Can Mold cause health problems?
Molds release spores as part of its reproduction cycle much in the same way that a plant will release pollen. In fact many people mistakenly diagnose their mold allergies as hayfever. For people suffering from allergies, these spores can start an allergic reaction. Mold has been known to also cause problems ranging from irritation to eyes, skin, nose and throat to even more dire conditions. Some molds even create and release their own toxins such as Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, and Ulocladium.
Who is affected by Mold?
Certain groups of people are more at risk than others from mold exposure. These groups include:
- Infants and children
- Elderly people
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Not all of the health risks that are said to be cause by molds have been completely confirmed. However, one thing is certain – mold is an asthma trigger and in the last year alone over 5,000 asthma related deaths have been reported in the U.S., most of the victims being children. For the sake of safety, periodic home inspections and mold testing is important. All indoor mold issues should be taken care of immediately. For people with asthma it is especially important to limit contact with molds and limit time exposed to moldy environments.