Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a significant issue today. EPA studies show that indoor air is up to 5 times or more polluted than the exterior air! Since the average person spends 90% of their time indoor, you can see why IAQ has become such a serious health concern! Mold may be an issue that you are completely unaware of.
At AirCheck Environmental, we specialize in testing of the indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings. Mold is the most common indoor air quality problem we see today. Estimates put 47%+ of buildings in the united states have a mold problem. Hidden in the shadows of our homes, mold and its toxic byproducts mycotoxins, can have serious health consequences. Mold causes asthma in children and can cause acute attacks in adults suffering with asthma
Key Stats
- 21% of asthma cases in the U.S. could be linked to dampness and mold in the home.
- Mold-related infections have an economic impact of $5.6 billion annually in the U.S. while asthma adds another $16.8 billion.
- Home resale values can drop 20-37% due to mold issues.
How Many Homes Have Mold?
There is always a little mold everywhere, whether in the air or on surfaces. Mold only becomes a problem in a home when the concentration of spores is greater than what is found outside.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates based on an analysis of several studies that 47% of residential buildings in the U.S. have visible mold or mold odor.
Water damage is a leading cause of mold in buildings. Here are a few more stats that can shed some light on the prevalence of dampness and mold in the U.S.
- 47% of residential buildings have a mold issue.
- 30% of schools in the U.S. have plumbing problems.
- 27% of schools have roofing problems that could lead to interior or exterior water leakage.
- 85% of commercial office buildings have experienced water damage in the past. Water damage is a major contributing factor to mold growth.
What Causes Mold in A House?
Mold in a house is typically caused by excess moisture or humidity. Some common sources of moisture that can lead to mold growth include:
- Water leaks from pipes, roofs, or windows.
- Flooding or water intrusion from heavy rain or storms.
- High indoor humidity, especially in areas with poor ventilation.
- Condensation on cold surfaces like windows and walls.
- Dampness in basements, crawl spaces, or attics.
- Poorly maintained or malfunctioning HVAC systems.
- Wet or damp materials, such as carpets, upholstery, or clothes.
- Inadequate ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- Insufficient or improper insulation in walls or ceilings.
- Building materials with high moisture content during construction.
If these sources of moisture are not addressed promptly, mold spores present in the indoor environment can settle and start to grow on surfaces, leading to mold infestations. To prevent mold growth, it’s essential to control moisture levels and address any water issues in the house promptly.
How Does Mold Affect Health?
Mold can have various effects on people, and the extent of the impact depends on factors such as the type of mold, the individual’s sensitivity, and the amount of exposure. Some common ways mold affects people include:
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of mold spores can trigger respiratory problems, especially in individuals with allergies or asthma. It may cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion. In fact, 96% of people with chronic sinus infections got them as a result of overexposure to mold. (Mayo Clinic)
- Allergic Reactions: Mold can induce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes.
- Irritation: Mold exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs, causing discomfort and potential inflammation.
- Aggravation of Existing Conditions: For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions or immune system disorders, exposure to mold can worsen their symptoms or lead to more severe health issues.
- Systemic Effects: In rare cases, exposure to mold and mycotoxins has been associated with more severe health effects, such as fatigue, headaches, cognitive difficulties, and immune system suppression.
Mold & Asthma
Studies have revealed a clear link between damp buildings and asthma symptoms in individuals who already have asthma. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that damp buildings can also contribute to the development of new-onset asthma in some cases. Here are some stats about the link between mold and asthma.
- 21% of asthma cases in the U.S. could be linked to dampness and mold. (WHO)
- Dampness and mold are associated with a 30-50% increase in rates of respiratory illnesses. (WHO)
- About 4.6 million asthma cases in the U.S. are caused by mold. (EPA)
- Removing mold from the home reduces asthma-related symptoms by 25-45%. (WHO)