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What Are the Dangers of Mold Spores?

Mold is typically an opportunistic fungus that will take root and multiply in favorable conditions such as dark, damp areas indoors and out. When allowed to thrive in buildings occupied by humans or animals, it can pose a variety of health threats. The danger comes from the spores produced by various molds during reproduction. These spores are sometimes laden with secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. When these toxic spores come into contact with living tissues, they can have detrimental health effects.

  1. Respiratory Problems

    • As mold thrives in a hidden location, it continues to reproduce via spores. When the spores are airborne, they can be breathed in and compromise the human respiratory system. Most commonly, the spores can accumulate in the lungs and create asthma-like symptoms such as constricted breathing and inflamed air passages. There are some who believe that a link exists between mold spores and chronic bronchitis. Other spores may infiltrate the lungs and produce pneumonia-like illnesses. This is especially dangerous to those with compromised immune systems.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Indoor allergy sufferers can experience a series of reactions after exposure to certain mold spores. Once breathed in, the body produces histamine in order to combat the invading particles. As a result, a person may then experience the common effects of histamine production: sneezing, itchy and watery eyes and a runny nose. While over-the-counter anti-histamine medications can help to alleviate these symptoms, the problems will persist until the source is located and steps are taken to eradicate the mold.

    Skin Conditions

    • For sensitive individuals, molds spores can be as threatening an irritant as pollen, dust, dander or chemical pollutants. This means that allergy-related skin conditions, such as rashes and hives, may ensue. Mold spores can be particularly problematic for people with eczema, triggering flares of oozing blisters, leathery skin patches and excessive itching. Even those without sensitivity to molds can experience mold-related skin conditions such as athlete's foot.

    Digestive Afflictions

    • Once inside the body, toxic mold spores can sometimes make their way into the gastrointestinal tract. As irritation of the lining occurs, it can cause stomach aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Extreme cases of intestinal toxic mold infection may cause intestinal bleeding and compromise the filtering functions of the liver.

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