Mold has evolved as something of a buzzword for modern homeowners, tenants, and really anyone who has lived inside a home. You say “mold,” there is going to be a reaction from someone who shares your living space. But the question reigns: Can mold actually make you and your family sick? The short answer, unfortunately, is yes. Mold has been attributed to a number of illnesses, ranging from common colds to severe respiratory problems. And before we can dive into the common side effects of what can happen to you and your family while living in a space plagued by mold, we must first look at why mold makes you sick to begin with.
Mold is a natural fungus that refers to a group of single-celled organisms that have begun to grow in a colony, forming a stringent, colony-like existence. Mold thrives in moisture-rich places, which is why household mold is so common – our homes trap moisture, and variety of every day household chores and activities, including even a variety of common household products such as air conditioners, contribute to mold growth throughout the house, increasing you and your family’s likelihood of encountering mold.
Molds reproduce by creating spores, microscopic specks that travel through your home and finding new, moisture-rich locations to sprout new fungi. However, when inside a home, these spores don’t have ample room to travel, and low air currents inside our homes contribute to molds having a limited range of reproduction. This means that, of