According to the Florida Department of Health , it can cause the following types of health problems:. People with allergies may be more sensitive to mold than others. If they come into contact with mold, they may experience symptoms, such as:. Mold exposure may also worsen asthma or lung problems in people with preexisting lung conditions. A study found that infants and young children exposed to mold in the home had an increased risk of developing asthma by the age of 7.
The research examined homes and 36 types of mold. However, S. Research published in by the Institute of Medicine IOM indicates that spending time in damp indoor spaces is related to respiratory symptoms, including those of asthma. However, people with weakened immune systems — such as those with uncontrolled HIV , transplant patients, or people undergoing cancer treatment — are at risk of fungal infections.
Some people believe that black mold is particularly dangerous because it releases mycotoxins. However, the fact is that all molds are capable of producing mycotoxins. Just because mold is present does not mean that it is producing these toxins. Most cases of mycotoxicosis result from eating moldy food, rather than from inhaling fungal spores in the home or outdoors. The evidence does not indicate that inhaling or touching mold can cause mycotoxicosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC state that there are very few reports of unique or rare health conditions resulting from mold in the home. It appears that many types of indoor mold — not just black mold — may cause health problems in some people, but not in everyone. People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:. The main health concerns seem to relate to allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.
They may also perform tests, including:. To diagnose a systemic fungal infection in someone with a weakened immune system, a doctor may take a blood sample. In some cases, further testing may be necessary. Treatment for a mold allergy is similar to treatment for other types of inhaled allergies. Options include:.
For a long term solution, a doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This involves getting a series of allergy shots over a few years. Immunotherapy can be highly effective, but it is only suitable for certain types of mold allergy. Mold can trigger bronchitis in some people. Which home remedies can help treat bronchitis? Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated. It is not always possible to prevent mold from growing, but regular cleaning and wiping can reduce the risk of it appearing or getting worse.
Wipe hard surfaces with a suitable commercial product, soap and water, or a heavily diluted bleach solution. Always dry the surfaces after use to prevent mold from reappearing.
Wash or wipe porous surfaces and check regularly to see if mold has returned, as it can infiltrate these materials. If mold continues to reappear, consider disposing of these items. Ask at the local hardware store about antifungal paints and other products that can help prevent mold from developing. However, people with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of illness, and especially lung problems, if there are mold spores and mold in the environment. Others may experience allergic reactions.
Keeping an indoor space clean, dry, and well ventilated is the best ways to prevent mold from developing. Anyone who has concerns about mold in the home, the workplace, or an educational or other setting should ask their healthcare provider or state health department for advice.
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Good personal hygiene is important for physical and mental health. In this article, learn about different aspects of personal hygiene and its benefits. Is mold in your house a problem? What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Vincent J. What is mold? Types How does it get into a house? Mold and health Prevention Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest Indoor mold growth is most likely to occur during the fall and winter months.
Types of mold. How does mold get into a house? Most horror stories come from people with severe, prolonged exposure to mold such as a heavily moldy basement that they live with for years while most situations are small areas of mold growth that get cleaned up rather quickly. So why does black mold get so much hype? Well, a lot of it has to do with a general lack of information about a strange substance that looks especially ugly and threatening.
Mycotoxins are poisons produced by some members of the fungi kingdom. Mycotoxins produced by mold are what set off allergic reactions to mold in some people. We know that black mold, along with many other types and colors of mold, can trigger severe allergies stuffy head, headaches, itchy eyes, sinus issues, etc. Living with allergies like that is awful and miserable. So in that sense, black mold can certainly make some people very sick.
Black mold has not been scientifically proven to cause cancer. But you know what? Lots of things colds, flus, various infections can lead to pneumonia. So we think the talk about black mold being especially dangerous is an unfair connection to make. Black mold causes severe allergies in certain people who are sensitive. That much we know for sure. According to the EPA , various types of mold can cause health problems for some people.
Those health problems are primarily in the form of allergies such as stuffy head, headache, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, etc. These ailments can be more severe in the young, the old, and those with other health issues. The CDC basically says the same thing — that mold can cause health issues in some people, or no issues in other people. According to the CDC , Stachybotrys black mold is unproven to cause serious medical issues beyond those mentioned above.
In other words, symptoms of black mold are only proven to be similar to other molds. The CDC simply states that various types of mold may cause health symptoms, to consult with a doctor if symptoms persist, and that no color or type of mold belongs in a building. Well, our answer to that is to imagine yourself as one of those people who are sensitive to mold.
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