Thursday, March 21, 2024

Can Mold Cause Health Problems

How Can You Prevent And Treat Mold And Mildew In Your Home

Breathing Mold Can Cause Health Issues

Now that we have gone over how mold and mildew are different, you probably want to know how you can prevent and treat both in your home. Prevention is always the best method for keeping your family healthy and your home free of damage.

How can you prevent mold and mildew from growing?

  • Keep all surfaces dryYour bathroom and kitchen are prone to damp surfaces. Keeping them dry will go a long way in preventing mold and mildew. Also, remember to leave your washing machine open between uses so it can air out.
  • Use a dehumidifierTo prevent mold and mildew from growing, keep your home at an ideal humidity level .
  • Change your air filters regularlyHVAC filters, as well as HEPA filters, are prone to growing mold and mildew. When you change them often, you are preventing this.
  • Inspect for mold and mildew regularlyThe earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to treat.
  • Keep the air in your home circulatingStagnant air traps humidity, which creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Keep the air flowing in your home by opening windows and using fans.
  • Use an indoor air purifierIndoor air purifiers like the Molekule device can remove mold spores from the air in your home, helping to prevent them from forming clusters and growing. The Molekule unit is especially a good choice for mold, because it will destroy it completely, leaving no risk for it to grow on the filter surface and be released back into the air.

Who Is At Risk

Its commonly assumed that mould causes the health problems described above, though the evidence for this is generally weaker than for dampness itself. This may be related to the fact that scientists are still struggling to accurately measure indoor mould exposures.

The WHO estimates that in cold climates, 15% of dwellings have signs of dampness and 5% have signs of mould problems. In warm climates, the estimates are 20% for dampness and 25% for mould.

Since dampness is more likely to occur in houses that are overcrowded and lack appropriate heating, ventilation and insulation, the prevalence of damp indoor problems in low-income communities and rental accommodation can be substantially higher.

Climate change and its effects on the weather are likely to further increase the proportion of buildings with damp problems.

Cracking The Mold Code

Many new studies have provided additional evidence that mold likely deserves serious attention. Fisk and Mudarri demonstrated in their June 2007 assessment that 21% of current U.S. asthma cases may be attributable to dampness and mold in homes, with schools, offices, and institutional buildings playing a similar unhealthy role. In a companion meta-analysis of 33 studies also published in the June 2007 issue of Indoor Air, Fisk and Berkeley Laboratory colleagues found that dampness and mold exposures increase the occurrence of a range of respiratory problems by 3050%.

EPA research biologist Stephen Vesper and colleagues have performed a series of experiments to develop better methodology for predicting mold exposure risk. After almost a decade and a half of work, they have created a Relative Moldiness Index that uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure concentrations of 36 indicator mold species present in floor dust samples taken inside a building. This standardized analysis, described in the January 2007 issue of the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, is used to indicate the amount of water damage in a home, providing more accurate exposure information that may help to predict health problems. They expect to soon publish information about its successor, the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, which covers more buildings in more geographic settings, and benefits from improved sampling protocols and analysis of information.

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Do I Need Professional Testing

In short, usually not! Because, remember the saying: no mold, no matter what color, belongs in a healthy home. And that is good news because a professional mold inspection with testing can run anywhere from $300-$750. In most cases where mold is clearly visible, knowing exactly what type of mold you have is unnecessary. We advise most of our clients to forgo the inspection process and just apply that money saved to the cost of fixing the problem. The EPA agrees that mold testing isnt necessary in most cases.

There are exceptions, however, such as when a mold inspection with testing is required as part of a real estate sale or if you require proof that a mold problem is present, such as for a legal dispute. If you think you may have a mold problem, but arent sure, then we recommend formal testing from a professional. And if you require clearance testing to verify an all clear after a mold problem is fixed, then professional mold testing is necessary.

Molds And Health For Public Health Professionals

How to Get Mould &  Mildew Smell Out of Carpet (All You Need to Know)

On this page:

Excerpted from Mold, Moisture and Your Home

“Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens , irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances . Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash . Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.”

EPA’s publication, Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, assists health professionals in diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution problem. It addresses the health problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office.

Organized according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet:

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How Did You First Get Interested In Mold Illness

In medical school, I started to experience anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue and brain fog, which were out of the norm for me. All the testing came back normal. It was suggested that my symptoms were related to the stress of being a medical student.

For me, it didnt make sense that there was nothing really wrong with me. I had never had these symptoms before despite experiencing and handling stress without issue. I knew there had to be another explanation, so I kept digging. It was when I came across the integrative and functional medicine approach to mold illness, with the help of my husband, Dr. Paul Reicherter, that I realized that my symptoms were caused by mold toxicity.

After studying the role mycotoxins play in chronic illness and knowing firsthand how mold illness feels with all these challenges, I just couldnt turn back. Ever since then, mold illness and chronic inflammatory response syndrome have been a major part of my clinical practice.

Is Mold Illness The Cause Of Your Health Problems

Symptoms | Diagnosis | Timeline | Treatment | PreventionWith a growing body of evidence that links many health problems to mold exposure, mold illness is more common than many people realize. In this interview, we spoke with Dr. Jessica Jellison, M.D., a functional medicine doctor who specializes in mold illness and chronic inflammatory response syndrome .

After recovering from mold illness herself, Dr. Jellison knows both the patient and clinicians point of view, including the many challenges in the diagnosis and treatment. Learn about the common symptoms of mold illness, testing for mold toxicity, how to know if you have mold in your house, and the treatment approach.

A Q& A with Dr. Jessica Jellison

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What Makes Molds Grow In My Home

Mold enters your home as tiny spores. The spores need moisture to begin growing, digesting and destroying. Molds can grow on almost any surface, such as wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. The mold grows best when there is lots of moisture from a leaky roof, high humidity, or flood. There is no way to get rid of all molds and mold spores from your home. But you can control mold growth by keeping your home dry.

Consulting The Doctor Is Important

Toxic mold devastates family, causes myriad health problems

Exposure to mold does not always cause health problems. Nevertheless, it is recommended to avoid its presence in the house. Also, you should consult the doctor if you have symptoms of allergies or respiratory illnesses. Remember that they can lead to serious complications.

Although mold is not always responsible, it is still a factor that tends to make symptoms worse. It is, therefore, necessary to follow the professionals recommendations and resolve the humidity problems as quickly as possible.

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Why Mold Causes Problems

Molds alone dont usually cause many health problems. Its when they land on damp surfaces and reproduce that you feel their nasty health effects.

Mold spores produce allergens substances that can cause you to have allergic reactions resulting in hay-fever-like symptoms: itchy, red eyes, runny nose and asthma. If these persist, you can develop respiratory infections. Its rare, but exposure to mold spores can eventually cause organ damage, cognitive difficulties and even death.

Whats more, mold spores can irritate your lungs even if youre not allergic to mold. When introduced to your body, spores irritate your airways in your nose, mouth and throat, Dr. Ibrahim says. They can also cause burning and bleeding if they become lodged in your mucus membranes, such as in your sinuses and lungs.

Top Tips For Controlling Mold

Itâs impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in your home, but because mold spores canât grow without moisture, reducing moisture in your home is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If there is already mold growing in your home, itâs important to clean up the mold and fix the problem causing dampness. If you clean up the mold but donât fix the problem, the mold will most likely return.

Following is some advice for reducing moisture throughout the home with specific tips for the areas most prone to dampness and mold growth:

Around the house:

  • Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside whenever you are cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning.
  • Turn off certain appliances if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
  • Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary.
  • Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans if necessary.

In basements and crawl spaces:

In the laundry room:

  • Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
  • Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
  • Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.

In bathrooms:

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How Do I Remove Black Mold

Black mold can be removed with a variety of commercial cleaners, bleaches, and/or disinfectants. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to black mold spores. Once black mold has been removed, take steps to prevent it from returning, such as fixing leaky pipes and ensuring good ventilation.

He Odo Acerca Del Moho Txico Y Del Moho Negro Que Crecen En Casas Y Otras Edificaciones Debera Estar Preocupado De Que Sea Un Riesgo Grave Para Mi Salud Y La De Mi Familia

Black Mold

Siempre hay un poco de moho en todas partes .Ciertos tipos de moho son toxígenos, lo cual significa que pueden producir toxinas . Se debe considerar que el moho que podría producir micotoxinas presenta los mismos peligros que los otros tipos de moho comunes que pueden crecer en su casa. No todos los hongos producen micotoxinas y aun aquellos que lo hacen no las producen bajo todas las condiciones ambientales o de superficie.El crecimiento de moho, que por lo general se ve como un conjunto de manchas, puede ser de diferentes colores y puede tener un olor típico de humedad. El color no indica el grado de peligro que pueda tener un tipo de moho determinado. Se debe eliminar todo tipo de moho y retirar la fuente de humedad que lo ayuda a crecer.Hay muy pocos informes de que los tipos de moho toxígenos encontrados dentro de casas puedan causar afecciones únicas o raras, como hemorragia pulmonar o pérdida de memoria. Estos informes son raros y la relación causal entre la presencia del moho toxígeno y estas afecciones no se ha demostrado.

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What Are The Common Symptoms Of Mold Illness

Typically, people tend to think of mold symptoms more like an allergic response to mold, with symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, tearing of the eyes, and headaches.

But those are not the only symptoms of mold illness. I think thats really what confuses people. Mold illness can affect the entire body. I often see patients that have been on a health journey for a long time dealing with symptoms that do not add up or make sense.

Mold illness can cause any of these symptoms:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Trouble regulating body temperature

Mold And Mildew Can Be Harmful To Your Health And Damaging To Your Home

Mold is very common in home and it can be found around areas with a lot of moisture. Some homeowners may find traces of mold and mildew in their homes following flooding or severe rainstorms where water soaks into the wood, drywall, and sheetrock. When this excess moisture enters your home it can weaken the structural integrity of your homes building materials but with the ideal conditions for mold and mildew to thrive in.

This growth of mold and mildew in your home can also cause you and your family to experience illnesses that target your immune system. Respiratory conditions: wheezing, coughing, sneezing, itchy throat, and even allergic reactions are all linked to exposure to mold and mildew.

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Is Mildew Safe To Breathe

The same potential health issues exist with mildew as they do with mold. Some of these symptoms according to FEMA include respiratory issues like wheezing, nasal and sinus congestion, eye, nose or throat irritation, and headaches. If mildew is not removed, it will continue to grow and these symptoms may become worse.

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How Did I Get Mold

Health Effects of Mold Exposure

Like any other living thing, mold needs food and water to thrive. Mold problems start when a mold spore thats floating in the air lands on a wet piece of organic material , takes root and starts to multiply. Mold spores are everywhere in the air, including in the cleanest of homes.

In fact, every breath you take likely has some mold spores in it at low levels! In the home, mold usually grows wherever there is dampness and moisture, like basements, attics, kitchens and bathrooms, or areas that have experienced flooding.

With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it impossible to tell what type of mold you have without testing by a certified mold inspection professional.

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Summary Of Health Problems

Many types of indoor mold, not just black mold, may cause health problems in some individuals.

Long-term exposure to high levels of mold in the home, however,

People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:

  • infants and children
  • people with allergies or asthma
  • people with weakened immune systems

The main health risks related to mold exposure are allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.

People with weakened immune systems may also have a risk of fungal infection.

Coughing And Shortness Of Breath

The irritation and inflammation caused by mold often lead to frequent coughing that is otherwise unexplained.

The throat and lungs are irritated continuously when repeatedly exposed to mycotoxins. If the issue isnt addressed, this coughing can develop into more severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

The same inflammation that causes irritated, constricted airways that lead to wheezing and coughing can eventually lead to shortness of breath.

This gives a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may feel like you are unable to take in a full breath.

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How Common Is Mold In Buildings

Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. We do not have precise information about how often different molds are found in buildings and homes.

What Can You Do

Can mold cause health problems? Molds are usually not a problem indoors ...

In addition to visible mould, other signs of damp problems may include: mould odour, water stains, frequent condensation, peeling or cracked paint or wall paper, damp basement, and standing water under or around the house.

No safe levels of indoor dampness and or mould have been defined. So health-based standards or guidelines do not exist.

Nonetheless, there are several practicable measures you can take to prevent or minimise indoor mould. These include adequately heating and, in colder climates, insulating your home to reduce air humidity levels and condensation.

Install and use appropriate ventilation, particularly in wet areas or areas where water vapour may be emitted, such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchen areas.

Its also critical to avoid water leaks by controlling and maintaining rain and surface water drainage. Where holes are created in the roof or walls to allow skylights, windows, doors, pipes or other structures to be fitted, make sure these are watertight.

If you find visible mould in your home, remove the mould and identify and address the cause of the excess moisture. Clean hard surfaces using soap and water or, if mould growth is persistent, a bleach solution could be used. You may need to throw away absorbent materials such as carpets, depending on the level of contamination.

In case of extensive mould damage, you may need to call on commercial mould remediation services.

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