Common household mold
What You Need To Know About Aspergillus In Your Home
Mold is a potentially dangerous and destructive substance that could have a serious impact on a homeowner’s health and property. One specific form of such material is known as aspergillus. Home and property owners are encouraged to read this blog discussing crucial particulars about this substance. The aspergillus is a common type of mold comprised of numerous subspecies. In its earliest stages, aspergillus begins as a white, powdery material but eventually presents in other colors such as yellow, green, black, or brown. Like most molds, aspergillus variations spread tiny particles known as spores. Said materials circulate through the air. However, scientists maintain aspergillus spores tend to be more prevalent inside versus outdoors.
Identification Methods
Researchers suggest that aspergillus molds truly cannot formally be identified outside of laboratory testing. However, said scientific professionals maintain that fungus typically possesses certain notable characteristics.
First, the substance typically has a fine, powdery texture. Additionally, aspergillus is especially noted for its capacity to grow at rapidly alarming rates.
Locations Aspergillus Molds Frequent
Theoretically, these funguses can exist in any environment containing sufficient amounts of moisture and oxygen. Therefore, scientists caution that aspergillus could appear anywhere inside a home, office, or other construction.
However, said lifeforms seem to offer a greater attraction to fabrics like those comprising household features like curtains or drapes, upholstered furniture, carpeting, linens, and a host of building materials.
Moreover, and of particular concern, is that certain Aspergillus variations need little if any, lingering water to thrive. Such molds are more than capable of living in merely humid, damp areas such as attics, basements, garages, and other potentially humid environments.
Additionally, the substance has been known to appear in miscellaneous spots like potted plants, old starchy foods, air conditioners, heating and other types of ventilation networks, and inside damp walls impacted by excessive water buildup precipitated by plumbing leaks.
Theoretically, these funguses can exist in any environment containing sufficient amounts of moisture and oxygen.
Potential Health Impacts
Most Aspergillus variations can exert an adverse impact on the health of those frequently exposed to said lifeform. Ailments can range in severity from minor and untoward to potentially life-inhibiting when other factors such as the afflicted subject’s age and general health are also considered. That said, common maladies attributed to Aspergillus mold exposure include:
Allergic Reactions
Inhalation of Aspergillus spores can precipitate a host of allergic reactions. In many instances, such occurrences will manifest in upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, itching, and watering eyes, breath shortness, nasal and sinus congestion, and headaches. In addition, Aspergillus exposure might result in various skin irritations.
Infections
The fungus is also capable of causing a significant infection known as aspergillosis. This malady occurs when an individual’s immune system grows especially sensitive to associated mold spores.
Physical manifestations of this condition are similar to those often seen during allergic reactions but might also include more serious clinical features like full-blown asthma attacks, the expectoration of blood, sinus infections, an elevated body temperature, fatigue, and appetite loss. The severest presentations might also foster the development of lung damage.
Another quite serious illness caused by Aspergillus is aspergilloma. Said affliction occurs when mold spores enter, accumulate, and remain deep inside a stricken subject’s lung cavities. These collections ultimately morph into abnormal structures called aspergillomas.
Such growths subsequently produce toxins that enter the bloodstream and result in numerous critical symptoms such as blood expectoration, weight loss, consistent coughing, tiredness, and potentially major breathing problems.
Systemic Toxicity
Certain differentiations of Aspergillus mold produce chemicals called mycotoxins. Studies have shown that these substances might increase one’s risk of fertility problems, miscarriage, neurological issues, and possibly even cancer.
The Removal Process
Given the potential severity of Aspergillus exposure, scientists and healthcare providers strongly urge homeowners or building proprietors to consult with an experienced mold removal company should you suspect the fungus’s presence.
Prevention
The strongest cure is prevention. Fortunately, the appearance and growth of Aspergillus mold might be prevented or greatly curtailed by partaking in actions such as:
Limiting Excess Moisture
Eliminating any sources of moisture is paramount. Any leaking drains or pipes should be fixed. Moreover, every home or building would benefit from a thorough inspection by building contractors to snuff out and remediate potential problems such as cracks or crevices in structures like foundations or exterior siding.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Poor ventilation fosters the damp, humid conditions in which mold spores thrive. Therefore, home and property owners are firmly encouraged to consult with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning company to schedule an assessment of those respective networks and make all needed remediation.
Don’t Put off Having a Mold Inspection
If you are concerned about mold inside your home or business, don’t ignore the problem. Have a professional mold inspection in Orlando and have peace of mind knowing that your issue is being handled the right way. Contact us today at (407) 452-2527 or use our online system to schedule an appointment.
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