Health Effects
Can mold make my family sick?
Mold can affect
the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments.
People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing
it.
Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing
spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching
moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The type and severity of
health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another,
over time, and from person to person.
What
symptoms might I see?
The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although
other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as:
- Wheeze / breathing difficulties
- Nasal
& Sinus Congestion
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Skin and eye irritation
- Upper respiratory infections (including sinus)
Are the risks greater for some people?
There is wide variability
in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually
become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:
- Infants and children
- Elderly
people
- Individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities
such as allergies and asthma
- Persons having weakened immune systems
(for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)
Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health
is affected by indoor mold.
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds (called mycotoxins) although
they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by
indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly,
no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.
