Molds are actually fungi that thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments that are warm, damp and humid, according to MedlinePlus. Mold can cause a multitude of health conditions as touching or inhaling the mold directly or indirectly through spores can have severe consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that people with asthma, allergies, respiratory conditions or those with suppressed immune systems are especially vulnerable to infection. If anyone suspects their home, school or work has a mold problem, contact specialists trained in handling the fungi.
Respiratory Problems
A 2004 Institute of Medicine study found that indoor exposure to mold lead to upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing and wheezing in otherwise healthy individuals, including children. Those with compromised respiratory systems such as asthma experienced a hypersensitivity to pneumonitis, in which inflammation of the lungs occur. The World Health Organization confirms that indoor air pollution and exposure to microbial contaminants such as mold are clinically associated with respiratory symptoms in which asthma becomes exacerbated and other immunological reactions occur.
Irritation
Fungi produce volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, during the process of procuring nutrition by degradation. These VOCs are responsible for the typical mold infestation indoors, according to the Toxic Black Mold Information Center. Exposure to these compounds can cause irritation the mucosal membranes in the body as well as the central nervous system. This leads to headaches, decreased attention span, concentration difficulties and dizziness. A 1999 Mayo Clinic study found that nearly all chronic sinus infections, which afflict nearly 37 million Americans, are a result of indoor and outdoor molds.
Invasive Infection
Under some circumstances, mold can cause a severe infection in individuals with lowered immune systems, such as HIV/AIDs, transplant or chemotherapy patients, according to the Toxic Black Mold Information Center. For example, molds of the genus Aspergillus can cause invasive aspergillosis by quickly proliferating in the lungs and then spreading to blood vessels and beyond. This can causes massive bleeding of the lungs, headache, blood cough, shortness of breath and chest or joint pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Although infections are common, invasive types are rare in healthy individuals. However, for those with weak immune systems from chronic diseases, carefully monitoring indoor and outdoor mold problems is essential.
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