Molds are part of
the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by
breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead
trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce
by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye
and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing
indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are
many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or
moisture.
Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce
allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants,
and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
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 (dermatitis). 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. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not
describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For
more detailed information consult a health professional. You may
also wish to consult your state or local health department.
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors;
some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house
dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.
Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by
controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home,
you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you
clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most
likely, the mold problem will come back.
How can I be
exposed to indoor
molds?
Mold is found all over ,
indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are present
air of homes and grow on
damp surfaces. Much of
the mold found indoors
comes from outdoor
sources. Thus , everyone
is exposed to mold
on a daily basis without
evident harm. Mold
spores primarily cause
health problems when
they enter the air and
are inhaled in large
numbers. People can also
be exposed to mold
through skin contact and
eating.
How much mold can
makes one sick?
It depends. For some
people, a relatively
small number of mold
spores can cause health
problems. For other
people, it may take many
more. The basic rule is,
if you can see or smell
it, take steps to
eliminate the excess
moisture, and to cleanup
and remove the mold.
Who is at risk
when exposed to mold?
Exposure to mold is not
healthy for anyone
inside buildings. It is
important to quickly
identify and correct any
moisture sources before
health problems develop.
The following
individuals appear to be
at higher risk for
adverse health effects
of molds:
-
infants
and
children
-
elderly
-
immune
compromised
patients
(people
with HIV
infection,
cancer
chemotherapy,
liver
disease,
etc.)
-
pregnant
women
-
individuals
with
existing
respiratory
conditions,
such as
allergies,
multiple
chemical
sensitivity,
and
asthma.
People with these
special concerns should
consult a physician if
they are having health
problems.
What symptoms are
common?
Allergic reactions may
be the most common
health problem of mold
exposure. Typical
symptoms reported (alone
or in combination)
include: |
