Mold is the name given to various species of fungus that thrive in damp or humid conditions. These fungi reproduce by spreading tiny particles called spores, which can trigger allergic reactions when touched or breathed in by humans. Mold inside your family's home can trigger allergic reactions that range from mild to severe.
Indoor Mold Basics
In nature, molds play an important role in the breakdown of dead organic material, including trees and fallen leaves. However, inside your house, mold spores that come in contact with moisture can begin growing and produce substances that include irritants and allergy-producing allergens. Some types of mold also produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. There are thousands of different mold species, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Examples of species commonly found indoors include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Alternaria.
Mold-Related Symptoms
Different people have different susceptibilities to mold. Individuals in your family with relatively minor sensitivity to mold may develop symptoms that include skin or eye irritation, wheezing, nasal congestion or upper respiratory infections. Members of your family with greater sensitivity to mold may develop more severe versions of these symptoms. If someone in your family has asthma, indoor mold can worsen any existing symptoms. In addition, the presence of indoor mold can provoke a form of lung inflammation called pneumonitis in individuals who have a predisposition for this condition. Even if you don't have mold allergies, the presence of mold can irritate your system.
Levels of Exposure
There are no standards for acceptable levels of mold in a home. Additionally, since mold susceptibilities vary so greatly, there is no way to predict how you or a family member will react to the presence of particular mold species. As a general rule, if any member of your household has mold susceptibilities, any degree of indoor mold can present a possible health hazard. To avoid potential problems, remove any mold that you see, or hire someone to remove the mold for you.
Seeking Treatment
If a member of your family has any potential mold-related health issues, consult your family doctor or health care provider. Depending on the results of the examination, a doctor may recommend further treatment from an infectious disease specialist, allergy specialist, or a pulmonary, or lung, specialist.
Controlling Mold
You cannot eliminate all of the mold and mold spores in your home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains. However, you can take a number of steps to control mold and decrease your health risks. Steps for mold control include keeping the humidity in your house in a range between 40 and 60 percent; using mold inhibitors in household paint; making sure your house has adequate ventilation; using a dehumidifier or air conditioner when outside humidity is high; avoiding carpeting basements or bathrooms; and cleaning your bathrooms with products that kill mold. You can clean mold from any hard surface with soap and water or commercial cleaners. With proper precautions, you can also use a diluted bleach solution.
Member Comments