How Does Household Mold Affect Asthma?

Household mold causing asthma and allergy symptoms

Household mold and asthma frequently develop under the same roof. Asthma is a sensitivity in the air passages leading to the lungs. By itself, the asthmatic condition is frequently silent until some specific “trigger” is inhaled. Typically beginning with shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, an asthma attack can result in a variety of acute symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, a sensation of straining for air and excess congestion in the lungs.

It's In The Air

Indoors, asthma may be triggered by a variety of airborne irritants: dust, pollen, lint, pet dander, cigarette smoke, and air pollution. A common asthma trigger is spores released by household mold. Airborne mold spores contain mycotoxins that are a known respiratory allergen. In outdoor air, the concentration of mold spores is usually very diluted and does not cause symptoms in humans. Inside an enclosed structure, however, levels of these toxic microscopic particulates may become elevated to an extent sufficient to trigger a reaction in individuals with a predisposition to asthma.

Finding Mold And Fixing It

Effective asthma prevention includes reducing exposure to triggers in the indoor environment. An elevated spore count is one indicator of active mold growing somewhere inside the house that may be responsible for asthma reactions in occupants. The presence of chronic moisture that promotes mold growth is another red flag.

Professional mold remediation companies, like Rytech Restoration, utilize a proven treatment sequence to eliminate contamination:

Air sampling to determine spore count and estimate the extent of mold growth inside the house.
Locating all active mold growth and testing to establish the specific type.
Removal of active mold and sterilizing surfaces where mold growth occurred with EPA-approved fungicides.
Identifying and resolving ancillary causes inside the house that promote mold growth, including prior water damage and ongoing moisture issues such as plumbing or roof leaks.
Controlling indoor humidity to maintain safe levels that do not support mold growth.
Conducting one or more follow-up air samples inside the house to ensure that mold remediation is effective and mold growth has not recurred.

The relationship between household mold and asthma is undeniable. Mold spores, when concentrated in the confined environment of a home, can act as potent triggers for asthma attacks. It's not just about the presence of mold, but the conditions that allow it to thrive, which often go unnoticed until health symptoms arise. Addressing mold issues isn't merely about improving the aesthetics or even the structural integrity of a home; it's about safeguarding the health of its inhabitants. At Rytech Restoration, we understand the critical importance of a mold-safe environment, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. Our comprehensive approach ensures not only the removal of existing black mold but also the prevention of its return. By creating a safer, cleaner living space, we aim to help individuals breathe easier and live healthier. Remember, a proactive approach to prevention and remediation is a significant step towards ensuring a healthier home environment for everyone.

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