Areas of mold growth are often difficult to detect, hiding under floors or behind walls. The mixture of mold spores seen indoors includes Penicillium , Aspergillus , and Cladosporium. Unique molds like Stachybotrys may be found in some indoor settings where extensive water damage has occurred.
If molds are suspected, special culture techniques and air sampling specimens may be done. A thorough inspection may be required by experts in environmental contamination and mold remediation. There have been many claims made regarding connections between damp environments and health effects. Possible reasons for these connections include: allergic reactions, direct irritation by fungal mold elements, toxins released from molds Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Stachybotrys : volatile organic compounds VOCs , or other immune responses stimulated by mold.
Individuals with exposure to damp environments often present with symptoms of congestion, coughing, mucous discharge, headache, shortness of breath, eye itching, dizziness, restless legs, fatigue and abdominal pain.
Most individuals with exposure to mold contaminates do not have typical allergic symptoms. Whether all indoor molds produce health problems beyond allergic reactions is still widely debated. Therefore, the presence of mold or mold derived toxins in an indoor environment does not necessarily mean there are associated effects on health. At The Asthma Center, our allergists and pediatric allergists help our patients manage their mold allergies and allergic asthma by determining what molds cause symptoms.
For example, we identify which local molds including Cladosporium , Ascosopres , Alternaria , Basidiospores , and Epicoccum trigger allergy and asthma symptoms by using minimally invasive in-house diagnostics, like allergy skin testing and breathing tests. Pairing these results with local knowledge of allergy triggers like pollen, ragweed and mold, our allergists develop personalized plans that treat not only the symptoms but also the cause of allergies.
And because allergy and asthma symptoms often spike with mold spore counts, we know exactly when to adjust medications — providing more relief when conditions are bad and less medication every time else. The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.
Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn asthmacenter. PA: NJ: June 28, mold allergy , outdoor mold spores. Most Recent. It's Pine Pollen! Lone Star Ticks to Blame. Allergy lab. Brood X. Donald Dvorin. Marc Goldstein. Mold will only flourish if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing, such as moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients.
If the environment is unsuitable for the spores, they do not usually develop or cause a problem. Mold growth is usually visible and often produces a musty odor. It can damage household items, and it can also have an impact on health. Mold can pose a health problem , especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, or a weakened immune system.
As mold grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins. Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them. Also, dampness encourages materials to break down, increasing the volume of particles, or dust, in the air. These particles can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in a person who already has a breathing problem, asthma , or a chronic lung condition.
Mold allergies can produce similar symptoms to other allergies, such as hay fever , or seasonal allergy. In these, too, airborne substances can affect the upper respiratory tract. People with a mold allergy as well as asthma have a higher chance of having an asthma attack when there is mold in the environment. A higher volume of dust can increase the risk of dust mites, which can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
Some types of mold, such as Aspergillus , can cause a serious health problem, known as aspergillosis , in some people.
Most people can breathe in the spores of this fungus without becoming sick, but people who have a weakened immune system or an existing lung disease can have a severe reaction. There are different types of aspergillosis:. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis ABPA : This affects the lungs and can cause breathing problems. Allergic aspergillus sinusitis : This affects the nose and can involve a headache. Aspergilloma, or fungus ball : This can cause a cough, which may produce blood, as well as breathing problems.
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis : Symptoms include breathing problems, a cough, and weight loss. Mold can also trigger the production of microbes and bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria may trigger an inflammatory response in some people, according to the World Health Organization WHO.
The WHO also note that mold and the microbial agents it produces may increase the risk of bronchial and fungal infections. Some evidence from the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC suggests that people have experienced the following symptoms after spending time in an environment where mold is present:.
Mold can trigger bronchitis in some people. Which home remedies can help treat bronchitis? Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated. It is not always possible to prevent mold from growing, but regular cleaning and wiping can reduce the risk of it appearing or getting worse. Wipe hard surfaces with a suitable commercial product, soap and water, or a heavily diluted bleach solution.
Always dry the surfaces after use to prevent mold from reappearing. Moisture is the most important factor influencing mold growth indoors. Controlling indoor moisture helps limit mold growth. Mold does not need a lot of water to grow.
A little condensation, in a bathroom or around a window sill, for example, can be enough. Common sites for indoor mold growth include:. Besides moisture, mold needs nutrients, or food, to grow. Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance.
Most buildings are full of organic materials that mold can use as food, including:. In most cases, temperature is not an issue; some molds grow in warm areas, while others prefer cool locations such as bread stored in a refrigerator.
Often, more than one type of mold can be found growing in the same area, although conditions such as moisture, light and temperature may favor one species of mold over another. Buildings that have been heavily damaged by flood waters should be assessed for structural integrity and remediated by experienced professionals.
Please note that the guidelines covered in this course were developed for damage caused by clean water not flood water, sewage, or other contaminated water. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction. Dead or alive, mold can cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Repeated or single exposure to mold, mold spores, or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold, and repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity.
Allergic responses include hay fever-like symptoms such as:. Molds can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, whether or not individuals are allergic to mold, molds can irritate:. Breathing in mold may also cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an uncommon disease that resembles bacterial pneumonia. In addition, mold exposure may result in opportunistic infections in persons whose immune systems are weakened or suppressed.
When mold grows indoors, the occupants of a building may begin to report odors and a variety of symptoms including:. These and other symptoms may be associated with exposure to mold. But all of these symptoms may be caused by other exposures or conditions unrelated to mold growth.
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