When we hear water damage in a home, most of us think submerged flooring, soggy carpets, damp drywall, and, above all, the hassle of repairs. But, underneath all the moisture and inconvenience, there is one hidden consequence that isn’t apparent right away but will surely sneak up after the water is gone and the fans are turned off: household mold.
Whether it’s tucked away from view underneath the floorboards or thriving beneath the tiles, mold is a silent and slow-moving threat that thrives in shadowy spots and poorly ventilated areas.
In today’s post, we break down the main reasons why mold is a serious health hazard that requires immediate attention from proven plumbing companies in Otay Ranch. For most people, and especially vulnerable populations, mold can be a trigger for serious health complications. Let’s break down exactly how mold can turn from a household nuisance to a real health concern.
Does house mold affect your health?
If you think that mold is an eyesore that just needs a cosmetic cleanup, think again. If you’ve had a recent water damage episode in your home, there is a real danger of mold development. Even if everything looks fine, it’s important to call in the pros to do an inspection because mold won’t be visible to an untrained eye for the first 2 to 3 weeks since the incident.
The sooner you detect issues, the easier it will be to remediate the problem. If left untreated, mold will start feeling comfy in your home and won’t leave until the pros chase it away. Here’s why ignoring musty odors and ugly spots in the corner is not an option:
1. Respiratory complications
One of the first places that mold tends to hit us is our lungs. This particularly applies to individuals with weakened immune systems and known respiratory problems like asthma. Mold spores are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. If left untreated, they become airborne and end up in our lungs through inhalation. If you’ve suffered from a scratchy throat or sneezing after residential water damage, call pros without delay!
2. Flared-up allergies
A person who’s sensitive to mold spores will act as a canary in the coal mine in a home. When exposed to a mold-infested space, they will start experiencing a full-blown allergic reaction. From watery eyes and itchy skin in mild cases to rashes and even hives in more complicated ones, the problem with mold is that it won’t just go away like seasonal allergies as the year goes by.
3. Chronic sinusitis
Are your sinuses going wild? Do you have a chronic headache that is making you miserable for days? Mold may be the culprit. When they come into contact with the tissues lining our sinuses, they can cause irritation, inflammation, and chronic sinus problems. While sinuses are notorious for their unpredictability, if you’ve had water damage recently, there is a great chance that mold is wrecking your sinuses from the inside out.
4. Skin irritation
While for some people, it’s the lungs, for others, it’s the sinuses, prolonged mold exposure can also affect the skin. The worst part? Your skin doesn’t even have to come into contact with the mold. Even if you never touch it, airborne spores (yes, those again!) are enough to trigger a reaction. Whether it’s itchy patches, redness, or eczema, mold-contaminated environments are a known underlying factor behind sensitive skin reactions.
5. Increased risk for vulnerable groups
Certain people are more susceptible to the health effects of mold than others. Infants, elderly adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic, preexisting, and autoimmune conditions are at risk of worsening their health problems if exposed to mold for a prolonged period. If you’re starting to feel fatigued or sickly since the water damage event, it’s crucial that you inspect for mold before your symptoms take a turn for the worse.
How can I reach one of the best plumbing companies in Otay Ranch, CA & the vicinity?
If you need someone you can trust to do a thorough mold removal and make sure you and your loved ones have a healthy home environment, San Diego Emergency Plumbing is your dependable choice. Renowned for efficiency, attention to detail, and the ability to react on a moment’s notice, we bring experience, prowess, and the latest in technology to your doorstep.
Whether you need us to inspect your sewer line for clogs, deal with the common causes of sewer backups, or help you identify a potential backed-up drain, we have a timely answer to all these and more. Feel free to plan an adventurous day at Otay Mountain Wilderness safely knowing your home is in the capable and caring hands of our emergency plumbing experts. Every second counts, so call us right away!
