Can House Mold Make You Sick?

Though molds are common in most buildings and houses, there is at least one kind of mold that you need to watch out for. Stachybotrys chartarum can cause allergy-like symptoms including hay fever and difficulty breathing. It can also cause an increased risk of infection.

Identification

Look for mold in areas of your home that may store water, such as the laundry room, around windows and outside doors, and in the shower. Check for black mold growing in these areas.

Effects

Mild reactions to house mold may include a stuffy nose and eye irritation. More serious reactions are fever, shortness of breath and lung problems.

Considerations

There are a few things you can do to safeguard your home against mold. Clean your bathroom with mold-killing products, remove any carpeting from bathrooms and use an air conditioner during humid months.

Types

If you find mold inside your home, have it tested to find out which type it is. You can get a qualified environmental lab to take mold samples from your home and have it tested. It is generally advised, though, to remove any mold that you find, no matter which type it is.

Misconceptions

Though most people think mold in the home is a reason to move out, it can easily be removed with a little hard work. A thorough cleaning with a bleach solution should remove mold from most surfaces.

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[sedenfield]

on 9/28/2009 i am 39 f and i live in a house thats 50 + yrs old i cant breath good nausea and need help is there anyone out there who can help me> please?