What is the Effect of Mold on Children in Seattle?
People are more concerned today than ever about pollutants in the air, about the environment and the effect these two things have on them, and especially on their children. And we should be concerned.
One of the environmental and air quality issues that should be at the top of our list is mold. Because mold spores are always around us, the chances of long term exposure is high. It just takes the right environment for mold to take hold and start growing, growing in places you may never think to look at.
Along with the elderly and those with existing respiratory problems, children, especially young children, are one of the most likely groups of people that mold can have an adverse effect upon. Some of the problems that young children can develop from mold have been known to last throughout their entire lives.
What are the problems?
Just the smell of mold puts a child at risk for respiratory problems, especially asthma. In fact it has been estimated that the odor can increase their risk of asthma by 2.5 times. If, because of family genetics, meaning their parents have a history of allergy or asthma, not only are they more prone to developing these conditions naturally, but the presence of mold in their home or school will increase their risk.
This makes total sense when you consider that as mold grows, it emits a gas into the air, which is what we are smelling. Then combined with the fact that mold spores, which are allergens, traveling through the air are inhaled, sensitivities can develop.
What is asthma?
To begin with, asthma is incurable, it can be treated and managed, but never totally cured.
The disease affects the airways that allow us to breathe. The air passages of an asthmatic are inflamed and swollen, making them very susceptible, whenever allergens are introduced, to become even more swollen and narrow, restricting the passage of air, causing:
- Tightness of the chest
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
Young children’s bodies, especially their immune systems, are still developing, they’re not physically prepared to deal with the negative effects of continuous mold exposure, the damage it can do may be with them for a lifetime.
What is the quality of the air that you and your children breathe on a daily basis?
If you have mold, or even think you have mold in your home, don’t risk future health of your children. The smart thing to do is call a mold inspector to determine if and why you have mold growth and then remediate it.
Mold Solutions is a full service mold solutions provider for the Seattle Puget Sound area, Bellevue, Everett, or Tacoma
We can remove the threats to your health and safety caused by mold.
