No one wants mold in their house. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t get it. Mold is a type of fungi that grows after water exposure. It commonly develops after burst pipes, floods, and other types of water damage. Though mold puts your home at risk, it also affects the elderly. If your elderly parent lives with you and you have mold, call a mold remediation pro right away.
Common Symptoms of Mold Growth
If there’s mold inside your home, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Coughing/wheezing
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Skin irritation/itchiness/rashes
- Difficulty breathing/respiratory issues
- Congestion
- Gastrointestinal issues
Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between a mold allergy and regular cold and flu symptoms. The easiest way to discern between the two is to see when your symptoms flare up. If you feel fine in one room or outside, but start coughing inside, it’s probably mold. Traditional cold and flu symptoms won’t go away when you walk into another room.
Why Does Mold Affect the Elderly?
Unfortunately, the elderly can be more susceptible to the dangers of mold because their lungs and immune systems may be weaker. This makes it harder to fight off ailments when compared to other populations.
Some molds, such as black mold, may produce mycotoxins, which can have severe health effects, especially for those with weaker immune systems. If left untreated, prolonged exposure to this type of mold may lead to heart and lung issues, and even cancer.
How to Tell You Have a Mold Problem
If you notice your elderly parent coughing or wheezing a lot, you may want to call a mold remediation company to perform an inspection.
Additionally, you can check for some of the typical signs of mold. Look out for areas with discoloration or black/fuzzy spots. Also, watch out for any damp or wet areas. If a piece of wood is damp to the touch, chances are mold is nearby. Be mindful of foul odors as well.
The easiest way to prevent harmful mold growth is to call a mold remediation company as soon as you notice mold. Unfortunately, mold grows as quickly as 24 hours after water exposure. If you recently had a water leak, call a professional to clean it up and combat mold growth.
Protect Your Parents From Harmful Mold Growth. Let the Mold Remediation Team at California Steam Clean Help!
Did you recently notice mold at your parents’ house? What about at your house? The elderly population has a higher risk of illness from mold exposure.
If you find mold, call California Steam Clean for a consultation. Give us a ring at (707) 236-8798 to schedule an appointment. We proudly offer free estimates. Keep Mom and Dad healthy by calling California Steam Clean. We’ll tackle any type of mold growth.
