People depend on their homes to shelter them from the elements and keep them safe from unhealthy conditions. However, homes can be subject to moisture intrusion and high humidity which can lead to several health issues. You may notice subtle signs of moisture intrusion in your home, with unpleasant odors, paint that bubbles or blisters, increased insect activity or unusual health problems. Here are a few common ways moisture in your home can cause harm to your health.
1 – Respiratory Irritation
Moisture can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew in the home. Some individuals are sensitive to the effects of mold and mildew and may develop frequent respiratory infections, constant sniffles, sore throat, a chronic cough, and other symptoms. If you suspect moisture intrusion in your home, and your family has frequent respiratory symptoms, you can improve the condition of your home interior by contacting a waterproofing company to do repairs.
2 – Skin Rashes
The constant presence of moisture in the home can also lead to an increased risk for skin rashes in sensitive individuals as bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew spread through the home interior. This can be a particular problem with younger children and older people who have delicate skin and find the humid indoor environment causes constant skin irritation that promotes the growth of pathogens on the skin surface.
3 – Increased Asthma Attacks
If one of your family members has asthma, the presence of moisture in the home can lead to mold growth that causes increased asthma attacks. Moisture in the home can foster the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause inflammation of the lung tissue, which sets the stage for more frequent asthma problems and the need for increased medication.
4 – Headaches
Another problem encountered by individuals with moisture problems in their homes is frequent headaches. This effect can occur when pathogens cause chronic irritation of the nasal passages and sinuses, which can lead to inflammation and infection. You may find that you wake up with a headache or experience tightness and discomfort in the sinus passages.
5 – Eye Irritation
The presence of moisture in the home leads to a proliferation of airborne bacteria, mold, and fungi that can cause chronic eye irritation that affects both your comfort and your visual clarity. Delicate eye tissues react to the presence of these pathogens in the air. You may experience itching of the eyes, tearing, redness of the eyes, and blurred vision. You may notice your children rubbing their eyes frequently or inflammation of eye tissue. Some people find themselves using eye drops more frequently to try to increase their eye comfort. These are signs that air quality in the home has been compromised, and you should investigate moisture sources that could be contributing to your discomfort.
Moisture is a common problem in many homes around the country. It can lead to damage to construction materials and unexpected health issues. If you have moisture problems in your home, contact a waterproofing company to learn about the many repair services they offer to help make your safe from moisture and mold growth that can negatively affect your health.
