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How
am I exposed to indoor molds?
Mold is found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is common to find
mold spores in the air of homes and growing on damp surfaces. Much of
the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. Therefore, everyone
is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. Mold
spores primarily cause health problems when they enter the air and are
inhaled in large numbers. People can also be exposed to mold through
skin contact and eating.
How much mold can make me sick?
It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores
can cause health problems. For other people, it may take many more. The
basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the
excess moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mold.
Who is at greater risk when exposed to
mold?
Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings. It is
important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before
health problems develop. The following individuals appear to be at
higher risk for adverse health effects of molds:
- infants
and children
- elderly
- immune
compromised patients (people with HIV infection, cancer
chemotherapy, liver disease, etc.)
- pregnant
women
- individuals
with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies,
multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma.
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People with these
special concerns should consult a physician if they are having health
problems.
What symptoms are common?
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, and mood changes)
- aches and
pains
- possible
fever
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Are
some molds more hazardous than others?
Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to amount
and type needed to cause reactions. In addition, certain types of molds
can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, that the mold uses to inhibit or
prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both
living and dead mold spores.
Materials permeated with mold need to be removed, even after they are
disinfected with cleaning solutions. Allergic and toxic
effects can remain in dead spores. Exposure to mycotoxins may present a
greater hazard than that of allergenic or irritative molds. Mycotoxins
have been found in homes, agricultural settings, food, and office
buildings.
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