Is Your Home Making Your Children Sick?

Flu season is upon us, making us wary of every sneeze and sniffle our children produce. While we typically think of cold and flu symptoms as something our kids bring from OUTSIDE the home, sometimes, these symptoms are actually a result of something much closer.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link in-door exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people.

Mold has been given a pretty scary reputation because of all of the hype it receives in the media. The good news is that not all molds are toxic molds However, any mold can still have relatively serious implications on the health of your children if left unattended to.

It is important to understand that mold growth in your home does not mean your home isn’t cleanly. It simply means your home has provided a means for mold to grow. In order to live, mold requires the presence of moisture, which can be found in basements, bathrooms, carpets, and even furniture. Mold from the outdoors can enter the home through open doors, windows, and vents. It may also become attached to clothing, shoes, and pets and therefore be carried indoors.

Molds produce irritating substances that may act as allergens in sensitive individuals, like your kids. Symptoms of mold allergy may include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, tearing and redness of the eyes, and skin irritation or rash. Asthma attacks may even be caused by mold or mold spores in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. Even in some non-allergic individuals, mold can irritate the eyes, skin, and airways.

So what can you do? In some cases, a dilute solution of chlorine bleach (no stronger than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water) or stronger commercial cleaners may be needed to kill the mold. However, in more serious cases, it is important to seek the help of a qualified mold remediation professional. After mold removal, it is important to prevent further regrowth of mold by keeping affected areas as dry as possible.

For more information on mold related illness, or to discuss a mold remediation project, visit http://naturallythebest.com