| The health concerns of mold exposure have been | | | | - Digestive problems |
| growing thanks in part to increased media | | | | Other non-health related symptoms that may |
| awareness and more research conducted in this | | | | indicate toxic mold is present could be things as |
| field. It is important to know that mold and mold | | | | simple as a musty odor or smell and the visual |
| spores are everywhere, but it is when the | | | | dark green color commonly associated with toxic |
| conditions are right that they grow, leading to | | | | black mold. |
| health issues. | | | | If you experience any of these toxic mold |
| Not all molds are considered toxic mold. Toxic | | | | symptoms while indoors, then you may have a |
| molds, such as the often-publicized black mold, are | | | | mold problem, particularly if the symptoms |
| a group of molds that produce chemical | | | | dissipate when you evacuate the vicinity and you |
| substances called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are | | | | may want to have the premises tested. In most |
| then carried on mold spores, mold fragments and | | | | cases toxic mold can be treated and living |
| even the surface that the mold is growing on. | | | | conditions restored back to normal. |
| There are basically 3 ways a person can become | | | | Now, there are ways to prevent the growth of |
| exposed to toxic mold and mycotoxins: | | | | toxic mold (or regular mold). You have to |
| - Breathing in mold spores | | | | understand that mold in actuality is not really the |
| - Skin contact from handling moldy objects | | | | problem, but rather a symptom itself that means |
| - Eating objects that have mold on them, | | | | there is a larger problem and that is moisture |
| whether by growth or by transference from | | | | control. Mold growth typically takes place in moist |
| improperly washed hands. | | | | environments, so the key to reducing the |
| Reactions to mold and even toxic mold can vary | | | | occurrence of mold is to eliminate the moisture |
| depending upon the condition of the person. | | | | indoors. The following can help to reduce the |
| Relatively healthy people with no history of | | | | growth of toxic mold indoors: |
| allergies may show little to no effect to exposure, | | | | - Repair any and all water leaks |
| while others such as children, infants, the elderly, | | | | - Ventilate and circulate the air, particularly in |
| people with respiratory conditions and people with | | | | showers and bathrooms |
| immune deficiencies may be at the most risk of | | | | - Keep indoor humidity below 60% (preferably |
| toxic mold symptoms. | | | | 30%-50%) |
| Toxic Mold (or black mold) Symptoms include: | | | | - Immediately clean up water caused by spills and |
| - Allergic reactions such as eye, nose and throat | | | | leaks. |
| irritations | | | | Understand, it is impossible to eliminate all mold |
| - Sinus infections | | | | and mold spores entirely due to that fact that |
| - Respiratory problems | | | | they are found constantly in the air and in even in |
| - Fatigue | | | | house dust. However, through the reduction of |
| - Headaches | | | | moist environments indoors, mold and toxic mold |
| - Nervous systems problems like memory loss, | | | | growth can be eliminated and thus the symptoms |
| trouble concentrating and confusion | | | | and heath issues that come with them. |
| - Chronic aches and pains | | | | |