| Molds are fuzzy fungi; they are fuzzy because | | | | sampling the air, it is a multidisciplinary investigation |
| they are made of root like structures called | | | | into building defects, humidity problems, air |
| hyphae. Most mold hyphae grow on and inside of | | | | pressure and flow conditions, AC ducts, mold |
| decaying plant materials or wall boards and release | | | | odor, spore levels, and more. |
| millions of tiny spores that float passively through | | | | Exposure to mold of higher levels for a long |
| the air like tiny wind blown seeds. | | | | period of time eventually turns to become |
| Molds possess the potential to instigate health | | | | unhealthy. Short term high exposures can result in |
| problems. Molds generate allergens and irritants. | | | | organic dust toxic syndrome with flu like |
| Touching or inhaling mold spores cause allergic | | | | symptoms occurring for a few days. Long term |
| symptoms in sensitive people. Allergic symptoms | | | | elevated exposure can result in Hypersensitivity |
| include sneezing, red eyes, skin rash, sore throat, | | | | Pneumonitis with pneumonia like symptoms and |
| sinus congestion, breathing difficulties, skin and eye | | | | long term complications. |
| irritation, higher risk of sinus infection and colds, | | | | In regard to toxic mold, yes many molds |
| and rarely upper respiratory infection. The mold | | | | commonly found indoors produce toxins, and |
| effects vary extensively from one individual to | | | | these toxins are very powerful. Mold toxins are a |
| another. | | | | type of self defence that makes up for molds |
| This does not entail all the members in the family. | | | | lack of legs, fangs, claws, and hard shells. It is |
| Certain people who may be at elevated risk level | | | | important that you do not panic. Numerous |
| are: | | | | studies show that mold spore levels in your office |
| • Pregnant ladies and unborn children | | | | or home are typically too low to generate toxic |
| • Infants, children and elders | | | | reactions. But synergistic effects of indoor |
| • Individuals with severe respiratory | | | | pollutants and various mycotoxins are not yet |
| sensitiveness | | | | fully understood, further study is required. |
| • People with immune system problems such | | | | However, you cannot escape the allergies, sinus |
| as HIV infected people, patients undergoing | | | | infections and asthma attacks appearing due to |
| chemotherapy and recipients who have | | | | mold, this can harass you to the core with |
| undergone organ transplantation. | | | | constant ailments. |
| • People with allergies | | | | But that is not the end of it, molds have a general |
| • People with asthma | | | | tendency of destroying all the things they grow |
| Molds also are a cause of frequent asthma | | | | on. You can prevent this damage from happening |
| attacks for people already suffering with asthma. | | | | to your furnishings, your home, and your health |
| Mold odor alone has been connected to a two fold | | | | by controlling moisture. If it is too late and you |
| increase in a child’s chances of developing | | | | already have mold, moisture, humidity or odor, |
| asthma later in life. So a person who test for | | | | then contact a certified mold inspector for testing, |
| spores and finds none has not proven that your | | | | inspection and written recommendations. If you |
| property is safe in regard to mold. Mold in your | | | | suspect mold or indoor air quality related health |
| walls may produce unnoticeable odor that cause | | | | problems then do not rely on this article for |
| allergy like symptoms and an increased chance of | | | | medical advice consult a doctor. |
| asthma. Mold assessment involves more than | | | | |