno-suppression.

- Chronic Illness

The latest findings suggest that mold exposure causes some chronic diseases, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. These chronic illnesses can adversely affect the life quality.

Structural Damages

Mold doesn’t just affect your health. It also compromises your building’s structure. Whether your property is older or just built, it can be subject to mold if left unchecked. Eventually, you’ll face safety issues, weakened structures, and whatnot.

Here are some of the structural damages caused by mold:

- Weakened Structures

Organic materials like wood, drywall, and insulation can fall to mold. It breaks down these materials over time, causing structural weakness. Wooden furniture or drywall structures can also lose their strength, sparkle, and stability due to mold.

- Drywall Damage

Mold often hides behind walls, causing water leaks and moisture, resulting in drywall damage. Mold can also soften the drywall structure, giving it a crumbled and stained look. Long exposure may cost complete replacement.

- Rot and Decay

Mold is to blame for the rot of your wooden furniture. Because mold breeds on wood. And as it eats away the dense cellulose, the wood gets structurally weaker.

- Insulation Problems

Mold in insulation material reduces the effectiveness and thermal resistance of your home. It results in higher utility costs and poor indoor air quality.

- HVAC System Damage

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is most prone to mold, which makes it spread throughout the building. It can lead to clogged air ducts or coils, poor air quality, reduced efficiency, or damaged HVAC components.

Signs That Mold Is Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality

Once you know the alarming signs of mold on indoor air quality - you can take precautions accordingly. Here are some red flags you must consider

- Musty Odor

If you constantly notice a musty smell, look for mold stains and patches. It is a clear indication of mold growth in your place.

- Visible Mold

You can look for visible mold on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. It will look like dark spots such as stains or discoloration. You can also identify it by its color, black and green, or texture.

- Health Symptoms

If you or your family are constantly falling sick or facing allergies, respiratory issues, coughing, or sneezing, it’s time you get indoor air quality testing. By testing your air quality, you can detect the guilty party - mold.

- Water Leaks

Moisty areas having water leaks create ideal conditions for mold to grow. These areas of concern are best highlighted through proper air quality testing. That’s why keep an eye on these areas to prevent poor indoor air quality.

Tips To Prevent Mold To Maintain Indoor Air Quality

Now that you know mold damage and its impact on indoor air quality, it's time we walk you through some preventative measures. Following these tips, you can prevent mold and its impact on indoor air quality.

- Control Humidity

As you can infer, mold grows in a highly humid environment. Therefore, maintaining the humidity to 50% or using dehumidifiers can limit mold growth.

- Proper Ventilation

You should ensure proper kitchen, bathroom, and attic ventilation. It will reduce any moisture buildup there.

- Regular Cleaning and Inspecting

Regular cleaning and inspecting is the key to mitigating mold risks and damages. Therefore, vacuum-clean your home daily to remove any spores. Moreover, arrange a professional air quality test once in a while to constantly check the mold in your home.

- Get an Indoor Air Quality Test

Getting a professional indoor air quality test from a reputable company like Noble Property Inspections will ensure your family's well-being and your property's marketability. Moreover, it will save you time, money, and effort.

Conclusion

Wrapping up our discussion so far, mold is not an element to be taken lightly. It can badly impact indoor air quality, leading to hazardous diseases and safety issues. Now that you know the impact of mold on indoor air quality, what’s next? Getting your indoor air tested by experts, of course!