Health Risks From Mold for an Infant Baby

Some types of mold have the potential to cause allergic reactions in infants if it comes into contact with the skin or if airborne mold spores are inhaled. Other types of mold are capable of producing mycotoxins which can cause more serious toxic reactions in infants. Infants, whose lungs are still developing, are more susceptible to these reactions than adults. However, toxic reactions are very rare and most types of molds are harmless.

Sources of Mold

• Mold occurs naturally outdoors in soil and around decomposing organic material. Mold spores can enter the home through open doorways and windows and can also be brought carried indoors on clothes and pets. Once mold begins to grow indoors, it can then produce spores which spread the growth in the home. Damp environments are the most susceptible to mold growth and materials such as paper and wood are also suitable for supporting the growth of mold.

Allergic Reactions

• Mold can cause allergic reactions in infants who are particularly sensitive to it. These reactions can be caused by touching or inhaling mold and symptoms usually involve stuffy noses and difficulties with breathing, red eyes, headache, skin conditions such as a rash or dermatitis or heightened asthma symptoms and attacks in children who already have the condition. Some infants with no hypersensitivity to mold may develop one if they have continual exposure to it. Allergic reactions to mold are more common than toxic reactions.

Toxic Mold Effects

• Toxic reactions to mold are rarer than allergic reactions and they are also more serious. The toxins in some types of mold that are capable of causing these reactions are known as mycotoxins. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a type of mold known as Stachybotrys atra can produce toxins that have been linked with symptoms ranging from an irritation of the respiratory tract to intestinal inflammation or hemorrhaging or even pulmonary hemorrhaging in infants, a condition involving bleeding into the lungs. However, they also suggest that more research needs to be carried out in order to confirm the validity of these links. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is evidence to suggest that a mycotoxin known as aflatoxin B, produced by some types of Aspergillus mold, can be linked to liver cancer and lung cancer. However, this mycotoxin is only found growing indoors very rarely.

Control

• Certain conditions in the home, such as excess moisture, can encourage mold growth. By controlling these, the risk of young children suffering health effects from mold can be minimized. The simplest ways to control the growth of mold in the home are to keep it well ventilated and to maintain humidity levels as water is required in order for mold to live and multiply. Humidity should be maintained at a level between 40 and 60 percent. Excess humidity can be reduced with a dehumidifier. Another simple way to control the amount of mold in the home is to ensure that susceptible areas such as bathrooms and basements are cleaned thoroughly with bleach.