Molds are hairy fungi; they are blurry because they are made of root-like structures called hyphae. Most mold hyphae grow on and in decaying plant materials or wall panels and release millions of tiny spores that float passively in the air like tiny windblown seeds.
Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds generate allergens and irritants. Touching or inhaling mold spores causes allergic symptoms in sensitive people. Allergic symptoms include sneezing, red eyes, rash, sore throat, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, skin and eye irritation, increased risk of sinus infection and colds, and rarely infection of the the upper respiratory tract. The effects of mold vary greatly from one individual to another.
This does not imply all family members. Certain people who may be at an elevated risk level are:
o Pregnant women and unborn children
o Infants, children and the elderly
o Individuals with severe respiratory sensitivity
o People with immune system problems such as people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, and recipients who have undergone organ transplants.
o People with allergies
o People with asthma
Molds are also a cause of frequent asthma attacks for people who already have asthma.
The smell of mold alone has been linked to a twofold increase in a child’s chances of developing asthma later in life. Therefore, a person who tests for spores and finds none has not proven that their property is mold safe. Mold on your walls can produce a faint odor that causes allergy-like symptoms and an increased chance of asthma. Mold screening involves more than air sampling, it is a multidisciplinary investigation of construction defects, moisture issues, air pressure and flow conditions, air conditioning ductwork, mold odor, mold levels, of spores and more.
Exposure to higher levels of mold over a long period of time eventually becomes unhealthy. High, short-term exposures can cause organic dust toxic syndrome with flu-like symptoms that last for a few days. Long-term high exposure may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis with pneumonia-like symptoms and long-term complications.
Regarding toxic mold, yes, many molds commonly found indoors produce toxins, and these toxins are very powerful. Mold toxins are a type of self-defense that make up for the lack of legs, fangs, claws, and hard shells. It is important that you do not panic. Numerous studies show that the levels of mold spores in your office or home are often too low to cause toxic reactions. But the synergistic effects of indoor pollutants and various mycotoxins are not yet fully understood, further studies are required. However, you can’t escape the allergies, sinus infections and asthma attacks that set in due to mold, this can plague you to the core with constant ailments.
But that’s not the end of it, molds have a general tendency to destroy everything they grow on. You can prevent this damage from happening to your furniture, your home, and your health by controlling humidity. If it’s too late and you already have mold, moisture, or odor, contact a certified mold inspector for testing, inspection, and written recommendations. If you suspect health problems related to mold or indoor air quality, do not rely on this article for medical advice, consult a doctor.