Are you aware of the health effects of mold damage in the workplace? Let’s find out.
It doesn’t matter whether it is a residential property or a commercial one, if there is moisture, dampness and an organic food source, mold will grow. The only difference is that in a workplace, the number of people is high, and so is the likelihood of people becoming sick. In the following paragraphs, we will take a look at the health risks of mold damage in the workplace as well as ways to prevent mold growth in these spaces.
Let’s begin.
Asthma
One of the most common health effects of mold damage in the workplace is asthma. This respiratory disease affects your airways. Moreover, you tend to have an inflammatory response, every time you are exposed to something irritating or sensitizing. People who suffer from asthma often suffer from wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, as well as shortness of breath.
Allergies
People exposed to mold also suffer from allergies. Some common symptoms of allergy include sneezing, an irritated nose, mouth and throat irritation, stuffy and runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes. If a person is already allergic, exposure to mold can open them up to asthma, and they suffer from things like sneezing, coughing and wheeziness.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Another health effect of mold exposure is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. This health condition isn’t uncommon among people who have developed an immune system sensitization to inhaling organic dust. Some people tend to mistake it for pneumonia. The only problem is that HP cannot be treated with everyday antibiotics. If you are exposed to mold for a long time, without even realizing it, the effects could get worse, and the damage will have worsened, before you even know it.
The primary source of mold growth is none other than moisture. If you are the person in charge, and you suspect mold to be the sole perpetrator behind the health issues in your workplace, here are a few things that you need to do.
- Make sure your building is checked regularly for dampness.
- Keep the HVAC system in top condition to prevent indoor humidity.
- Take prompt actionif multiple employees report similar health concerns.
- Come up with special procedures to record and respond to complaints regarding indoor air quality.
- Devise aresponse plan and also take remedial action.
- Always follow up to make sure the steps you took were successful or not.
- Encourage your employees who are suffering from adverse health conditions to see a doctoras soon as possible.
- If anyof your employees has been diagnosed with a respiratory health issue, it is better to provide them a sick leave until they recover.
By now, you must have understood the health effects of mold damage in the workplace as well as the things you must do to prevent mold damage in the workplace and keep your employees safe.
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