It’s estimated that there are more than 1.5 million species of mold. Most mold lives outdoors and serve beneficial purposes; but when it grows inside a home or business they become a real problem. Mold isn’t just unsightly and damaging to a building’s structural integrity, it can also result in serious health issues for some people. If you suspect you have mold in your home, it’s always best to contact the experts, such as American Restoration Water & Fire, to address the situation immediately.
Take for example the case of Melinda Ballard. In the early 2000s, she and her family became gravely ill as a result of mold exposure in their Texas home. The issues in the Ballard home began in the late 90s, when roof leaks and busted pipes led to water damage. Ballard’s insurance company delayed water damage restoration, thereby allowing the mold to further spread throughout the home.
The health effects were devastating. Melinda Ballard’s son had trouble breathing, regularly coughed up blood and suffered horrible migraines, while her husband experienced memory issues. And while the Ballard’s story is unfortunate, they’ve become tragic heroes in the sense that they started the conversation on the potential health consequences of mold exposure.
While most people don’t experience the severe side effects from mold exposure that Ballard and her family did, mold does take its toll on many people. Specifically, those who have allergies may have more regular and severe allergic reactions. Mold can also cause respiratory issues, especially among those who experience asthma or emphysema. People with a compromised immune system are also likely to experience the health effects from mold exposure. Aside from respiratory and allergy issues, common side effects of mold exposure include skin irritation, eye irritation, nasal congestion and regular headaches.
Mold may not just take a toll on your home, but your health too. Contact American Restoration Water & Fire for more information on mold remediation.
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