When Mold Illness Can Be A Problem
Mold in the home can be unsightly as well as destructive to property, but mold illness is something we may not think much about. Yet we should. Mold, by its very nature will often create an unhealthy environment. Most of us would probably fall victim to a mold illness at one time or another if we were not in good health, did not do those things which promote a healthy immune system, and did not keep our living quarters clean and neat.
Allergens - We are not allergic to all types of mold, but it's fair to say we are likely allergic to most types. The symptoms we most often experience might be nothing more than sneezing or watery eyes, symptoms we generally associate with hay fever. We may blame the condition on the weather, or dust or pollen in the air, where mold could just as easily be the cause. Protracted exposure to mold could bring on slightly more serious problems, sinusitis being a common disorder caused by mold, and skin rashes being another. Either situation could become chronic, more severe, or develop into a full blown disorder fitting into the category of a mold illness.
Toxic Molds - There are many different types of mold, but the types we are considering fall into the category of toxic molds. Even molds causing minor allergic reactions belong to the category of toxic molds. As one might expect, some molds are more toxic than others, much more. Some mold types contain pathogens that some are quite susceptible to, and can become quite ill upon exposure. Most of the mold types that can cause pathogenic infections reside outdoors on plant life, and usually do not affect people. Such mold types can at times however invade households and thrive if the conditions are right, eventually causing problems.
Even the smell of some mold types can make people ill, probably a good thing in the sense that the root cause of the illness may be pinpointed. Everyone does not have the same capacity to recognize the source of a particular smell however, the cause of the discomfort or mold illness may remain unknown.
Of course, not all mold illness comes from contact or proximity to mold which may find its way into tile grouting or furniture. Some types of mold invade the body through other means, such as ingesting food. Mold or yeast infections in any part of the body can be a problem, but when organs such as the lungs are affected, a mold illness can become very serious. Some of the more serious diseases resulting from a mold illness include tuberculosis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. There are even indications that mold illness may play a role in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as some types of cancers. The reproductive system in women is particularly susceptible to mold illnesses of one type or another.
Beware Of Black Mold - One of the deadlier types of toxic molds is stachybotrys, the black mold, of which several strains exist. Potentially lethal, this type of mold is particularly dangerous in that it often grows in out of sight locations, such as on the back of a damp wall. This mold produces toxins which are known to be fatal to some animals and thought to be a cause of potentially fatal lung problems in infants. In truth, black mold is relatively rare. The most common household mold, alternaria, generally contributes only to mild allergic reactions. Several other types of the more common indoor molds only adversely affect those with weakened immune systems.
While most of the 100,000 or so types of mold are not a cause of serious mold illnesses, it still is prudent to take all possible steps to prevent mold from becoming established in your household. Keeping yourself healthy, and keeping your home healthy as well, will go a long way towards preventing a mold illness of any type from entering your life.