How Dangerous Is Attic Mold?

Before you can tell if you have attic mold, you have to know what it is. Molds are organisms that digest organic matter and then release spores as a form of reproduction. Molds are characterized as a form of fungi which has well over 100,000 varieties.

Molds do serve a useful purpose in nature as they decompose things like wood, leaves and other plant debris however, when they are found in areas that they do not belong, like your attic, they digest materials and if out of control, can become a health hazard.

You will get attic mold if mold enters your home, in the form of a tiny spore, and then begins to digest material, destroying and reproducing all at the same time. Attic’s are prime real estate for mold as it is usually a dark place that is exposed to a lot of moisture in both the summer and winter.

If you have a leaky roof or high humidity in your house, molds will absolutely thrive. Once that area has been exposed to the mold, it is absolutely impossible to get rid of it. At that point, all you can do is get control of it and keep the conditions clean to minimize its exposure.

If you have an attic that is used for very little other than storage, you will want to make sure you make it a point to get up there and check it regularly to ensure that you do not expose yourself to mold growth. Mold spores will take advantage of the tiniest opportunities and you want to do everything you can so that you are not exposed to them.

If you find that you do have molds, avoid directly exposing yourself to them at all costs. If they are disturbed, the will release their small spores into the air and you will end up breathing them in. You can also be exposed to them by having them accidentally touching a food item or something that you are eating from and then digesting them.

While people who are generally healthy and do not have allergies will be barely affected by a common attic mold. Those who have allergies may experience things like skin rashes, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, eye irritation, have difficulty breathing or an aggravation of your asthma (if you already have it). If you are suffering from a lung disease or immune suppression disease, you may increase your risk of infection.