The presence of molds can be anywhere in or out of the house. Places that are normally exposed to moisture are more likely to have molds. The presence of molds is very unhealthy to have inside the house because of some health issues they can cause. To avoid this, maintaining a clean and dry environment is highly recommended. Among the most common places that molds form is the attic.
The attic serves as the space directly below the roof of the house separating the roof from the ceiling. Sometimes call a loft, sky parlor or garret. It fills the space between the roof and the ceiling; it is irregularly shaped and makes it difficult to access corners. Although some attics were converted into a lot more useful space like bedroom or office adding windows and access staircases, but majority of the attics are still used as storage room for old things which makes it prone to a lot of dirt particles and microbes that generally become a threat to the health of the people living in the home.
CAUSES OF MOLDS IN THE ATTIC
Since the attics are hard to reach, maintaining it on a regular basis is not easy compared to the other places in the house. Dust, dirt and molds are most likely to occur. During the wet season, the attics are moist from dew coming from the roof, making the formation of molds possible. Ventilation also makes it possible for mold to grow because during winter season the hot air from the furnaces rises up into the attic merging with the cold air present at the attic. This phenomenon is known as dew point, creating moisture in the form of ice crystals and water droplets.
Molds in the attic are usually in black, brown, green or white varieties. Manifestation of the molds can be seen on the wood or on the drywall that seems like a discolored or stained area in the form of speckles, large or small splotches, or spots. Sometimes it seems like a powdery skin or coating which is usually evident in the walls or ceilings of the attic.
Although many types of molds are harmless, there are still some variety of molds found in the attics that poses health risks that ranges from the minor to the extremely severe illnesses such as allergy. Types of molds such as Mycotoxic molds are dangerous because this type attacks the healthy immune system that causes a threat and possibility of death. On the other hand, allergenic molds can irritate the respiratory system if inhaled in a large amount. Furthermore, pathogenic molds are a threat to those people who may have lost their immune system. Allergies, diarrhea, fatigue, sinus infection, sore throat, sneezing and other asthmatic-like syndromes are often the symptoms that are related to flu, but when it still persist even after treatment, molds might be the culprit. On a more severe condition, mental confusion, brain damage and depression aside from the swelling, cramping, aches, joints pains are some of the effects of the mycotoxic molds. Carcinogenic effects and possible miscarriage to pregnant women are also some of its severe effects.
In preventing molds from accumulating in the attic, proper spacing that enables good ventilation is best advised making it free from dampness and moisture; checking for leaks in the roof and regularly repairing them. Testing the type of molds present in the attic, informs the person living in it on the possible dangers that that mold can bring. So regularly maintaining the attic free from all sorts of mold causes lessens the possible accumulation of molds in the attic.
