Watch Out for These Mold Symptoms in Kids: Signs, Risks, and Action Steps

Understanding Mold and Its Causes

Mold is a common part of both indoor and outdoor environments. Mold is part of the fungi kingdom and thrives most anywhere oxygen and moisture are.

The key ingredient for mold is moisture. If there is too much moisture in a structure or area of a home, mold can grow. The most common areas for mold to grow in the house are insulation, carpets, old food, paper, and wood.

Mold spreads through an area by making small reproductive cells called spores. These spores are too small to be seen with the human eye but can spread quickly and easily.

Common Mold Symptoms in Kids to Watch For

Mold exposure in children can be dangerous and cause a range of symptoms. Often caregivers will think that their child has one type of illness when in fact the culprit is mold.

Here is a list of common symptoms that you may see if exposed to certain types of mold:

Respiratory Symptoms 

Respiratory distress is a very common reaction that children have to mold exposure. These can look similar to seasonal allergies:

• Itchy, runny nose
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal congestion

If a child has a condition like asthma, mold exposure symptoms can become more severe.

Neurological Symptoms of Mold Exposure

One of the most severe mold-related illnesses in kids comes from toxic black mold. If a child is exposed to this type of mold, the symptoms can be deadly. This mold can cause symptoms that lead to pneumonia that attacks the lung tissue.

Toxins in certain molds can destroy neurons, which has an impact on how the brain functions. Here are some symptoms that mold may have on the neurological system:

• Irritability
• Disorientation
• Mood swings
• Slow reflexes
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Short attention span
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory loss

Identifying Skin Reactions to Mold

Like with other parts of the body, mold exposure can impact the skin. Skin irritation in children can be an early sign that there is a mold problem in the home.

Here are some examples of mold-related skin issues:

• Redness and swelling
• Itchy skin
• Eczema
• Dry scaly skin

Other Health Risks of Mold 

Depending on the type of mold to which a child is exposed, they may exhibit other less common symptoms. If a child has prolonged mold exposure, their symptoms may become worse or more complicated over time.

Here are some other symptoms of mold to look out for:

• Hair loss
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic ear infections
• Bloodshot eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Trouble with vision
• Sore eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Recurring cold symptoms

Preventing Mold in Homes 

Although larger mold problems need to be handled by professionals, there are some steps you can take to keep mold from growing in your house.

Mold needs organic matter, oxygen, a moisture source, and a temperature that the spores can survive in to grow. You can help prevent mold in your home by making your home an environment in which mold has trouble surviving. This means looking at moisture control and temperature regulation in your home.

Control Moisture

One of the best ways to prevent mold growth is to reduce the moisture in your home. There are simple steps you can take to keep your home as dry as possible.

Make sure that you don’t have leaky pipes or faucets. When you shower, make sure you keep the exhaust fan on to keep moist air circulating.

If you have an air conditioning unit, clean it often and fit it properly to your window. Inspect your gutters to ensure water is being moved away from your house.

Temperature 

Condensation is another way moisture can infiltrate your home. Condensation happens when something cold comes into contact with warm air. This process creates moisture where mold can form.

Add insulation to places like your windows to keep condensation from forming. Increase how much hot air circulates through your home to keep it dry and condensation-free.

Air Circulation

You should have air circulating throughout your home to keep moisture from forming. Consider adding ceiling fans around your home to move warm and cool air around. Add vents to your attic and crawl spaces so cool air can come in and warm air can go out.

Reduce House Humidity 

Many of the everyday activities that you do in your home can increase how much humidity is in the air. Anytime you use warm water, you need to be mindful of how much humidity is being released inside.

You can reduce your home’s humidity by taking shorter showers and baths. Make sure when you’re doing laundry or running the dishwasher you are only running them with full loads. On days when the humidity outside is under 50%, keep the windows open.

Early Detection of Mold Symptoms in Kids Is Key to Health

If you notice mold symptoms in kids, address any potential mold issues in your home immediately so you can help your children get healthy again. Call a professionally trained team to inspect your home for mold and begin the remediation process.

If you are in the Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey area and are looking for help with your mold remediation, AAA Lead Professionals has got you covered. Our countless five-star reviews speak to our experience, professionalism, and dedication to helping you and your family remediate mold, asbestos, and lead. Contact us for a free quote today.