The health effects of mold

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[divider] The health effects of mold [/divider]

Welcome to the number one concern of a mold problem. Your health is paramount and it should never be put in harms way. This is why you need to contact a professional mold remover if you think you have mold.

 
Now that that is out of the way, let’s talk about some of the symptoms and effects that mold can have on the human body. First you should know that each and ever person has different sensitivity to mold. While some people may show some ill effects around mold, others may have a higher tolerance to its presence and not notice an effects. Those who display no symptoms though are not out of harms way.

 
[one_half]Common symptoms of mold sickness include:

  • Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath.
  • Sinus congestion, coughing and sneezing.
  • Eye, nose, throat and skin irritation (itching).
  • Dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting.

[/one_half][one_half_last]Individuals who have the highest risk potential include:

  • Allergy and asthma sufferers.
  • People with respiratory disease.
  • Those with weakened immune systems.
  • Contact lens wearers.

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The most common types of mold(s) that are found in homes include Cladosprium (non toxic but can cause reactions with those who have allergies, asthma or weakened immune systems), Penicillium (commonly found on food and causes gastric complications when ingested), Aspergillus (most common and most toxic mold that is believed to cause cancers and other serious health complications) and Alternaria (found in fabrics and can cause respiratory failure).

Is mold bad for you?

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[divider] Why is mould a concern? [/divider]

When it comes to mold growth, there are two primary areas of concern. Mold can cause damage to material items such as wood, paper and fabrics and more importantly it can cause serious health complications in certain forms.

 
Wood for example will rot over time as the mold feeds on it. This can drastically reduce the structural integrity of the wood which can lead to much greater, and more expensive, problems. Your roof for example can develop leaks over time as wood rots. It can even collapse if its structure is broken down enough.

 
When it comes to your health, you can never be too careful. The effects of mold on the body can range from mild to severe. Simple headaches and sinus infections to respiratory failure and even cancer have been linked to mold complications.  Typically pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with already weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable. Effects though depend on the type of mold present. This is why it always important to test the mold with something like an air quality test.

 
If you think you may have come into contact with mold, always consult your physician.

Dangerous mold types

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Although mold spores are present in our every day lives and we live harmoniously with them, some can cause serious health problems. These dangerous molds produce Mycotoxins which are produced to fight off other molds. There are over 200 recognized Mycotoxins which are harmful to humans and pets when inhaled, ingested or brought into contact with the skin. Here are a few of those types of molds;

 

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Name of Mold

Aspergillus Flavus

Aspergillus Pencillium

Fusarium Stachybotrys

Fusarium

Fusarium

Aspergillus Pencillium

Stachybotrys

Altamaria Aspergillus

Aspergillus Pencillium

Aspergillus Versicolor

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Type of Mycotoxin

Aflotoxin

Ochratoxin

T-2 Toxin Tricothecene

Fumonism

Vomitoxin

Citrinin

Satrotoxin H

Gliotoxin

Pautilin

Sterigmatocystin[/one_third][one_third_last]

Health risk

Most potent carcinogen

Kidney and liver damage

Ddigestive tract failure and hemorrhaging

Causes liquefaction of the brain

Gastrointestinal illness

Renal and Bronchial damage

High doses or chronic low doses are lethal

Suppresses immune system

Hemorrhaging of the brain and lungs

Carcinogenic

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Young children, the elderly, Immuno-compromised people and those allergic to mold are at the greatest risk of mold related health problems. To determine what type of mold you may have, it is always recommended to get a professional air quality test.