It is not always detectable by smell or sight and often hides under flooring, behind wallpaper, or furniture: mold. Many people underestimate that mold poses a health risk.

Mold as a Health Hazard: How Dangerous Is Mold? 

Mold spores in the air primarily cause allergies. However, mold can become dangerous in various ways. Generally, the higher the mold exposure and the longer it lasts, the greater the health risks. Additionally, a person's physical condition and the type of mold play significant roles.

Why Is Mold in the Home So Dangerous? 

Most of the time, people spend their lives in their homes. However, having mold in your living spaces can be dangerous and harmful to health. Mold spores spread invisibly through the air. When inhaled by residents, they can trigger severe allergic reactions. To date, it has not been conclusively determined what mold concentration is needed to cause symptoms or illnesses. 

Because mold often goes undetected at first, it is crucial to watch for the following signs in yourself or family members: 

• Allergic reactions,
• Respiratory problems like asthma and/or bronchitis,
• Hoarseness, coughing, throat irritation,
• Nausea, abdominal pain, digestive issues,
• Headaches,
• Fatigue, insomnia, exhaustion,
• Red, burning eyes,
• Skin rashes, redness, eczema,
• Infectious diseases,
• Lung and heart diseases.

How Does Mold Form in the Home? 

Mold can grow anywhere where excessive moisture exists. The causes can be varied, but the following are primary reasons:

• Cracks or leaks in walls, roofs, and windows,
• Improper insulation,
• Incorrect ventilation and heating,
• Condensation of humidity on cold walls. 

Mold is particularly common in older buildings, as their exterior wall insulation is often insufficient. Mold can also form in newly constructed or renovated homes if rooms are not adequately dried. 

Even in homes without structural defects, moisture accumulates constantly. In a household with several occupants, up to ten liters of moisture are generated daily from activities like showering, cooking, or drying clothes. The warm indoor air retains the moisture, which condenses on cold walls and creates damp areas. These damp areas are where mold forms and proliferates.

What to Do About Mold in the Home? 

If you live in a rental property affected by mold, it is the landlord’s responsibility to address the problem to mitigate the health risks. Landlords often claim improper or insufficient ventilation and heating by tenants. However, the landlord must prove that the cause does not lie in the building's structure, such as poor insulation. 

If it is your own home, you are responsible for removing the mold as quickly as possible. If the mold patch is larger than a credit card and the surrounding wall is damp, it is necessary to hire a professional mold remediation company. This is the only way to protect your health and that of your family.