Some people are more at risk for developing negative health effects as a result of mold exposure. One of these groups of people is children and infants. While everyone should know about the dangers of mold, mold health effects, and how to prevent the growth of mold, it’s especially important for parents of children to understand the importance of these issues. So, what are the things that parents should know about mold to help keep their children safe from the dangers of mold? In this article, we’ll discuss what mold is, why children need protection from mold exposure, how to protect your children from getting exposed to mold, and what to do if you find mold in your home to keep your children safe.

What’s Mold Anyway?

Mold is a fungus that can grow basically on any surface. But, it needs moisture to grow. That’s why it’s commonly found growing in houses that have issues with humidity or water damage. It spreads by sending out microscopic spores throughout the air. When it finds a dark, moist place, it can grow extremely fast. Therefore, it can grow and be found in places like attics, basements, under carpets, within drywall, and other dark areas that can hold moisture.

The Dangers of Children Being Exposed to Mold

Children are more susceptible to negative mold health effects. So, it’s important to know about the dangers of mold exposure in children and the negative effects that can occur to a child’s health due to mold exposure. Along with elderly individuals and people with compromised immune systems, children are the most susceptible to the dangers of mold exposure. Some things that can develop in children who are exposed to mold include respiratory damage and illness, asthma, coughing, and fever. Additionally, it can impair the immune system in children and make it harder for them to heal from concurring health issues like the flu and colds.

How Parents Can Work to Prevent Negative Mold Health Effects in Their Children

One thing that parents can always remember when it comes to mold prevention is that mold cannot grow without moisture. So, anything that gets wet can essentially harbor mold growth. Furthermore, mold can grow in places that you may not expect and see. Unfortunately, many homes and businesses, including schools, may experience mold growth and no one is aware. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect your children from mold health effects and prevent mold growth in your own home including:

• Make sure your carpets are clean. Moisture often accumulates under carpets, so it’s good to ensure that your carpets stay clean and don’t retain any moisture. Plus, if you have carpets in an area that retains a lot of moisture, it may be worthwhile to remove carpets in these areas or keep a dehumidifier in the space.
• Any objects that hold liquid should be cleaned regularly and made sure to be dry (pacifiers, sippy cups, drinking glasses, straws, bottles, etc.)
• If you’re using dehumidifiers, don’t forget to clean them regularly (at least once monthly)
• Use paint that is mold-resistant to better protect your drywall from mold

Get Help for Mold to Protect Your Children

See that your home is being affected by mold and want to protect your family from the health effects of mold? A Plus Mold Remediation provides mold removal services for families in South Florida who have spotted mold growing in their homes. Learn more about our process, what you can expect, and the services available to you if you’re a family in need of mold removal services!