Mold has potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases potentially toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions. The reactions can be immediate or delayed. Allergic reactions to mold are common. Exposure to mold can occur when airborne mold cells, mostly spores, are inhaled. We breathe in these cells every day, indoors and out. Usually these exposures do not present a health risk. But when exposure is great, some individuals, particularly those with allergies and asthma, can experience illness that could be mild to serious or anywhere in between. The following is a description of the health problems that can be caused by exposure to mold.

Allergic Illness

When mold cells are inhaled and land in the respiratory tract, the body's immune system's response to those invading cells can cause allergic illness. The immune system tries to destroy the mold as it would an agent, like a flu virus, that might cause infection. In a relatively small portion of the population (about 10 percent of people in the U.S.), the immune system overreacts and causes the allergic response that results in symptoms such as runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing. Most of us know this allergic illness as "hay fever" or "allergic rhinitis."

Asthma

 Asthma is a lung disease in which the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs can partially close, causing breathing difficulties ranging from mild (such as a dry cough) to life-threatening (inability to breathe). North Carolina is in the midst of what is being called a world-wide asthma epidemic. A recent survey of North Carolina middle school children revealed that 10 percent had been diagnosed with asthma and another 17 percent had asthma symptoms that had never been diagnosed. More than half of asthmatics have respiratory allergies, often to mold. Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive asthmatics.

 

Infection

Some mold species can cause respiratory infection when the live mold invades the tissues of the lungs or respiratory tract. This is not a significant risk for healthy people, but can be dangerous for individuals with severely weakened immune systems.

 

Toxic Effects

Very large doses of certain molds, whether inhaled or ingested, can result in poisoning caused by toxins, called mycotoxins, in the mold cells. It is not clear whether an individual can receive a high enough exposure to mold growing indoors to experience these toxic effects.

One particular type of mold that has been recently highlighted in the media is Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra). Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mold that grows on materials with high cellulose content (drywall, wood, paper, ceiling tiles) that are chronically wet or moist. It is one of several molds that can produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions. The health effects of breathing mycotoxins are not well understood, but we do know that most molds can present some health risks, such as allergic reactions. Therefore, any mold growth in a building should be cleaned up, regardless of the type of mold.

                                                               Symptoms

Minor Symptoms:   Itchy eyes, nosebleeds, headaches, memory issues, running nose, skin rashes/sores.

 

Serious Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, loss of balance, irritability, respiratory problems, hair loss, cancer, birth defects.

Home Hazards

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on wet or damp surfaces and begin growing. Mold seeks MOISTURE, WARMTH, and FOOD, and all three conditions are necessary for it to grow. Mold is most likely to find a place to grow in a bathroom, basement or kitchen, but it can grow in other rooms if conditions are favorable. The climate where you live and the living habits in your household can affect the ability of mold to grow.

Mold spores can thrive and reproduce in wet or damp parts of your home: areas that have had flooding or where leakage has occurred in roofs, pipes, or walls, or areas around house plants, especially ones that sometimes are over-watered. In just 48 hours, a moist environment combined with room-temperature conditions and an organic food source can lead to mold growth.

Some places where mold can grow in your home are:

carpet drapes upholstery leather wood products clothing paper cardboard books rags wallboard cloth ceiling tiles ductwork paint wallpaper household dust After it gets the food it needs, mold can move to virtually any kind of surface. Mold prefers temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If a warm enough area in your home is humid or damp and contains items that mold likes to eat, your home could develop a mold problem. SIGNS   Mold and/or Mildew Fungus that grows in damp, dark areas, Causes discoloration, musty smells and odors. Musty Odors This is the result of the decay process from mold, mildew, and dry rot. Damp Spots on Walls Sign that water has absorbed through wall Block will have dark grey splotches in various places. White Chalky Substance on Walls Known as efflorescence, this is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. Sign of possible structural deterioration. Cracked Walls Sign that foundation has moved/shifted Should be inspected to determine the exact cause. Peeling Paint Sign that the wall has taken moisture inside, as Paint will not stick to a wet surface. Rust on Appliances or Furniture Look for rust on bottoms of furnaces, Water heaters, and other metal appliances. Sign of dampness and water evaporation. Dry Rot Dark brown/black fungus. Grows on walls And other surfaces. Grows mostly on wooden Surfaces, causing wood to decay. Warped Paneling Moisture will cause paneling to bow and discolor, commonly at the bottom portion of the paneling.     Send mail to abcenviron@bellsouth.net with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2006 ABC Environmental Services Last modified: 09/10/06