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Health Effects of Toxic Mold

Molds can sometimes be difficult to see and may not be discovered until odors or health effects occur. Some mold may produce mycotoxins, although all mold can cause health problems because it contains spores. Mold reproduces through spores, which are microscopic allergens that stick to surfaces and float in the air.

  1. Definition

    • Molds are a type of fungi that grow outdoors or indoors. Outside mold is necessary to break down organic matter. Mold grows inside on ceilings, walls, food or carpets after long exposure to excessive moisture. When it grows inside, it can become toxic to humans and cause major health concerns like irritations, allergic reactions, infections and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

    Irritations and Allergic Reactions

    • Exposure to mold by touching or inhaling it may cause nose, throat, eye, lung or skin irritation and can be accompanied with a burning sensation in these areas. These are similar to allergy symptoms as the eyes will become irritated, red and watery. Nasal stuffiness, sneezing, coughing and nasal bleeding are also likely to occur.

    Asthma

    • Mold can cause respiratory problems such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. It produces substances that create allergic reactions, also known as allergens. Inhaling or touching mold can trigger an attack in people with asthma.

    Infections

    • For those who suffer from weakened immune systems or with a pre-existing lung disease, exposure to mold can cause fungal infections. Types of fungal infections include aspergillus fumigatus, known to infect adults, and trichoderma, known to infect children. These types of infections rarely occur to people that do not have weakened immune systems, but skin diseases such as athlete's foot and other yeast infections may develop.

    Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

    • The least common health effect that can occur from exposure to mold is hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This condition occurs when the lungs become inflamed because of the body's immune-system reaction to particles such as bacteria, fungi and mold. Acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis or long-term exposure can cause body aches, coughing, chills, fever and shortness of breath. Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis or long-term exposure can cause fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs.

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