Health Problems Related to Mold Infestations

Mold Facts

Molds expel allergens and irritants into the air that can often cause individuals who are prone to allergies to experience symptoms similar to hay fever. This includes symptoms such as skin rashes, irritated eyes, sneezing, runny nose, as well as other nose, throat, and lung problems. Specifically, most toxic molds release poisonous substances labeled mycotoxins. These mycotoxins disturb cell structures and processes, and, in some cases, they have the potential to cause serious health problems. Their effects to human body cells have been researched and documented in controlled laboratory tests.

Mycotoxins have been to correlate with victims suffering from many diseases such as the following:

• pulmonary hemorrhage or pulmonary hemosiderosis (primarily in infants)
• nosebleeds
• chronic fatigue
• psychological depression
• diarrhea
• sore throats
• headaches and other flu-like symptoms
• immune system suppression (resulting in increased numbers of infections)
• hair loss
• dermatitis

Other symptoms that have been associated with mold:

• "burning" eyes
• blurred vision
• nasal congestion
• chest pains
• respiratory illness
• wheezing
• dry cough
• aggravated asthma
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath
• cognitive disorder
• runny nose

It should also be known that there is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors.

Building Inspectors

Many people make a living from mold inspection. Cities located in rainy climates are more vulnerable to mold infestations. Inspectors check known leaks or damp areas for possible mold infestations. Next, areas around kitchens, bathrooms or storage areas are checked in case moist things are left around collecting mold. Finally, the roof and other pipe paths are inspected for leaks and subsequently wet areas. Areas that get condensation are another place to look out for.

Health Benefits from Mold

Many people forget that not all mold is bad. Of course most molds found in the home or on foods can be dangerous although many forget that penicillin is derived from penicillium, a genus of a fungi that grows on various food products. Penicillin is an antibiotic that is very effective in treating many diseases. In fact, the scientists who discovered penicillin and first used it in medicine were awarded Nobel prizes in medicine after they successfully saved the lives of many wounded WWII soldiers who had infections in wounds.

Mold Risks in Food

Due to the fact that some mycotoxins are in fact toxic to humans and animals, the US Food and Drug Administration keeps a close eye on mold levels in various products sold in the US. In China, a specific brand of milk was recalled due to a poisonous mycotoxin being found in the milk. It was attributed to cows that were eating food that was tainted with mildew. Pet foods have been forced to recall large amounts of product in the US as well after corn shipments were found to contain high levels of mold.

Contact a local mold inspector to examine and protect your house from mold infestations and to protect you and your family from mold related illnesses.