Health Risks of Mildew
Imagine going into a home in humid, warm weather. Imagine that the home was closed up for a period of time, as perhaps a summer home. Once inside the home, you would certainly smell something musty, stale as well as feel a heavy, thick air. This is all caused by mold, which is what mildew is. The odor and feel of mildew, however, is not the only problem it creates. For many, mildew can be a nightmare as it is scientifically proven to cause breathing problems, allergies and other ailments.
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What Is Mildew
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Mold spores are in the air continually and when they land on a moist spot in warm conditions, they will begin feeding and growing where they land. Mold is a fuzzy growth that needs warm, humid conditions to live. Consequently, indoor areas that are high in moisture in a warm climate would be an ideal ground for mildew to thrive. Mildew, if conditions remain humid and warm, will continue to grow and ultimately, cause a wide array of respiratory ailments.
Allergies and Mildew
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Roughly 15 percent of Americans are allergic to mold, which causes severe reactions such as hay fever, itching, nose and throat irritation and congestion. These conditions may persist the entire time the individual is exposed to mildew, and in some cases, even after he or she leaves it. Medication is usually required for a reaction to subside. Those who do not suffer from allergies may also experience allergy-like symptoms from mildew.
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Mildew and Asthma
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Mildew is considered one of the top triggers for asthmatics. The spores agitate bronchial tubes and cause them to tighten. Airborne mold spores that enter your lungs can cause asthma-like symptoms even in individuals who do not have asthma, but have been exposed to mildew over a long-term basis. Shortness of breath, difficulty inhaling or exhaling and agitation are all symptoms of mildew exposure.
Mildew and the Immune System
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These spores do not only torment those with allergies and asthma, but also can create a huge problem for those individuals with weakened immune systems. Mildew can cause infections in these individuals, requiring immediate medical care. The airborne spores go into the lungs and rest there, leading to infections.
Other Health Concerns
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Mildew can also cause skin irritations in healthy individuals. One such irritation is athlete's foot, which is caused from mold spores, as the foot provides a damp and warm place for the mold to thrive. Mildew can also cause skin irritations that include, but are not limited to, itchiness, redness and peeling.
Getting Rid of Mildew
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The best way to combat mold is to control the moisture of the afflicted area. Remember, mildew needs moisture to live; to remove it would be to destroy it. There are dehumidifiers available that pull moisture out of the air. As for the areas affected, bleach is a sure way to destroy mildew, although a less toxic cleanser can be effective as well. Beware of summer homes that have been sitting unoccupied and closed up, as these are breeding grounds for mold. Before occupying a summer home, the ideal situation would be to have an dehumidifier running year-round, occupied or not.
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