Guest guest Posted September 29, 2007 Report Share Posted September 29, 2007 Unhealthy mold easily takes hold in Tennessee homes Problematic fungus can cause illnesses Thursday, 09/27/07 The Tennessean By CLAUDIA PINTO Staff Writer http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070927/NEWS07/709270394 was disgusted by the black mold that grew on the wall and ceiling of her home, but she had no idea it caused her frequent headaches, sinus infections and bouts of bronchitis. The Madison woman said her health problems began soon after she moved into her duplex four years ago. She tested positive for mold allergies last month. " It's been pretty bad, " said. " I'm so fatigued. I don't get a good night's rest because I'm coughing and so stuffed up that I can't breathe. " Dr. Owen, clinical director of Allergy Care of Cool Springs, said mold is a big problem in Tennessee because the humid climate provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. He said people who experience allergic reactions will continue to do so until the mold is removed from the home. Eliminating mold can be challenging. The Metro Health Department receives roughly 25 calls a month from people who want guidance on how to rid their homes of the fungus. Dr. Brent Hager, director of the Metro Health Department's environmental health services, said too much humidity, leaky pipes and flooding are common culprits of indoor mold. " If you see mold growing, you have a water source that's allowing that mold to grow, " Hager said. Cleaning isn't sufficient Just cleaning the mold isn't going to solve the problem because it will grow back, Hager said. People need to fix whatever is causing it to form in the first place. Hager said mold removal and repairs should be done by a licensed professional. Owen agrees. He said interacting with mold will only aggravate people's symptoms. Owen said there are thousands of molds, any of which can cause problems for people with allergies and asthma. Symptoms can vary Not everyone is affected by mold, and some people experience more severe symptoms than others. Symptoms can range from a stuffed nose to serious respiratory problems. Common side effects include sinus problems, fatigue, headache, nosebleeds, skin rash, and a cough that doesn't go away. " If you start to experience symptoms that seem to improve when you're away from home, you should have your house checked, " Owen said. said she wished she made the connection between the mold in her home and her health problems earlier. In addition to feeling bad, she estimates that she's spent more than $1,000 on doctor's visits, inhalers and medications during the past four years. She plans to move. " I never got sick or anything before I moved here, " she said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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