Molds are but one type of fungi that exist in nearly every location
across the globe. The purpose of fungi is to break down organic
material and recycle them for future use by plants and animals.
The family of fungi includes mildews, yeasts, large mushrooms,
and mold. Fungi require organic materials in order to form and
expand.
 
When damp conditions are present, mold is able to grow on such
diverse materials as wood, carpet, insulation, cloth, and all types
of food. Mold thrives in damp, moist, or wet surroundings, frequently
in areas where humans exist. Molds typically reproduce through their
spores that are released into the air and land on moist, organic
materials. The spores then germinate and begin expanding out in
elaborate networks. The factors that determine the rate of this
growth include amount of moisture, type of food or organic material,
temperature, and many others.
Humans often come in contact with molds in moist areas in or around
their homes or when mold spores become airborne. These airborne
mold spores can come into contact with humans either through the
skin or when ingested.
If the mold spores are "toxic", they can adversely affect the health
of humans. The effect on humans will depend on the type of mold
involved, the metabolic byproduct of the mold, as well as how much
contact there is and the length of exposure, as well as the level
of susceptibility of the human victim. This last factor is important
for children who can be affected much more easily than adults.
The ill effects of molds generally break down into 4 categories that include allergies, infections, irritations, and toxicities .
How Mold Inspection can Prevent Allergies
Allergies
Allergies are probably the most common reaction to contact with
molds. Atopic individuals (those who experience allergic reactions
that is often hereditary) who are exposed to mold, mold spores, or
mold byproducts may manifest allergic reactions once they become
vulnerable (sensitized) to the particular mold. The reactions can
run the spectrum, from very mild and temporary reactions to acute,
chronic illness. Of course, molds are simply one of the causes of
indoor allergens. Other common causes include dust mites,
cockroaches, effluvia from domestic pets and other microorganisms
(molds are included in this category).
However, according to The Institute of Medicine:
  1 in 5 Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis, the most common chronic disease in
humans.
1 in 9 Americans suffer from allergy-related sinusitis.
1 in 10 Americans have allergic-related asthma.
1 in 11 Americans experience allergic dermatitis.
Less than 1 in 100 Americans suffer from serious chronic allergic diseases.
These statistics indicate that allergic reactions are extremely
common in humans. Often times, the specific cause of the allergies
is in question. Recently, the existence of mold in homes and
workplaces has cropped up as a very real possibility as the cause
of some of these allergic reactions.
Many different types of molds can put their spores and byproducts
into the air, but only a few purified mold allergens are available
for allergy tests. Atopic individuals can become sensitized to certain
molds, but this may not always be cited by a health care professional
as a mold-related allergy. A positive mold allergy test indicates that
an individual is susceptible to a specific allergen, but testing negative doesn’t necessarily rule out mold allergy for atopic individuals.
Irritations
Fungal exposure can also come from any volatile compounds
(VOCs) that a fungi/mold creates through primary or secondary
metabolism that then becomes airborne. (Primary metabolic
processes are those necessary to sustain the life of an organism.)
These volatile compounds may be constantly created as the fungus
consumes its food source during the primary metabolic process. VOCs
can irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory
system.
Fungi that consume certain organic sources can release highly toxic
gases. For instance, a fungus that grows on wallpaper often releases
toxic gas arsine directly from the wallpaper that contains arsenic
pigments. Thus, fungi and molds can release dangerous materials
when they break down the host material. This can cause mucous
membrane irritation in sensitized individuals.
Fungal volatile compounds may impact the "common chemical sense"
which senses pungency and responds to it. This sense is primarily
associated with the trigeminal nerve. The sensory and motor nerves
respond to pungency by trying to hold the breath, discomfort, or
through sensations such as itching, burning, and skin crawling.
Changes in sensation, swelling of mucous membranes, constriction of
respiratory smooth muscle, or dilation of surface blood vessels may
be part of fight or flight reactions in response to trigeminal nerve
stimulation. Reactions often include a reduced attention
level, general disorientation, lowered reflex time, dizziness, etc.
Volatile Compounds found in or around homes can be responsible for
mucous membrane irritants. It is thought that fungi can add to the
already existing compounds when breaking down certain organic
substances. A mold-contaminated building may have a significant
contribution from its fungal contaminants that is added to common
VOCs---building materials, paints, plastics and cleaners. VOCs in
general can result in symptoms that include lowered attention span,
headaches, lack of concentration, and dizziness.
Infections
This type of reaction from indoor mold is fairly rare, occurring
primarily in those individuals who are susceptible. Aspergillus types
of mold have been known to be pathogenic (a disease producing
microorganism) For instance, Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus)
is a fairly weak pathogen thought to cause infections in vulnerable
individuals. A. fumigatus is also fairly commonly implicated in ABPA
and allergic fungal sinusitis.
Other fungi that cause infection include Coccidioides, Histoplasma,
and Blastomyces. However, these fungi are rarely found indoors,
growing instead in soil and dirt. Human contact is usually
due to contact with animals.
Toxicities
Molds also produce secondary metabolites such as antibiotics and
mycotoxins (a poisonous substance produced by a fungus).
Sometimes it is possible to isolate antibiotics from the molds
themselves in order to utilize some of their properties in fighting
infections. Secondary metabolisms are not necessary for maintaining
the existence of a mold---either by creating energy or synthesizing
structural components, informational molecules or enzymes. They do,
however, function to provide molds with advantages over other mold
and bacteria and are toxic to certain plant and human cells.
Toxic conditions exist when a human has exposure to these
mycotoxins---either through ingesting mycotoxin-containing mold
spores or with skin contact to mold itself. Mycotoxins are nearly all
cytotoxic (substances produced by microorganisms that are toxic to
individual cells), which disrupt various cellular structures such as
membranes, and interrupt important processes, including protein,
RNA and DNA synthesis.
Mycotoxins vary in how dangerous they are for humans. Mycotoxins
pose a threat to larger organisms not because they are specifically
targeting them, but rather because these large organisms
inadvertently come across the byproduct of the competing molds all
vying for the same ecological niche. Numerous mold types produce
mycotoxins, including some found indoors in contaminated homes and
office buildings. Another factor that determines the mycotoxins that
are produced by specific molds usually depends on the materials or
organisms that they grow on.
It used to be thought that dangerous molds were primarily
contaminants in foods. This notion is quickly changing. Recently,
researchers have become more concerned with multiple mycotoxins
that derive from many types of mold spores growing in moist indoor
environments. Health effects from exposures to such mold mixtures
can differ from those related to single mycotoxins in controlled
laboratory exposures. Although it is difficult to predict how exposure
to multiple toxigenic molds can affect an individual (they can synergize
the effects), the following provides possible poor health effects from
mycotoxin exposure to multiple molds indoors.
Problems with the vascular system. Increased vascular fragility, possibility of
hemorrhaging into body tissues. Possible molds include aflatoxin,
satratoxin, roridins.
Problems with digestive system. Diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal and fibrosis). Aflatoxin
results in deleterious effects on mucous membranes.
Problems with respiratory system. Including respiratory distress, and bleeding from
the lungs.
Problems with nervous system. Tremors, lack of coordination, depression, and
headaches.
Problems with cutaneous system. Symptoms include rash, burning sensation, and
sloughing of skin.
Problems with urinary system.
Problems with reproductive system. Including infertility, changes in reproductive
cycles, etc.
Many mycotoxins can produce changes or a weakening of the immune system.
Unfortunately, not all types or species of molds have been tested
for the presence of mycotoxins. The production of toxins varies
according to the type of mold, the substrate on which it grows,
and seasons of the year.
You should be concerned about mold related issues if:
You are the buyer or seller of real estate.
Your home has sustained water damage or suffers from water leaks or excessive
 moisture.
You have allergies, asthma, or sinus problems.
You have infants in the home or your children have respiratory problems.
Could you and your family be at risk of having mold related problems?
Is there a musty smell in your home or building?
Are there visible signs of water damage?
Has the building ever suffered a roof, basement, or plumbing leak?
Is there black mold in the basement, attic or living area?
Are you buying or selling a home? You should have it checked out before purchasing
or selling!
Does anyone in your home have unexplained health ailments?
Molds can be harmful to your family's health and damage
your property.
Why are new homes moldier?
Experts point to modern home design, including materials
used, such as fake stucco (great mold food when wet); the
way insulation can trap moisture behind walls; and the fact
that today's homes, like office buildings, are more airtight,
with air-conditioning and heating systems recirculating
contaminated air. - USAWeekend.com
Excessive concentrations of indoor mold growth can lead
to a variety of health problems. If you, a family member, or
friend is experiencing any of the following symptoms, you could have
an indoor mold problem. Don’t risk your health!
Molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy, or
infection. Allergic reactions are most common following mold
exposure. Typical symptoms that mold-exposed persons report
(alone or in combination) include:
Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of
 breath
Nasal and sinus congestion
Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
Dry, hacking cough
Nose or throat irritation
Skin rashes or irritations
Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and
fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases.
"An estimated 37 million people in the United States suffer from
chronic sinusitis… Our studies indicate that, in fact, fungus is likely the
cause of nearly all of these problems." -1999 Study by the Mayo
Clinic
Following are some helpful links:
- Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds
- State of the Science on Molds and Human Health
- Pulmonary Hemorrhage/Hemosiderosis Among Infants
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