Mold is often perceived as a visual nuisance, an unwanted stain that ruins walls and clothes. But the truth is that it represents a much bigger and often underestimated problem.
In humid, poorly ventilated or infiltrated environments, mold multiplies quickly and releases particles capable of triggering, aggravating and reducing air quality. In corporate environments, the World Health Organization estimates that around 30% of buildings present characteristics of Sick Building Syndrome, a condition in which occupants begin to experience symptoms such as eye irritation, allergies, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and respiratory problems whenever they are inside the environment.
These symptoms improve or disappear when you leave. This syndrome is associated with poor ventilation, dust accumulation, chemical compounds in the air and the presence of fungi, including mold, one of the most common signs of this scenario. Understanding the risks is the first step to avoiding damage to health and the environment.
Why mold is so bad and who suffers most from it
Mold is formed by colonies of fungi that spread through the air through microscopic spores. These particles, invisible to the naked eye, are easily inhaled and become a trigger for attacks of rhinitis, sinusitis, persistent cough, respiratory allergies and asthma. People with allergic rhinitis, young children, the elderly and individuals with lower immunity tend to feel the effects more intensely.
The symptoms may seem common, but they hide direct connections to the presence of fungi. A runny nose when waking up, eye irritation, increased nighttime coughing, a strong smell of damp in cupboards and stains that always return to the same place are warning signs. In more severe cases, mold can contribute to recurrent respiratory infections and even broader inflammatory conditions, especially in those who already have allergic diseases.
In addition to health, mold also affects the physical environment. It deteriorates plaster, paint, wood, fabrics and books. Over time, it compromises the structure of the walls and reduces the market value of properties. In other words, the problem affects both well-being and assets.
How to eliminate mold and prevent it from returning
Prevention starts with simple everyday measures. Ventilating the rooms daily, not making the bed immediately when you get up (as the mattress is still hot and damp), preventing furniture from sticking to the walls, opening cupboards and drawers regularly and allowing natural light to enter help reduce humidity and hinder the proliferation of fungi. Environments that are closed for long periods of time, such as rooms without air circulation or bathrooms without windows, are most likely to have mold.
When the problem is already present, it is recommended to identify the cause of the humidity. Infiltrations, leaks, leaks and inadequately insulated walls need to be corrected so that mold does not return. Cleaning with bleach or antifungal products is not enough, structural repairs and repainting with anti-mold paint are necessary.
There are also air purifying devices that help control relative humidity, especially in very humid regions or in properties with little sunlight. Mold should not be treated as something simple or inevitable. It signals that the environment is sick and that the air breathed daily is compromised. With attention to signs, correct interventions and small changes in routine, it is possible to transform any home into a safer, healthier and more comfortable space to live.
*Text written by doctor Natasha Rebouças Ferraroni (CRM 13.749 DF | RQE 11230), specialist in Allergy and Immunology from Unicamp (State University of Campinas), PhD from USP (University of São Paulo), full member of the Brazilian Society of Allergy and Immunology and member of Brazil Health
