When you’re expecting a new baby, there are so many things to do! From preparing your home to eating well, you want to do everything you can to get ready. Don’t let black mold become an obstacle to your newborn’s health and safety. The experts at MoldGone in Maricopa County can help you protect your infant from the harmful effects of mold exposure.
Black Mold and Infants: What Are the Risks?
Babies are very vulnerable to toxins, including fungi such as black mold. Because its lightweight spores travel through the air, carrying mycotoxins that can be inhaled, black mold is especially dangerous. Since infants’ immune systems are not yet fully developed, they are more susceptible to serious health issues from black mold exposure.
The biggest concern with babies and mold exposure is the risk of a pulmonary hemorrhage, which causes bleeding in the lungs. Pulmonary hemorrhages have one tell-all symptom which is coughing up blood with a foamy texture. Additional respiratory issues that could affect your baby include bronchitis, pneumonia, and later-onset asthma.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure in Infants
The symptoms of mold exposure in babies are quite similar to the symptoms in adults. Mold exposure in infants can be a tricky field to navigate—because babies can’t tell you what’s wrong, you won’t be able to tell if they are crying because their diaper needs to be changed or if their throat is hurting from mold exposure.
Watch for these physical symptoms of black mold exposure:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Watering eyes
- Skin rash
- Sudden weight loss or lack of appetite
- Vomiting (if mold is ingested)
Of course, these symptoms are similar to those of the common cold or flu. If the symptoms last for longer than the length of a cold (7 to 10 days), you should see your pediatrician and also consider getting a free mold inspection.
What to Do If Your Baby Is Exposed to Black Mold
Visit a Pediatrician
As mentioned before, babies’ immune systems are still developing, so we always recommend seeking medical advice to keep your baby safe. If you know that you have black mold in your home, tell the doctor so they can do further tests to confirm your baby’s diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter medicine such as Sudafed or stronger medicine like a nasal spray to help alleviate your baby’s symptoms.
Get the Mold Removed
After you take care of your baby, you should schedule professional mold removal services to keep your baby (and other family members) safe from further exposure. Don’t delay—the sooner the mold is removed, the sooner you can get back to enjoying life with your newborn. If you have the option, we recommend that you stay out of your house until the mold is removed, to protect your baby’s health.
Mold Removal in Maricopa County
Black mold and infants are a dangerous combination! MoldGone specializes in mold removal with minimal demolition, which can be helpful when you have a new baby. You won’t have to worry about moving any of your items out of your home or worry about any toxic chemicals—our dry fog mold removal method is safe and effective. If you live in Maricopa County and you suspect that your home has mold, give us a call to schedule a free inspection today.
Photo by Åsmund Gimre on Unsplash