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What Are the Dangers of Breathing Mold?

Many different species of mold exist. Molds that grow outdoors contribute greatly to the natural environment; they help decompose dead trees, leaves and other dead organic matter, according to Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services. Much concern exists over indoor mold, however, because it can damage the structure of a home and its building materials. In addition, exposure to indoor mold could cause severe health issues to develop in healthy individuals as well as those with sensitive immune systems or allergies to mold.

  1. Allergic Reactions

    • Some people may develop allergic reactions upon breathing in mold and mold spores. Common allergy
      symptoms upon inhaling mold as stated on the Illinois Department of Public Health website include runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and nasal congestion. The range of symptoms as well as the severity of the allergies vary depending on each person's sensitivity level to mold, according to New York State's Department of Health.

    Asthma

    • Exposure to mold and mold spores could trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Mold is a very common allergen; in fact, North Carolina's Department of Public Health states that more than half of all asthmatics have respiratory allergies that are caused by mold. Some people have mild asthma symptoms while others can have life-threatening reactions when they breathe in mold; symptoms may include dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and inability to breathe.

    Infections

    • Lung and other respiratory infections can occur in some people when they breathe certain mold species in. The live mold gets into the tissues of the lungs or respiratory tract and begins to grow inside the body. However, this is not a significant health concern for healthy individuals; rather, those with suppressed or weakened immune systems due to having an illness or taking immunosuppresant medications are at the greatest health risk of getting a respiratory infection from mold.

    Toxic Effects

    • Poisoning could occur when individuals breathe in or ingest significant amounts of certain kinds of molds. Mycotoxins, or mold toxins, can only flourish under specific conditions, particularly surfaces that are always wet or moist and are made with high cellulose content. The poisoning happens because mold cells produce toxins that may cause adverse effects in people. Reported symptoms include nose and lung bleeding, nausea, vomiting and neurological problems, according to the Department of Health in Missouri.

      Despite these claims, there is not enough research concerning the toxic effects of mold and whether those symptoms are associated with mold inhalation. What is not known for sure is whether breathing in mold could cause allergic reactions, asthma and respiratory infections in people.

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