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Mold & Children's Health

According to James M. Seltzer, MD, buildings that are known to be damp and containing mold are likely to cause a 30 to 50 percent increase in respiratory problems and other similarly related health concerns. Along with the elderly and infirm, children are among those most at risk of developing health problems associated with mold.

  1. Asthma

    • Approximately 21 percent of asthma cases can be traced back to mold exposure that occurred in buildings such as apartment complexes or schools.

    Coughing/Wheezing

    • Mold has been associated with causing wheezing and coughing in children who have been exposed.

    Allergies

    • A child's sensitivity to pet dander, dust mites and outdoor pollens may be attributable to mold and/or a damp environment that is conducive to mold growth.

    Fungal Infection of the Airway

    • This is an uncommon reaction, but may occur in children who have had previous bronchial problems or lung infections.

    Unproven Health Effects

    • It is not proven that mold plays a role in hypersensitivity to specific foods, autism and the development of Lyme disease.

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