Health Problems Cause by Molds

Molds (also spelled "moulds") are ubiquitous in the biosphere, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in its June 2006 report, 'Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods,' that "excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of contamination." When mold spores are present in abnormally high quantities, they can present especially hazardous health risks to humans, including allergic reactions or poisoning by mycotoxins, or causing fungal infection (mycosis).

Health problems associated with high levels of airborne mold spores include [unreliable medical source?] allergic reactions, asthma episodes, irritations of the eye, nose and throat, sinus congestion, and other respiratory problems, although it should be noted that mold spores won't actually cause asthma, just irritate existing conditions. For example, residents of homes with mold are at an elevated risk for both respiratory infections and bronchitis. When mold spores are inhaled by an immunocompromised individual, some mold spores may begin to grow on living tissue, attaching to cells along the respiratory tract and causing further problems. Generally, when this occurs, the illness is an epiphenomenon and not the primary pathology. Also, mold may produce mycotoxins, either before or after exposure to humans, potentially causing toxicity.

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How to identify molds

Mold is a living thing. It has tiny seeds, called spores that are always in the air, indoors and outside. The spores are so small; you can’t see them without a microscope. Most of the time, the spores land on something dry and nothing happen. They get sucked up in your vacuum or wiped away when you dust. But if the spores land on something that is wet, they can begin to grow into mold that you can see. You cannot see mold spores because they are too small, but once the mold starts to grow, you will notice it. Mold can grow on almost anything, as long as there is a little bit of water for a couple of days. The growing mold can be different colors: white, gray, brown, black, yellow, orange or green. It can be fluffy, hairy, smooth or flat and cracked, like leather. Even if you can’t see the mold, you will be able to smell it. Mold can smell very musty, like old books or wet dirt.

Mold, mildew, and fungi are all terms generally used to describe a distinct group of organisms that appear as wooly or powdery growth. Although often used interchangeably, these terms, in fact, are not synonymous. Rather, mold and mildew (along with rusts, yeasts, and mushrooms) are different members of the fungus family. Although once considered a part of the plant kingdom, fungi are now regarded as a distinct kingdom of organisms. They absorb nutrients from dead or living organic matter, and they lack photosynthetic pigments. At least 100,000 living species of fungus have been identified, some of which are beneficial to mankind. Mycologists estimate another 200,000 types of fungi may exist that have not yet been identified.

Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings. It is important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems develop.

If you smell mold, consider having a qualified mold inspection firm test for mold, locate the mold, determine the extent of the mold, determine the source of moisture and come up with a remediation plan.

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