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Mold grows around and inside buildings in dark places, going unnoticed for long periods of time. This is dangerous because mold can make people sick in a variety of ways before the mold is discovered. Common types of mold that are found indoors include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Here are three of the negative health effects that can be caused by exposure to mold.
1. Fungal Infections
Exposure to mold can cause potentially serious fungal infections. One common type of infection attacks the respiratory system, which can spread to the blood vessels in people who have compromised immune systems or who experienced lengthy exposure to the mold. The health effects of these infections often go unnoticed until it is too late and the infections have already caused damage to the body. Having your house and business undergo periodic mold testing Portland Oregon can help catch the mold before it damages your health.
2. Allergies
Being around indoor or outdoor mold can cause allergic reactions such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, red eyes, and dry mouth, among other symptoms. Severe reactions can even cause shortness of breath, which may require medical intervention. People with pre-existing lung conditions or asthma are especially at risk for allergic reactions due to mold.
3. Skin Conditions
Coming into contact with mold through your skin can cause rashes and irritation on the skin. People who easily experience redness and itching on their skin may especially find themselves having a negative skin reaction to mold. Mold can cause itching of the skin as well, a condition known as dermatitis. Black mold exposure can cause especially painful reactions of the skin, including large lesions and warts forming on the skin.
Make sure to promptly get rid of mold in your house to avoid having to deal with any of these three health effects.