Children and Mold

Children are our most precious commodities.  They carry on all the hopes and dreams that we have for the world, and they are our most treasured joy in life.  As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children from harm.  The very day they are born, we begin taking precautions to protect them.  From car seats to complicated strollers with sun visors and shock absorbers, we want nothing to hurt our little ones.  But what about the dangers we cannot see?  What are we doing about them?

Mold is a dangerous and hidden toxin.  It hides and grows in plain sight, and when unattended to, it can become deadly.  But do we think about the danger it poses to our children?  And if so, how can we protect them from it?  This article will explore how mold affects children and what to do about it.

Mold, with its numerous varieties, can grow both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in damp environments with water presence. From wet bathrooms to piles of damp leaves, mold spores can hide anywhere. While mold is often associated with warmer climates, it can grow year-round in cooler regions as well. According to Parents.com, up to one-third of children are allergic to mold, making it a common and significant health concern. Inhaling mold spores can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, and coughing. The risk of developing allergies is higher if parents have allergies, emphasizing the serious health risks associated with mold exposure.

Research from the University of Cincinnati has shown that babies exposed to mold have a higher chance of developing allergies later in life. Other research shows that children living in homes with visible mold combined with water damage have a higher rate of developing asthma.  The combination of asthma and mold allergies can be dangerous as it can restrict a child’s airways and cause breathing problems, which can then lead to other symptoms if not treated properly.

If your child shows signs of an allergic reaction, observe the location to identify potential causes. Allergies in the basement may indicate a mold reaction, while symptoms after grass cutting point to seasonal allergies. However, persistent symptoms outside allergy seasons (March to June) could be mold related. Take your child to a doctor for diagnosis, including mold allergy testing. If mold allergies are confirmed, the doctor will prescribe treatment and offer environmental recommendations for your child’s safety. Arrange for a mold remediation specialist to inspect your child’s primary surroundings. Eradicator will provide mold testing, identify abnormal mold activity, suggest safe removal methods, and propose preventive measures. Taking these steps will safeguard your child from prolonged mold exposure. Additionally, inform your child’s school and other frequented locations about the allergy, educating them on reactions to watch for and maintaining a mold-free environment.

Eradicator is aware that keeping your child safe is your number one priority as a parent and this goes beyond bumps and bruises.  It includes being aware of and protecting your child against the hidden dangers of mold.  And if mold allergies are found your role is to treat the allergies and make sure your child’s environments are mold free.  Do this and you will be able to enjoy all the milestones your child achieves in life as a proud protective parent should.