Health effects associated with exposure to indoor damp spaces and mold

Molds and other fungi grow easily in damp indoor environments. People who spend time in such environments sometimes complain of respiratory effects, headaches, and other physical symptoms. In addition to visible or hidden mold, damp spaces likely harbor mold break-down products, dust mites, bacteria, and chemicals, gasses, and particulate matter released from the materials on which molds are growing. Given the difficulties in testing for all of these elements, hard evidence of precise cause-and-effect can be elusive.

Exposure to mold can increase issues with allergies, asthma, and infections...

Mold is no laughing matter and can go unnoticed for long periods. If left unchecked, mold can cause some other more serious health issues.

One recent medical diagnosis is "Toxic Mold Syndrome". This term is a legal construct, rather than a medical diagnosis, involving unidentified disease processes, a constellation of disparate symptoms, and reports of illness uncorroborated by a physical examination of the patients or a professional examination of their surroundings. Although "black mold" or "toxic mold" has been identified as a cause of human illness it is unknown if these molds are the cause of these diverse symptoms.

Another term is "Sick Building Syndrome". The Environmental Protection Agency defines "sick building syndrome" as "situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified". Those effects might include headache, fatigue, and irritation of skin, eyes, or throat, among others.

Most often, the symptoms above are linked to indoor air quality problems when a building is insufficiently ventilated or maintained. However it is possible for mold to be an indoor air contaminant.

It is best to hire a professional to examine and treat the space if needed...

The Professionals at ServiceMaster of Prescott can help you to address your mold issues. We will locate and remove mold and offer suggestions to keep it from coming back!

For more information, please contact us at 928-445-9205 or visit our website for more details http://www.servicemasterofprescott.com

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