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Health Effects of Mold
What are mold's health effects?
Infection
Toxicosis
Mold often grows outdoors, and its spores are almost always in
the air. This might make one assume that indoor mold growth is
safe. Or perhaps, that the most it will do is make allergies
worse. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists, says however, that, active fungal growth in indoor environments is inappropriate and may lead to exposure and adverse health effects. Besides causing allergies, mold may irritate a persons body or even grow on it. Molds also produce toxins, or poisons, that may pose health risks. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of harmful effects from mold.
In its publication, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that all types of molds should be considered potential health concerns. It further states that, Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth. Mold can affect people in four general ways: allergies, irritation, infection, and toxicosis
Mixture of Cladosporium, Aspergillus,
and Penicillium on painted drywall surface
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The American Industrial Hygiene Association has stated that, All fungi are allergenic. This means that all molds have the potential to cause allergies in pre-disposed individuals. Allergic reactions to mold could include asthma, bronchitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Thankfully, however, not all people develop allergies to mold.
Allergies to mold begin with sensitization. This occurs when a persons body overreacts to a specific mold such as Stachybotrys or Aspergillus and produces large amount of antibodies. At this time, there may be no symptoms. After sensitization, however, the antibodies will bind with the specific mold the next time it is inhaled or eaten. The bound antibody signals immune cells to release histamine and other inflammatory response agents that cause the symptoms associated with allergies.
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Molds can create gases called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs).
These gases give mold their characteristic smell. According to
the EPA, they have been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
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Molds usually do not infect people. When they do, the infection often goes away by itself with few problems. If a person has a weakened immune system, however, the disease can develop into a long-term infection in one area of the body, or spread to other areas. Some infections, like athletes foot and ringworm are acquired by touching the mold; other infections, like aspergillosis and histoplasmosis are acquired by inhaling spores.
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Many fungi make poisons called mycotoxins. The myco part of the
word means fungus. The greatest quantities of mycotoxins are believed to be located in the spores, whether or not the spores are viable (capable of growth). Not all molds produce mycotoxins; those that do, only produce them some of the time. When mycotoxins are produced, they usually do not evaporate into the air. This means that mold particles (spores or pieces of the hyphae) have to be inhaled, eaten or touched in order for a person to be exposed.
Some of the best known mycotoxins include aflatoxin, ochratoxin, T-2 toxin, and fumonisin. Aflatoxin B1 can cause cancer, vomiting, and death. Ochratoxin
A damages the kidneys and is possibly carcinogenic to humans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). T-2 toxin has been investigated as a biological warfare agent. Fumonisin B1 damages animal liver and kidneys and is a cause of horse and pig deaths.
Most of the evidence regarding myctoxins health effects come from large exposures to animals, and occasionally, from humans. The health effects of breathing low amounts of mycotoxins over time have not been conclusively established. However, since mycotoxins in large amounts can harm both animals and humans, it is wise to treat molds that might produce mycotoxins as dangerous.
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