Health Issues From Household Mold

Mold can cause allergens, irritants and in some cases produce toxin substances called mycotoxins. If mold is touched or inhaled it can cause allergic reactions similar to those associated with hay fever or grass allergies. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold can also exacerbate asthma symptoms. If the mold contains mycotoxins and the spores are inhaled, more serious symptoms can occur. Those most susceptible are the elderly, the very young, those with allergies or asthma, and people with compromised immune systems.

What Is Mold?

• Mold is a microorganism that digests organic matter from the air, thrives on moisture and releases spores into the air. There are more than 100,000 kinds of mold. It is considered a type of fungus, and when mold occurs naturally outdoors it helps to break down leaves and other plant debris. But it also can be found in damp or moist areas in homes and other buildings. Unlike most fungi, molds thrive not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter where they live and can spread quickly if the conditions are right, appearing as white, green, gray or black spots.

Why Is Mold in the Home?

• Moisture is needed for mold to grow. Indoor mold can be found on fabric, wood, around pipes, near the air-conditioner and humidification systems, or on home building materials such as fiberboard, drywall or carpeting. It begins to grow when mold spores enter from outside through a door or window and land on damp or moist areas inside the home. As along as there is moisture, the mold will thrive and multiply.

Allergic Reactions

• Mold spores can cause noticeable responses, including sinus congestion, scratchy throat, coughing, sneezing, red eyes and skin rashes. These symptoms can be experienced immediately or may not be felt until after prolonged exposure to mold. For those suffering from asthma, mold spores can complicate the symptoms, creating more serious asthma attacks.

Toxic Reactions

• The most dangerous kinds of molds are mycotoxins, stachybotrys mold or black and aspergillus mold. These have been associated with such severe health problems as respiratory illness, memory problems and brain damage. Health experts have also linked kidney cancer, esophagus cancer and leukemia to exposure to toxic mold. Prolonged exposure to mycotoxin molds has also been linked to what is commonly known as "sick building syndrome," a condition in which building occupants become ill because the structure has moisture, leaks or ventilation problems, allowing mold to grow and spread.

How to Prevent and Eliminate Mold

• The best way to prevent mold is by keeping humidity levels in the home below 60 percent; immediately repairing any leaks from pipes, roofs or windows; and cleaning and drying the contents of your home after any flooding. If mold is already in your home, you must first eliminate the source of the moisture and then clean the area thoroughly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says mold on any hard surfaces can be cleaned with commercial products, soap and water, or a solution of bleach and water. When cleaning, allow for good ventilation and adequate drying time.

  If the mold is on a porous surface, such as carpeting, rugs or drapes, then those articles need to be removed from the home and discarded. Mold can also occur in places that aren't immediately visible, such as inside air ducts, inside walls and above the ceiling. If you suspect mold in these areas, contact a professional to remove the mold.