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To reproduce, mold and fungus release mold spores into the air. When toxic mold spores float in the air they pose inhalation risks to everyone breathing in the vicinity. They are considered a major allergen, ranking with pollen as the main source of air contamination for allergy sufferers. Inhalation of fungal spores, mycotoxins, and other volatile organic compounds may lead to a wide variety of adverse health effects including immunologic (allergic) reactions, toxic mold poisoning, and internal and external infection in humans and animals.
Statistics show that between home, work, and school, most people spend an average of 90 percent of their time indoors. We like to think that our homes are healthy places to live and our offices are safe places to work. But just how safe are they?
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, and or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of mold in occupational settings. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Some molds release volatile compounds into the air, produce unpleasant odors, and have been linked to a variety of specific health problems. Scientists label these compounds “microbial volatile organic compounds” or “mVOCs”. Exposure to mVOCs has been linked to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. According to several health associations, molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy and/or infection. Allergic reactions are most common following mold exposure. People react differently in their sensitivity to airborne mold spores. The elderly, children and those with respiratory problems and compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to ill health effects of mold. However, even healthy individuals may have adverse reactions to high concentrations of mold in their environment. Typical symptoms that mold-exposed people report include:
- Respiratory problems such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Nasal sinus congestion
- Eye irritation (burning, watering or reddened eyes)
- Dry hacking cough
- Fatigue
- Nose and throat irritation
- Skin rashes or irritations
Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches/pains, and fevers are also reported in mold cases; however, their cause is not understood.
Who Is Most At Risk of Health Concerns From Mold Exposure?
Excessive exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings, especially where ventilation is limited. There are, however, certain individuals who are more likely to experience severe reactions to mold exposure. People with allergies tend to be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Other high-risk candidates include:
- Infants, children and the elderly
- Immune-compromised patients (people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, liver disease, etc.)
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma
People with these special concerns who live or work in mold-contaminated environments should consult a physician if they are having health problems. People who experience unexplained health problems while inside a structure that tend to go away when they leave the structure should consider having an inspection and testing done to determine the likelihood of indoor mold growth being the cause of their symptoms.
Are Some Molds More Hazardous Than Others?
Mold spores are organized into three groups according to human responses:
- Allergenic (most likely to affect those who are already allergic or asthmatic)
- Pathogenic (serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems)
- Toxigenic (capable of causing serious health effects in almost anybody)Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to the amount and the types of mold. In addition to their allergic properties, certain types of molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, may produce compounds that have toxic properties, which are called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are not always produced, and whether a mold produces mycotoxins while growing in a building depends on a number of factors such as the surface material on which the mold is growing, conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity, and other unknown factors. When mycotoxins are present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores and may be present in materials that have become contaminated with molds.
While Stachybotrys is alive and growing, a wet slime layer covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. However, when Stachybotrys dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can disturb the mold and cause spores to become airborne. At present, there is no environmental test to determine whether or not Stachybotrys growth found in buildings is producing toxins. Nevertheless, since the health effects of mold on people and animals are the same whether the mold is viable (alive) or non-viable (dead), whenever testing confirms the presence of Stachybotrys indoors, appropriate remediation steps should be taken immediately whether the mold is growing or not.
The amount of mold present is more concerning than the types. Experts will argue about which molds are potentially more hazardous than others. But more concerning are the levels of airborne spores than the types of molds present indoors. Stachybotrys and other toxigenic molds such as Chaetomium, Aspergillus and others are absolutely undesirable to have growing indoors and should always be taken seriously. A few rogue spores of toxigenic mold in an air sample is far less worrisome than a few million spores of the common molds such as Penicillium or Cladosporium.
Consider this – if you open a bottle of Clorox bleach outdoors and hold it to your chest – how long will it take you to get sick? You probably won’t get sick outdoors in the open air. But if you were locked in a small room with bleach and inhaling the fumes, you’ll begin to feel sick very quickly. The same thing applies to mold spores. The important thing is the concentration, rather than the species of mold in your environment.
Different Types of Mold:
Penicillium
Penicillium is a genus of mold that is widespread in both indoor and outdoor environments. It is responsible for the distinctive greenish-blue color that can be found on food such as bread, fruit, and cheese, but it can also be present in carpets, walls, or other materials if moisture is present. Penicillium is a common mold found in water-damaged buildings, and it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is another common indoor mold that can be found in both warm, humid environments and in areas of water damage. It can grow on a wide variety of materials, including walls, carpets, and textiles. Aspergillus is a significant cause of allergies and respiratory problems, particularly for individuals with asthma or compromised immune systems.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is a common outdoor mold that can also grow indoors in damp areas. It is typically found on organic materials such as wood, carpets, and fabrics. While it is generally not as harmful as other molds, it can still cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with asthma or mold sensitivities.
Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mold)
Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold, is a toxic mold that grows in damp, water-damaged environments. It is particularly dangerous due to the mycotoxins it can produce, which can cause serious health problems, including respiratory issues, neurological symptoms, and even death in extreme cases. Black mold should be treated immediately and requires professional remediation to remove safely.