The EPA list all molds is an allergen. Proteins within the mold cells can cause an immune response in the human body. Many molds can cause symptoms such as eye irritation, nasal congestion, fatigue, skin rash, cough, headache, or difficulty breathing. Additionally, some mold can release mycotoxins that can be carcinogenic and toxigenic.
These mico toxins can have profound effects on a person’s well-being when breathed in, or ingested regularly. Prolonged exposure to high amounts of mold spores and mycotoxins can result in serious health risks such as pulmonary bleeding, renal toxicity, pregnancy complications, neurotoxicity, hypersensitivity, and cancer.
Mold remediation, when done by ill-equipped and under-trained individuals, will often lead to exacerbated mold contamination. Stop and think about the true cost of mold remediation, not only the dollars and cents but the health risks associated with a failed remediation.
Bottom line, the health of the building occupants should never be compromised for a perceived savings in cleaning mold on your own.When you consider all the risks involved and the difficulty of doing the job safely and effectively, a reasonable fee to get the job done professionally by a licensed contractor isn’t such a big deal. The short terms savings generated by doing the job yourself will not cover the long-term cost of health care or litigation caused by a failed remediation.
