Most healthy individuals are able to tolerate exposure to a small amount of mold without adverse symptoms. If you have a mold allergy, you may experience serious side effects. This may be difficult to predict since people who are allergic to one type of mold will not necessarily react to all types. People with weakened immune systems, asthma and other underlying health conditions may be more sensitive to mold exposure.
Dangers
Eating moldy bread may be dangerous. Some types of mold produce toxic compounds called mycotoxins. These can cause flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. An allergy to mold may produce sneezing, stuffy nose, coughing, itchy or watery eyes. You cannot cannot mold exposure simply by cutting out the visible mold. Mold that you may not be able to see my remain throughout the bread. In addition, mold releases airborne spores that can contaminate nearby sites.
Treatment
Monitor your symptoms if you inadvertently consume moldy bread. If mold exposure triggers an allergic reaction or asthma attack, you may require immediate treatment. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, tightness in your chest, eye or skin irritation, severe flu-like symptoms or swelling in the throat, lips, face or other areas.
Handling
If you discover mold on bread, do not handle it or inhale it. Wash your hands well if you do come into contact with mold. Inspect other foods in the area to determine whether the mold spores have spread. Scrub the area where the bread was stored with soap and water to prevent future contamination. When you discard the moldy bread, wrap it in a plastic bag to prevent children or pets from coming into contact with it.
Prevention
Bread that does not contain preservatives may spoil more quickly. Cool temperatures retard the growth of mold, while warm, damp conditions encourage mold growth. In warm climates, you may need to store bread in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent mold growth. Keep bread well-wrapped and away from other foods. For large amounts that cannot be eaten before they become moldy, slice individual portions and store them in the freezer until needed.
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