Mold is a common problem in homes and can grow in damp, moist environments. Mold growth behind drywall can be particularly concerning because it can often go undetected for extended periods. If left untreated, mold behind drywall can produce airborne spores that can impact the air quality of your home and make you and your family sick. In this blog, we will explore how mold behind drywall can make you sick and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

How Does Mold BehindDrywall Affect Your Health? Mold behind drywall can produce airborne spores that can lead to a variety of health problems. The following are some of the ways mold behind drywall can make you sick:

  1. Allergic Reactions. Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in some people, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. People with asthma may experience worsened symptoms when exposed to mold spores.
  2. Headaches. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can cause headaches, particularly in people who are sensitive to certain types of mold.
  3. Respiratory Problems. Exposure to mold spores can also lead to respiratory problems, particularly in people with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In some cases, exposure to mold spores can even lead to the development of respiratory infections.
  4. Skin Irritation. Exposure to mold spores can cause skin irritation, particularly in people with sensitive skin. This can manifest as redness, itching, or even rash-like symptoms.
  5. Neurological Problems. In rare cases, exposure to mold spores can cause neurological problems, particularly in people with pre-existing conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). This can manifest as a variety of symptoms, such as tremors, balance problems, and even seizures.

 

How to Prevent Mold Behind Drywall. The best way to prevent mold behind drywall is to control moisture levels in your home. The following are some steps you can take to prevent mold growth:

  1. Fix Water Leaks. Fixing water leaks as soon as they occur is critical to preventing mold growth. If you spot any water leaks in your home, be sure to have them fixed immediately.
  2. Control Humidity. Controlling the humidity levels in your home is an essential way of preventing mold growth. Ideally, the relative humidity in your home should be between 30% and 50%. You can monitor the humidity levels in your home using a hygrometer.
  3. Increase Ventilation. Proper ventilation is critical to preventing mold growth, particularly in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Installing exhaust fans and opening windows can help improve ventilation in your home.
  4. Inspect Your Home Regularly. Regularly inspecting your home for signs of moisture or mold growth can help prevent the problem from taking hold. This includes checking for water stains, condensation, or any visible mold growth.
  5. Hire Professionals for Mold Remediation. If you suspect that you have mold growth behind your drywall, it is essential to hire professionals for mold remediation. DIY mold removal can often make the problem worse, making it more challenging to address.

 

Mold Remediation Process. Mold remediation involves several steps to ensure that mold growth behind drywall is safely removed.

  1. Identify and Remediate the Source of Moisture. The first step of mold remediation is to identify and remediate the source of moisture. Without addressing the underlying moisture problem, mold growth is likely to return.
  2. Remove Affected Materials. The next step in mold remediation is to remove any affected materials such as drywall or insulation. This will help ensure that all mold growth behind drywall is adequately addressed.
  3. Clean and Sanitize. After removing the affected materials, the next step is to clean and sanitize the area to ensure that all mold spores are eliminated. This may involve the use of specialized cleaning products and equipment.
  4. Repair or Replace Damaged Materials. The last step in mold remediation is to repair or replace any damaged materials that were removed during the remediation process. This may involve replacing drywall, insulation, or other affected building materials.

 

Conclusion. Mold growth behind drywall can be a serious health concern, and it is essential to take steps to prevent and address it. If you suspect that you have mold growth behind your drywall, it’s crucial to have it remediated by professionals. Exposure to mold spores can cause a variety of health problems, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and even neurological issues. By controlling moisture levels in your home, regularly inspecting for mold growth, and hiring professionals for mold remediation, you can ensure that your home is safe and healthy. If you suspect mold growth behind your drywall, contact a professional mold remediation company to ensure that it is addressed safely and effectively.