Can Mold in My Crawl Space Lead to Health Problems?
Crawl spaces are not typically high traffic areas. Though you likely go in there when it’s absolutely necessary, you do all of your living and entertaining as far away from the crawl space as possible. That said—regardless of their notoriously remote locations—crawl spaces can present you with serious problems that affect your whole home and the people living in it.
Why My Crawl Space?
Though crawl spaces seem unpleasant to us, the very nature of these small rooms creates the ideal conditions for mold growth. They are often located in lower areas of the home, making them damp and humid. Because they are blocked off and unused, they are usually dark as well. This combination of dark and damp is what mold likes best. Though most plants and greenery need sun, mold thrives when the sun is far away.
Mold can have a profound effect on the health and safety of everyone in your home. The type of mold you’ll find depends on the moisture levels, and the amount of time it has been left to grow. However, common types include yellow, white, and (the infamous) black mold.
Signs of Mold
Though you may not visit your crawl space very often, mold in the area can have a profound effect on the health of those in your household. Physical signs of mold in your crawl space can include a distinct damp smell in the area, or wet spots and stains in the crawl space. It can also present as changes in the texture of the walls in the areas surrounding your crawl space.
Members of your family may experience:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Sinus irritation
- Rash
- Sore throat
If left untreated, the mold can cause long-term health problems as well. Our urine test kits can alert you to lasting conditions that you have contracted from exposure to mold in your home. These test kits are noninvasive and can help to diagnose conditions early. In other situations, they simply provide peace of mind following a mold discovery.
Fixing the Problem
In some situations, home remedies such as bleach solutions can help to remove the mold. However, this only works if you treat all the affected areas. Most mold is found growing in areas where you can’t see or reach, meaning that bleach solutions won’t solve the entire problem.
When you find mold, it is always best to call a professional to examine the area. They will be able to determine how deep the problem goes, and which method will be best at eradicating it.
Can Mold in the Basement Affect the Upstairs?
Yes. Though the mold may only be growing in one location, it is important to remember that mold spores are small and can travel very easily in the air. Even if you don’t visit your basement often, the spores can travel in your HVAC system and get redistributed throughout your home.
Is It Dangerous to Live in My House if It Has Mold?
This depends on the situation. If you have a very small amount in a contained area, it may be safe to live in your home with mold. This applies only if you have an expert confirm that it is, in fact, only in one spot, and you are taking steps to eradicate it. You should never live indefinitely in a home with unchecked mold—it is only a matter of time before it finds its way into the air and HVAC system.
Can I Stay in My House if It Has Black Mold?
Absolutely not. Black mold is an extreme situation, and it is incredibly dangerous to be in close proximity to it for long amounts of time. If you discover black mold, you have likely already been living in your home with it for a while. This means that it is important to call a professional immediately and find your family a safe place to stay until the black mold is eradicated.
If you have discovered black mold in your home, it is important that your family gets tested to be sure that they have not already contracted an illness or disease as a result of the mold. Our Mycotoxin urine test kit can help you to discover if the mold has already affected you, so that you can get proper medical help and attention before any conditions worsen. When it comes to black mold, you should not take any chances.
Contact Real Time Labs
Here at Real Time Labs, we can help secure your home and ease your mind by testing your HVAC system’s dust and debris. This information can help you to make educated decisions about your family and keep your home free from these dangerous spores. Time is of the essence when it comes to mold and mildew. Contact us today!
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
https://www.webmd.com/lung/mold-mildew
https://realtimelab.com/blog/crawlspaces-and-basements/
https://realtimelab.com/product/mycotoxin-test/
https://realtimelab.com/contact-us/
https://realtimelab.com/product/environmental-mold-and-mycotoxin-assessment/
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://realtimelab.com/blog/prevent-mold-growth/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1631246411605000&usg=AOvVaw3rU-nfTzowpeFrnDNGRyCt