Mold Remediation

Health Impacts of Exposure to Molds, Mildew, Viruses & Bacteria

Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to molds.

Exposure to mold & mildew can cause reactions and wide range of health problems depending on overall health, age and the amount of time an exposed person spends in the car.

The elderly, pregnant women, infants and young children, people with allergies, chronic respiratory illness and/or chemical sensitivities and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to experience severe health effects from mold.

The most common health problems associated with exposure to mold for the general populations are:

    * Eye, nose and throat irritation
    * Runny nose, sinus congestion, frequent cold symptoms
    * Frequent Headaches
    * Fatigue
    * Increased asthma attacks
    * Allergic reactions

It is important to note that continued exposure to mold may result in adverse effects to the nervous system.

The most severe health risks are caused by the Aspergillus and Penicillium strains which produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may cause a variety of short-term as well as long-term adverse health effects. This ranges from immediate toxic response and immune-suppression to the potential long-term carcinogenic effect. Symptoms due to mycotoxins from airborne spores (particularly those of Stachybotrys chartarum) include dermatitis, recurring cold and flu-like symptoms, burning sore throat, headaches and excessive fatigue, diarrhea, and impaired or altered immune function. The ability of the body to fight off infectious diseases may be weakened resulting in opportunistic infections.

More Information

Exposure to Bacteria
Many human illnesses are caused by infection with either bacteria or viruses. Disease-causing varieties of bacteria are called pathogenic. Many bacterial infections can be treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics, although antibiotic-resistant strains are beginning to emerge. Immunization is available to prevent many important bacterial diseases.

To cause disease, pathogenic bacteria and viruses have to gain access to the body by inhalation, contact or ingestion

The body reacts to pathogenic bacteria by increasing local blood flow (inflammation) and sending in cells from the immune system to attack and destroy the bacteria. Antibodies produced by the immune system attach to the bacteria and help in their destruction.

Reports linking mold to more serious health effects have not been confirmed, but several studies are on going.

How do you keep mold out of buildings and homes?

As part of routine building maintenance, buildings should be inspected for evidence of water damage and visible mold. The conditions causing mold (such as water leaks, condensation, infiltration, or flooding) should be corrected to prevent mold from growing.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity level in house between 40% and 60%.
• Use air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms.
• Use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints.
• Clean bathroom with mold-killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms.
• Remove and replace flooded carpets.

I found mold growing in my home; how do I test the mold?

Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the reaction of individuals can vary greatly either because of the person’s susceptibility or type and amount of mold present, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been established.



For more information from US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, log on to cdc.gov                            

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