Mold can cause a host of problems in office buildings, from respiratory problems to chronic illnesses. Taking steps to prevent mold growth can not only safeguard your property against damage, but it can also protect the health of your tenants.
A healthy workforce can mean improved morale, fewer absences, and consistent productivity levels. Here’s what you need to know about the impact of mold in office settings and how you can prevent it from wreaking havoc in your building.
How Mold Impacts the Health of Your Office Tenants
Dealing with workplace mold as soon as you discover its presence is vital when it comes to creating a safe working environment. It won’t take long for your staff to inhale mold spores.
Once those particles enter the airways, they can cause a wide range of health problems. The severity of the reaction will depend on each individual’s susceptibility and the strength of their immune system.
Allergies
Some people face a greater risk of symptoms if they already have mold allergies. When inhaled, mold spores release allergens that can trigger allergic reactions.
Common signs of a mold allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Skin rash
- Congestion
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Headaches
People with more severe allergies might also experience fever and shortness of breath. Without immediate treatment, the individual can suffer anaphylaxis.
Respiratory Symptoms
Lasting exposure to mold spores can lead to a respiratory infection. Even if you don’t have mold allergies, a respiratory infection can irritate the lungs and inhibit breathing.
Symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
These symptoms happen because mold spores attack the airway, irritating the nose, mouth, and throat.
Bleeding Symptoms
The effects of mold become more serious when exposure is consistent or severe. For example, frequently inhaling mold spores can cause the mucus membranes in the sinuses and lungs to burn.
The reaction to this burning sensation includes:
- Bleeding gums
- Coughing up blood
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding in your lungs
If anyone on your staff complains about bleeding symptoms, encourage them to seek medical care right away. Delaying treatment can have devastating and long-term health consequences.
Mold-Related Illnesses
There are a few specific illnesses that result from mold exposure. Educating your staff about them can help them identify when one of these conditions is affecting their health.
Aspergillosis
This is a group of related illnesses that all stem from exposure to Aspergillus fungi. Symptoms differ, depending on the specific type of aspergillosis, but most conditions in this group cause respiratory infections and allergic reactions.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
While rare, this inflammatory lung disease often results from workplace mold exposure. It causes fever, difficulty breathing, and coughing.
Mycotoxicosis
Some types of mold expose people to mycotoxins. Once these particles enter the body, they attack the digestive system, immune system, and nervous system. Some mycotoxins cause cancer.
Key Steps to Protect Your Tenants Against Mold Exposure
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to stop mold exposure as soon as you suspect a problem. Some of these recommendations can help you prevent future mold growth while addressing a current outbreak as well.
Clean Small Mold Spots Before They Expand
As soon as you find a small patch of mold, clean the area thoroughly. Bleach is an effective mold killer, and it will leave the surface sanitized. Make sure to completely dry the area after treatment.
Use Your Office’s AC or Dehumidifier
You can keep mold from returning to your office by using your air conditioner. An AC cools by drawing moisture and humidity from the air. Alternatively, install a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 50% on a consistent basis.
Remove the Carpeting in Your Office Spaces
Carpets collect and trap moisture, so having carpeted office spaces might be a costly mistake. Mold can thrive and spread unseen for long periods beneath the carpeting. Installing ceramic tiles or hardwood flooring can solve this problem.
Cover Your Walls With Mold Inhibitor Paint
A mold remediation company can help you choose paint that rejects mold growth. The antimicrobial agents and fungicides in special paint kill mold spores in problem areas.
Keep Up With Building Maintenance
Consistent building maintenance can address multiple mold causes in your office spaces. Roof maintenance, regular HVAC tune-ups, and plumbing upkeep are a few things you can do to reduce mold risks.
Mold Prevention Is Possible With a Proactive Approach
Routine inspections and testing are the best methods for rooting out mold in your office space and preventing it from spreading in the first place. Open communication with your staff is also essential.
Tracking absences and taking notice when someone doesn’t feel well can alert you to a potential problem with mold. While the occasional absence is normal, more widespread health issues could suggest that there’s a common culprit.
It’s important to trust mold treatment to a company that offers proven commercial mold remediation. Professionals will respond promptly to your need for remediation, helping you minimize structural damage and health risks in your office building.
Note: This is article is meant to be informative, but should not be regarded as medical advice or instruction. If you think you have been endangered by mold exposure, please seek medical attention.
