Problems with mold can cause significant problems with your health, ranging from simple irritation to fever and infection. That doesn't mean you need to freak out if you find a spot of mold in your house, but it does mean you need to stop mold as soon as you find it--or better yet, simply prevent it.
Irritation
Mold is known to cause irritation in your eyes, nose, throat, lungs and skin. Such irritations can manifest themselves as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, rashes or itching. If you have allergies, they are likely to worsen in the presence of mold.
Asthma
Mold spores in the air can trigger asthma attacks or make an asthmatic person suffer more. Wheezing, tightness in your chest and shortness of breath are standard asthma symptoms, and you may experience one or all of them if you are exposed to mold.
Sickness and Infection
You may develop a fever or other temporary ailment if you have a more severe reaction to mold. If you have a chronic lung illness, it is also possible you may develop pneumonia.
Finding Mold
Mold grows in damp locations. Bathrooms and basements are prime habitats for mold. Additionally, places in your house that have experienced water damage--perhaps a leak under the sink or in the laundry room--are prone to developing mold problems.
Cleaning Mold
Cleaning mold can be a tricky job, depending on what in the house is moldy and how it needs to be cleaned. You should wear goggles, gloves and a face mask when cleaning mold to reduce your exposure to spores, and the best way to start is to throw out anything that can be junked. For larger patches of mold, or mold that has grown behind your walls, you will need to hire a professional. See the link in Resources to the Washington State Department of Health for mold-cleaning tips for your house and furniture.
Preventing Mold
Preventing mold is the best way to avoid mold and health problems. You're off to a good start if you keep your house well ventilated, repair leaky roofs and plumbing expediently, and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. You should also clean and vacuum your house regularly to remove mold spores and prevent them from multiplying.
