Some mould is found in every building due to the way its tiny spores spread in the air, although it only develops into a problem when it settles on damp areas that make it easier to grow.
In homes, damp areas typically form in areas where condensation is allowed to settle. When warm humid air from bathrooms and kitchens or drying clothes comes into contact with a cold surface, it releases the moisture that it carries and this soaks into porous surfaces such as wood and plaster.
Mould is commonly found in bathrooms and basements, but it can also grow easily in areas of a house with poor airflow such as behind furniture or in colder rooms that are less used. Although almost everyone will have some reaction to mould, not everyone suffers significant symptoms as a result of coming into contact with the spores.
The most common reactions to inhaling mould spores are nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, wheezing or eye irritation. Some people with sensitive skin or allergies may find that they suffer with skin problems in mouldy environments.
With toxic black mould, the problems of exposure are more severe. The mycotoxins released by Stachybotrys Chartarum can kill neurones in the brain and affect our psychological condition and mental capacity. It is not uncommon for people living in properties with major toxic black mould problems to suffer from dizziness, confusion, and even hallucinations if they ingest larger amounts of the spores.
All moulds should be treated seriously, particularly in homes where residents have underlying lung conditions who can have chronic reactions and become severely ill. If you discover mould in your home, it is important to treat it as quickly as possible — there are mould cleaning chemicals available on the market, although heavily diluted bleach is almost as effective. When cleaning mould, you should always wear eye protection, a mask, and gloves, and throw away any cloths that you use to prevent contamination of other areas of the house.
It is bad for your health because it produces allergens things that can cause an allergic reaction , irritants and sometimes poisonous substances.
Some people are more sensitive to dampness and mould and are therefore likely to develop more severe symptoms. This includes:. Read more about how to keep your home warm and dry. It is present virtually everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.
If moisture accumulates in a building mould growth will often occur. Many different types of mould exist and all have the potential to cause health problems. In order to reproduce, mould produces tiny particles called spores. Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them. These include a running or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin and sometimes wheezing.
Occasionally, people may have more severe reactions. Very rarely, people may develop a mould infection, usually in the lungs. It is important to note that most people will not experience any health problems from coming in contact with mould.
If you or your family members suffer health problems after coming into contact with mould, contact your doctor. In the case of a life threatening emergency, phone People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mould.
Just because mold is present does not mean that it is producing these toxins. Most cases of mycotoxicosis result from eating moldy food, rather than from inhaling fungal spores in the home or outdoors. The evidence does not indicate that inhaling or touching mold can cause mycotoxicosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC state that there are very few reports of unique or rare health conditions resulting from mold in the home. It appears that many types of indoor mold — not just black mold — may cause health problems in some people, but not in everyone.
People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:. The main health concerns seem to relate to allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms. They may also perform tests, including:. To diagnose a systemic fungal infection in someone with a weakened immune system, a doctor may take a blood sample. In some cases, further testing may be necessary. Treatment for a mold allergy is similar to treatment for other types of inhaled allergies.
Options include:. For a long term solution, a doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This involves getting a series of allergy shots over a few years.
Immunotherapy can be highly effective, but it is only suitable for certain types of mold allergy. Individuals should treat all molds the same when it comes to removing them from the home. The most effective way to prevent mold growth is to monitor the humidity level in the home.
Also, use proper safety equipment when cleaning up mold in an industrial setting or after a natural disaster. Dehumidifiers are available for purchase online. Based on current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure. In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms.
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