Mold Allergy And Other Mold Related Health Issues

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Article Title:

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Mold Allergy And Other Mold Related Health Issues

Article Description:

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The leading cause of health problems associated with mold is the

common mold allergy. Many who believe they are being poisoned by

toxic molds are actually experiencing a mold allergy.

Additional Article Information:

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832 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2007-06-19 11:01:00

Written By: Daryl Watters

Copyright: 2007

Contact Email: mailto:daryl.watters@...

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Mold Allergy And Other Mold Related Health Issues

Copyright © 2007 Daryl Watters

A Accredited Mold Inspection Service, Inc.

http://www.floridamoldinspectors.us

Mold Allergy

The leading cause of health problems associated with mold is the

common mold allergy. Many who believe they are being poisoned by

toxic molds are actually experiencing a mold allergy. Allergenic

responses to molds as well as to other bio-allergens such as dust

mite allergens, cat and dog allergens, and cock roach allergens

can nevertheless be a serious concern and can result in mild to

severe reactions that often get worse over time. Mold allergy

symptoms include: runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing,

itchy nose, itchy throat, and skin rashes.

The institute of Medicine (1993) estimated that one in five

Americans suffers from allergic rhinitis, the single most common

chronic disease experienced by humans. Additionally, about 14% of

the population suffers from allergy-related sinusitis, while 10

to 12% of Americans have allergically-related asthma. About 9%

experience allergic dermatitis. (Institute of Medicine, 1993) and

(Washington state Department of Health). We sometimes find that

our clients are suffering from debilitating mold allergy

reactions when living in moldy homes or working in moldy

environments. People often realize after suffering for a few

months or a few years, that it may be the mold causing their

mysterious prolonged illness and that the situation is getting

worse not better and that either they have to leave, or the mold

has to go and the condition that caused the mold has to be

revealed and corrected. Mold allergy is not the only problem.

Mold Infections

Certain molds are known for causing infectious tissue diseases by

invading and infecting human and animal tissues and mucous

membranes. Mold-related sinus infections appear to be common in

many persons living in mold contaminated homes. Eyes, ears, nose,

throat, lungs, heart, brain and skin systems have documented

infections due to molds. However, infections in these tissues

typically only occurs in persons with a compromised immune

system.

Mold Toxicity

Many molds also have been shown to produce very scary toxic

substances known as mycotoxins; mycotoxins are located primarily

in the mold spores. These mycotoxins are produced by molds to

help them compete with and kill other molds and microbes. It's a

type of biological warfare between molds and their competitors.

" Mycotoxins are believed to result in headaches, sore throats,

hair loss, flu symptoms, diarrhea, fatigue, dermatitis, general

malaise (tiredness) and psychological depression. " (Croft et al,

1986, Jarvis, 1995).

" Other reported responses to mycotoxin exposure includes skin

rashes, lesions of the skin and gastrointestinal tract, and

interference with blood cell formation. " (Sorenson 1993).

Many of the above are the results of lab animal and cell culture

studies on toxic black mold also known as stachybotrys, and human

and horse exposure to stachybotrys mold infested hay.

It is very important to not panic and keep in mind that to

accomplish the above serious detrimental effects toxic molds like

Stachybotrys and others may have to be either:

1. Consumed in mold contaminated foods.

2. Physically handled so that excessive physical contact is made

between human skin and the mold.

3. Or the mycotoxins have to be exposed to living cells in the

laboratory.

It may or may not be likely that toxic molds can cause the above

detrimental effects when humans breathe in mold spores in the

home. It is very difficult to gather scientifically reliable

proof on the effects of breathing toxic mold spores in the home.

Mucous Membrane And Trigeminal Nerve Irritation

Molds produce waste products made up of volatile organic

compounds (VOC) such as alcohols aldehydes and acidic molecules

after breaking down and absorbing food materials in our homes

such as moist dust, and water damaged drywall paper, and wood.

Exposure to volatile organic compounds may result in irritation

to the eyes and the respiratory system.

Volatile organic compounds and moldy pungent odors can also

initiate avoidance reactions from the trigeminal nerve such as

breath holding and discomfort. Odd sensations may also be noted

including itching, burning, and skin crawling. Changes in

sensation, swelling of mucous membranes, constriction of

respiratory smooth muscle, or dilation of surface blood vessels

may be triggered in response to trigeminal nerve stimulation.

Decreased attention, disorientation, diminished reflex time,

dizziness and other effects can also result from such exposures(

Otto et al., 1989)

Disclaimer

This web site is designed for informational purposes only. It is

not intended for diagnosing or treating a health problem or

disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you

suspect you have a health problem, contact your doctor.

The presence of a small amount of even very toxic mold in your

home is not necessarily need for immediate or irrational fear. It

seems that most homes from my experience have some potentially

toxic mold spores as do most outdoor environments. If unwarranted

fear takes over, people become vulnerable to be taken advantage

of by dishonest mold inspectors and dishonest mold remediators.

It is wise to have your property tested and inspected by a

non-biased professional mold allergy inspector to determine if

concern is warranted and if and what corrective measures are

needed.

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Daryl Watters is president of A Accredited Mold Inspection Service,

Inc. He provides home, mold, and indoor air quality investigations

in South Florida. He is also the creator of MIR forms designed to

aid inspectors in the production of computer generated indoor air

quality and mold inspection reports. For more information visit

http://www.floridamoldinspectors.us http://www.florida-mold-inspection.com