Baby Safety Month

by Resto Pros

September 14, 2017

September is Baby Safety Month and RestoPros wants to make sure that you keep your child safe from mold, mildew and other potential toxins. Certain kinds of household mold can cause illness. When this happens, most otherwise healthy people can get over it. But those who have weaker immune systems, including the elderly, children and babies, are more susceptible to negative long-term effects. According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Infants are particularly affected by all types of mold and, when exposed, can suffer serious illnesses. The experts at RestoPros have come up with a list of The experts at RestoPros have come up with a list of symptoms to watch out for – and places to check for hidden mold.

Common Mold Allergies

Common mold can trigger allergic reactions and allergic rhinitis. There are a variety of common types of mold that can be found in homes across the U.S. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium are not generally harmful. Most households live with them and never experience any health problems. However, infants are especially sensitive to these common types of mold and can develop severe health problems as a result. Babies with allergies might be particularly sensitive to mold, but infants who are otherwise healthy can also experience an allergic reaction. If your infant has mold allergies, you might see these signs:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy/Runny Nose
  • Sore Throat
  • Itchy, Runny or Bloodshot Eyes
  • Respiratory Illness (Caused by Black Mold and can Include Pneumonia)

Toxigenic Mold

More severe health reactions are found with the mold categories: Fusarium, Stachybotrys and Trichoderma. Infants exposed to these mold types might exhibit these signs:

  • Acute Vomiting
  • Severe Diarrhea
  • Asthma Attacks

MVOCs

Some molds can generate Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs). Formed from fungal metabolism, these molds can make people very sick, especially infants. MOVCs are directly discharged into the air and can cause a variety of respiratory problems and other negative symptoms. If your baby is experiencing severe upper respiratory problems, this could be the trigger. Talk to your pediatrician about MVOCs and then have a mold assessment performed if this is a concern.

Mold Check

If you feel that mold in your home might be affecting the health of your infant, there are several places that you should check for an outbreak. Mold is generally connected to a leak or a place that is consistently wet or humid.

  • Does the nursery have a leak in the ceiling or a plumbing leak coming through the wall?
  • Are there baby toys that are usually damp from being put inside a mouth? Toys that stay damp, or have a small opening that might allow liquid inside, can easily develop mold.
  • Are there signs of mold in the bathroom? The bathroom is usually the first place that common mold types will surface. Make sure that the bathtub and sink areas are free from any signs of mold or mildew.
  • Make sure that baby bottles are properly sanitized. Mold can quickly grow in a closed bottle that has been left out for a few days.
  • Wet clothes and cloth diapers need to be washed immediately. Cloth can develop mold, which is nearly impossible to clean once it has infiltrated fabric.
  • Carpets, rugs and curtains in the nursery can very easily develop mold if left wet. Babies and toddlers are messy; urine, vomit and saliva can sometimes vanish into the surroundings. Make sure to clean up (and dry) every wet mess as soon as it is discovered.
  • Check the nursery air vents for mold – as well as the vents throughout the home. A home’s ventilation system is an ideal place for mold to grow and flourish.

If you have a baby in the house with any of the symptoms mentioned above, talk with your pediatrician about potential triggers. If mold might be the cause, investigate the common problem areas (and causes). RestoPros can help if you have found an outbreak and need professional assistance. We can help with all mold your remediation needs. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an assessment today!

Related Articles:

Areas in the Home to Check for Mold

Is Mold Hiding in Your Baby Toys?