Mold alert: Protect your home and health this winter
The fall-winter season creates conditions favorable for mold development in homes. However, not everyone is aware of the dangers associated with mold. Beyond causing respiratory issues, it can potentially lead to fatal outcomes.
During this time, as temperatures drop and the weather turns cloudy and frosty, it's important to take care of your health and your home. This is especially true for mold, which the British NHS calls the "silent killer." When mold appears indoors, it can cause serious problems.
Mold, the "silent killer"
The NHS (National Health Service) warns of mold's harmful effects on health and life, as reported by ladbible.com. Mold primarily appears in cooler areas of a home, most often the bathroom and areas under the sink in an apartment or house. Simply turning on the heaters does not guarantee avoiding mold problems.
Using heaters does not prevent mold growth. It can lead to significant health issues, such as allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases. In extreme cases, it may even cause death.
Are you wondering how to detect mold in your apartment? Mold is identified by black, white, or green spots with a musty smell. When you enter the house, you may notice it immediately. People with weakened immune systems, including infants, small children, and the elderly, are particularly susceptible.
How to prevent mold in your home?
The NHS has provided some tips to minimize the risk of mold in your home. Concentrate on everyday practices that will help prevent its development. First, take shorter showers and turn on the bathroom fan to stop shower steam from converting into moisture.
Secondly, open windows when cooking and drying laundry to allow moisture to escape. Additionally, use the exhaust fan (range hood) while cooking.
Thirdly, wipe down surfaces near windows, like windowsills where moisture tends to gather, and check for leaky pipes and gutters, as these can exacerbate mold issues.
