Mold and your health, Mold Allergies, Toxic Mold Information

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Health and Mold

http://activerain.com/blogsview/106097/Mold-and-your-health

Molds can cause a wide variety of adverse responses in people

depending on the type and quantity present. However, these are not

the only factors when considering the health effects of mold

exposure. Since human responses can be highly individualistic, the

sensitivity of the person exposed is also an important

consideration. For example, infants and young children, the immune-

compromised, and the elderly are at an increased risk for

experiencing adverse health effects related to mold exposure.

There are many methods of exposure to molds including dermal

contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The health risks associated with

mold exposure include, but are not limited to:

· Infections

· Inflammation associated with volatile organic compounds

· Allergic reaction

Infections

Infections can be caused by molds found in indoor air. At extreme

levels, hypersensitive pneumonitis may develop. Individuals with

compromised immune systems or aggravated health conditions can be

especially susceptible to invasive mold infections. Mold blamed for

breathing problems

Inflammation Associated with VOC's (volatile organic compounds)

Toxin-induced inflammation is caused by repeated or high levels of

exposure to airborne Mycotoxins. These Mycotoxins irritate the

mucous membranes associated with the eyes, nose, and throat. If

spores are inhaled and reach the lung alveoli, they may induce

inflammatory reactions and cause toxic pneumonitis. The musty odor

associated with airborne molds may cause headaches, dizziness,

dermatitis, diarrhea, and impaired immune function.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold

exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination)

include:

· Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in

breathing

· Nasal and sinus congestion

· Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity

· Dry, hacking cough

· Sore throat

· Nose and throat irritation

· Shortness of breath

· Skin irritation

· Central nervous system problems

· Constant headaches

· Memory problems

· Mood changes

· Aches and pains

· Possible fever

Mold Facts

Indoor mold spores indicate mold growth, which indicates mycotoxin

production. Currently, we can measure and identify spores, but it is

difficult to measure mycotoxins. Stachybotrys produces at least 170

known mycotoxins.

" About 38 percent of homes have mold and fungus growth due to

elevated moisture. " (The American Society of Home Inspectors)

Exposure to mold occurs when people inhale mold spores. A 1994

Harvard University School of Public Health study of 10,000 homes in

the United States and Canada found half had " conditions of water

damage and mold associated with a 50 to 100% increase in respiratory

symptoms. "

According to a recent U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) report,

20 percent of schools have indoor air quality problems, with many of

the schools found in poorer school districts.

A 1999 Mayo Clinic Study attributed nearly all the chronic sinus

infections afflicting 37 million Americans to molds.

A new medical study attributes nearly 100% of chronic sinus

infections to mold. A 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past

20 years has been linked to molds, " as reported in USA WEEKEND, Dec.

3-5, 1999.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the humidity

levels in homes be kept below 50% to avoid the potential growth of

mold.

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