Molds can be found throughout our homes, but are commonly found where there is chronic moisture, such as in the bathroom, attic and damp basements. Mold growth, when found, can often be seen in the form of discoloration, and can be many colors: white, orange, pink, blue, green, black or brown. Because mold does not tolerate light and cannot live where there is light, it often very difficult to detect.
Therefore, many health problems can be mis-diagnosed or even ignored because of the lack of knowledge that there is mold in our homes. Because molds produce allergens and irritants, it is common for exposed individuals to experience:
* hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose and red eyes
* a skin rash
* irritated eyes, nose, throat and lungs
Numerous molds --commonly called "toxic mold"-- can also produce poisonous substances, primarily associated with their spores, called mycotoxins (mycology is the branch of botany dealing with fungi). Disruptive to our cell structures and cell processes, these toxins have the potential to cause serious harm. Their effects to the human body have been documented using controlled, laboratory conditions. In our everyday indoor environment there is less certainty of symptoms causality, but it is important to note that mycotoxins were proven to be present indoors with victims suffering from:
* headaches and other flu-like symptoms
* chronic fatigue
* psychological depression
* sore throats
* nose bleeds
* dermatitis
* diarrhea
* immune system suppression (resulting in increasing numbers of infections)
* hair loss
* pulmonary hemorrhage or pulmonary hemosiderosis (primarily in infants)
Other health related symptoms associated with mold include:
* cognitive disorder
* "burning" eyes
* blurred vision
* respiratory illness
* chest pains
* chest tightness
* breathing problems
* shortness of breath
* wheezing
* dry cough
* nasal congestion
* aggravated asthma
Many times a leaky roof or window can go undetected for days, months and even years. It only takes 24 - 48 hours for mold growth to begin. Mold has an insidious nature. It grows quietly in the dark, often times behind drywall or on wood or insulation.
When molds are present in large quantities (called colonies), they become a health concern and can cause negative health effects when their reproductive spores are inhaled.
Molds can generally be divided into 3 groups based on their health effects Allergenic, Pathogenic and Toxic:
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Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous, but can cause allergenic or asthmatic symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation or wheezing. These molds do not usually produce life-threatening effects, and are most likely to affect those who are already allergic or asthmatic.
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Pathogenic mold can cause serious health effects in persons with decreased immune function, for example people taking chemotherapy, or with HIV/AIDS. A normal, healthy individual can probably resist infection by these organisms regardless of dose, but high exposures may cause reactions in the lungs. Any mold that can grow at body temperature can become a pathogen in a person with a reduced immune function.
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Toxins are poisonous substances produced by living things. Those from mold (called mycotoxins) can cause serious health effects in almost anybody. These effects range from short-term irritation to severe immune and respiratory problems, or even cancer. Mycotoxins are contained in some kinds of fungus spores, and these can be breathed into the body. Symptoms of nerve tissue damage possibly due to mycotoxin exposure have been reported. Skin is another target for mycotoxins. Toxins for several fungi have caused cases of severe skin disease. In view of the serious nature of the effects reported for mycotoxins, exposure to these agents should be avoided.
Watch for warning signs and health symptoms that might indicate a need for concern and call for action.
About the Author
Barton Robertson is president of
Above Board Remediation Technology, a mold inspection and remediation company that specializes in removing toxic mold and uses state of the art technology for finding hidden mold. He is the creator of the De-Mold Kit, the first of its kind to use EPA approved products. It is available to anyone in the US. He is also an instructor who travels the country teaching individuals who want to become certified in mold abatement. Questions? You may contact Barton at
Barton@goaboveboard.com Visit his web site to view photo galleries of mold and the mold removal process.
