What Are the Hidden Dangers of Mold?
Silent, invisible, and dangerous—all used to describe a toxic substance that could very well be growing in your very home: black mold. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, knowing the dangers and warning signs of mold can help you take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones while making your home safer.
How Mold Forms in Homes
Generally speaking, mold can grow in any place that is wet or humid. When it forms within homes, it’s often the result of water damage. Despite its name, black mold can come in a wide range of colors including black, grey, green, white, blue, orange, pink, yellow, red, or a combination of colors.
Mold can appear in just about any place, but will often appear in dark areas that you may not see very often and don’t get much ventilation or light, such as:
- Cabinets
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Attics
- Ceiling tiles
- Underside of carpets
- Behind furniture
- Inside drywall
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Walls around pipes
The Dangers of Mold and How to Treat It
In many cases, indoor mold is not toxic, however, it can cause negative effects on human health. According to Everyday Health, mold exposure increases the risk of problems such as allergies, asthma, and even depression. Other symptoms that may arise include red eyes, sneezing, red eyes, and rashes.
The best way to prevent mold in your home is through moisture control:
- Check for water and spills and fix them right away
- Know the signs of water damage in your home
- Keep your gutters clean and functional
- Watch for condensation on walls and windows
- Perform routine maintenance on all appliances that use water
- Avoid having carpet in commonly wet areas, such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms
If you experienced mold in your home as a result of water damage, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Tulsa water damage claims attorneys for a free policy review. You may be entitled to reimbursement related to having the mold in your home removed.
Contact Aizenman Law Group at 631-769-8431 to speak with our legal team for free today.