Are you aware of the health effects of mold on aging individuals? Let’s discuss them in detail.
Mold damage is a huge problem. Mold damages the structure of your property and affects your health negatively. Speaking of health, the people who are most prone to the health effects of mold growth are senior individuals with a weak immune system. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss in detail the health effects of mold on aging individuals and why they are more likely to get sick.
Let’s break it down.
Health Effects of Mold Damage
Before we move towards the effects of mold on senior people, we need to understand that mold is detrimental to human health, regardless of how old you are. However, there are several factors which influence the severity of mold exposure. These factors include the type of mold, the extent of exposure, and the general health condition of the affected individual.
Some of the most common symptoms of mold exposure include breathing problems, chest tightness, congestion, coughing and sore throat.
Moreover, mold spores are microscopic particles, which can wreak havoc on anyone who inhales them. The damage caused by inhaling mold spores can range from feeble irritation to severe allergies and respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure to mold can be dangerous for infants, senior individuals and people who are allergic or suffer from some form of respiratory issue.
Why Are Seniors More Vulnerable to Mold
To understand why seniors are more vulnerable to mold, we should understand the aging process as well as its impact upon the respiratory system. The two primary functions of the lungs include taking in oxygen and exhaling Co
2. Our lungs contain small sacs, known as alveoli. They are responsible for sending oxygen into our bloodstream. As we age, our lung tissues tend to get weaker. Weaker tissues have a hard time keeping the airways open. Also, aging disfigures these sacs within our lungs, which is why old people find it difficult to use their lungs completely.
Furthermore, as we age, our bones become weaker and thinner, which include in particular the ribcage. A weak ribcage cannot expand and contract effectively as we inhale and exhale. The supportive muscles as well as the diaphragm become weaker, and therefore, one cannot take in the right amount of oxygen that is needed. Also, the area of the brain that controls the respiratory system becomes weak as we grow older due to a decline in our nervous system.
Thus, when old people are exposed to mold, their weak respiratory system prevents them from exhaling or filtering out unhealthy contaminants, which leads to various illnesses.
Signs of mold Growth In Your Living Space
Some of the most common signs of mold growth in your living space are as follows.
- Musty and pungent odors
- Water leakage
- Discolored walls and stains
- Peeling and bubbling paint
- Warped wallpapers
By now, you must have understood how and why mold affects senior people.
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