Not only is bathroom mold disgusting and unhygienic( and so unappealing), it can also pose health risks to you and your family.
Bathroom mold thrives in the openings of bathroom tile due to water leaks from deteriorating grout in the wall and floor, and also insufficient ventilation. Mold enters your bathroom in tiny spores and waits for moisture to begin its growth.When these bathroom molds are disturbed, they then release their spores into the air causing you to inhale these microscopic spores into the lungs.
Bathroom mold is usually harmless, some people are more sensitive than others while commonly causing problems for asthma and allergy sufferers. Some health problems people have experienced are skin rashes,mild to severe headaches, eye irritations, runny noses,aggravation of asthma, and difficulty breathing. High levels of mold ,especially toxic molds can be harmful to almost anyone who is exposed, causing more serious health concerns such as headaches, memory loss, chronic fatigue,trouble focusing, tremors, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and even cancer. Pregnant women can also experience multiple problems, including miscarriages.
Now that you know some of the health concerns bathroom mold can cause, lets now discuss some effective ways to eliminate the mold and prevent its formation. It is very important to keep the bathroom as dry as possible, and to remove wet towels throughout. Keeping the temperature within 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the relative humidity between 30% – 50% can also keep moisture levels under control. A simple way is to Install an exhaust fan, allowing the fan to pull steam and moisture from the air. Even adding a dehumidifier or simply opening a window a little can help the air circulation. Make sure to clean your bathroom regularly to kill mold spores. Bleach may be used to clean and kill mold, but is not recommended due to the harmful fumes which can be equally bad for your health. ( Remember to wear a mask or respirator when cleaning just in case the mold is already airborne). A recommended way to eliminate and prevent mold is to clean your infected bathroom with undiluted white vinegar (the kind you can buy in the supermarket).White Vinegar is a mild acid that kills 99.9% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs/viruses. Most people with mold problems swear by this remedy, and have even seen major improvements in their bathrooms appearance (don’t worry the vinegar smell dissipates within a few hours). If suggested remedies are not working and all else fails, it is recommended to call a mold specialist right away to decrease possible health risks.