Mold Health Problem, Seasonal Allergy, and Mold Health Effects

Toxic Mold Destroys Both
Your Home and Your Health!

        "Most homeowners believe that as long as they do not see visible signs of mold, that is, patches of green, blue, or black discoloration on surfaces, their environment is free of contamination. What they don't realize, however, is that large accumulations of [hidden or concealed] mold may be growing in areas that they cannot see, like air ducts, remote attic or basement spaces, or wall cavities. Left to multiply, these infestations may produce enough organic compounds to cause allergic reactions, sickness and, in extreme cases, death (a possibility with infants)," Edward R. Lipinski, "HOME CLINIC: The Battle Against Mold and Mildew," N.Y. TIMES, 9/12/99.

           "Fifty percent [50%] of homes contain problem molds. A new medical study attributes nearly 100% of chronic sinus infections to mold. A 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years has been linked to molds," as reported in USA WEEKEND, Dec. 3-5, 1999.

          "Exposure to certain types of fungi, known as toxic mold, can cause a serious [allergic] reaction. If you're unlucky, this is the kind of mold you have. If you're really unlucky, your toxic mold will gird for battle and go to war, secreting chemicals called mycotoxins, which can find their way into your body, entering through your nose, mouth, and skin, lodging perhaps in your digestive tract, your lungs, or your brain. Among these toxins are trichothecenes, which were rumored to have been used as a biological weapon during the wars in Afghanistan and Vietnam," warned Lisa Belkin, "Haunted by Mold," NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 13, 2001.

          "All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, March, 2001.

          "Even if mold in your house doesn't cause you any medical problems, if it becomes established in the wood in your home, 'dry rot' may form. Dry rot can result in a homeowner's nightmare. When the mold dies, the wood dries and then shrinks, breaking up into irregular chunks. Cracks in the wood fiber then act like straws, siphoning up moisture and carrying it to undamaged portions of the wood. Left unchecked, this process keeps recurring, continually rotting more wood, and can cause severe structural damage to your home," warned Vicki Lankarge, on the website insure.com.

          "Mold problems have become more prevalent because of increased use of cheaper building materials like plasterboard and plywood, which are more prone to growing mold when wet...Mold, as always, is spreading. But so is mold litigation, to the consternation of the insurance industry. Last week a state court in Austin, Texas, awarded Melinda Ballard and her family $32.1 million in a case involving allegedly extensive mold damage to their Dripping Springs, Texas, house. The jury ruled that Farmers Insurance Group had failed to properly address Ms. Ballard's original water-damage and mold claim and committed fraud in its handling of her claim," noted Chris- topher Oster, "Insurers Blanch At Proliferation of Mold Claims," WALL STREET JOURNAL, June 6, 2001.

The top mold health symptoms are the following, in alphabetical order. A mold victim may experience one or more symptoms, separately or simultaneously---

a memory loss or memory difficulties/Alzheimers-like symptoms
a learning difficulties or mental functioning problems
a feeling lost or "disconnected" from what's happening around you
a headaches
a seizures
a runny nose (rhinitis)
a clear, thin, watery mucus from your nose may appear suddenly
a sinus congestion and sinus problems
a thick, green slime coming out of nose (from sinus cavities)
a coughing and resulting sore lungs/chest from excessive coughing
a coughing up blood
a bleeding lungs
a difficulty breathing
a hives
a itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
a redness of the sclera (white of your eyes)
a skin rashes
a skin redness
a open skin sores and lacerations
a sneezing
a sneezing fits (more than three sneezes in a row, happening often)
a vomiting
a diarrhea
a chronic, excessive, or continued fatigue
a chronic dandruff problems that don't go away despite use of shampoo like "Head & Shoulders" and "Pantene Pro-V"

Is it a cold or allergies?

Some tips to help you tell the difference, courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology [U.S.A. Today, "All About Allergies and Asthma," March 16,2001]

Allergies

Eyes, ears, nose and/or throat (especially the palate or roof of the mouth) are itchy.
Eyes may also be red and watery.
Sneezing is often repetitive.
Nasal discharge is usually clear and thin.
Fever and achiness are typically absent.
Symptoms tend to be seasonal and are often at their worst during pollen season (from spring to the first frost in the fall).
Symptoms may last for weeks or months, or may be chronic, depending upon exposure to offending allergen(s),

Colds

Nasal discharge is usually clear initially, but may become thick and yellow after several days.
Sneezing is usually sporadic and non-repetitive.
Fever and aches may be present
Eyes, ears, nose and/or throat have no or minimal itching.
Symptoms typically end within 3 to 10 days.

Top Ten Triggers for Seasonal Allergies
Precautions to Take to Reduce the Impact of the "Top Ten Triggers for Seasonal Allergies," courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology [U.S.A. Today, "All About Allergies and Asthma," March 16,2001]

Up to 20% of the U.S. population suffers from allergic diseases, including 35 million who suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergists recommended avoidance as the first line of defense against seasonal allergies. Here are the ten ways you can reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms:

Stay indoors when pollen counts are high and on windy days when pollen and dust are blown about.
Use air conditioning and a dehumidifier to clean, cool and dry the air.
Shower or bathe and change clothes following outdoor activity to remove pollen and fungal spores from your hair skin and clothing.
Don’t hang clothes to dry outside; instead, dry them in a vented dryer.
Have a friend or a family member do yard work.
Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen and fungal spores from drifting into your home. Instead, if needed, use air conditioning which cleans, cools and dries the air.
Minimize activities when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 2-4 p.m., but differ for trees, grasses, and weeds.
Keep your car windows closed when travelling.
Try to stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high, and on windy days when dust and pollen are blown about.
Take your vacation to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea.

HEALTH EFFECTS
[from Minn. & Cal. Health Depts.]

How am I exposed to indoor molds?

Mold is found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is common to find mold spores in the air of homes and growing on damp surfaces. Much of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. Therefore, everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they enter the air and are inhaled in large number. People can also be exposed to mold through skin contact and eating.

How much mold can make me sick?

It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. For other people, it may take many more. The basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mold.

Who is at greater risk when exposed to mold?

Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings. It is important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems develop. The following individuals appear to be at higher risk for adverse health effects of molds:

Infants and children
elderly
immune compromised patients (people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, liver disease, etc.)
pregnant women
individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma.

People with these special concerns should consult a physician if they are having health problems.

What symptoms are common?

Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination) include:

respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
nasal and sinus congestion
eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
dry, hacking cough
sore throat
nose and throat irritation
shortness of breath
skin irritation
central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
aches and pains
possible fever

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to amount and type needed to cause reactions. In addition, certain types of molds can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, that the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead mold spores. Materials permeated with mold need to be removed, even after they are disinfected with cleaning solutions. Allergic and toxic effects can remain in dead spores. Exposure to mycotoxins may present a greater hazard than that of allergenic or irritating molds. Mycotoxins have been found in homes, agricultural settings, food, and office buildings.

If you have any questions, please email Mold Consultant.
For information on how to test for mold, please click: Mold Testing.
For information on mold removal, please click: Mold Removal.

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