Toxic Mold And Your Health – What Are The Effects?

Toxic Mold And Your Health – What Are The Effects? Related Information:

Did you know that there are different types of mold (black mold, toxic mold, allergenic mold) present all the time around us and in the air we regularly breathe? It’s true. In low levels, molds and mold spores are generally harmless, but if their levels increase, they can affect people and their health in a big way— especially people with allergies, asthma, respiratory conditions or a suppressed immune system.

Allergenic mold and mold spores are normally not dangerous to you in low amounts, but they have been known to cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms. These types of mold can be relatively easy and safely cleaned and removed.

Mycotoxic mold and mold spores contain toxins in their cell wall. These types of mold can cause serious health problems in both humans and animals and range from short-term irritation to immune system suppression, to cancer and even death.

Pathogenic mold causes infection and can cause serious health effects in people with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy and those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmune disorders.

Hyphae & hyphal elements are single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they may be untraceable to a specific mold species, these fragments can be responsible for allergic reactions in some people and may indicate previous or current growth.

Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that quite possibly might not be easily identified as a specific species, but may well represent a mold problem on the property or in the house.

Mildew is a fungi that form a superficial, usually whitish growth on walls, floors and various organic materials. It’s a superficial coating or discoloration of organic materials, such as cloth, paper, or leather, caused by fungi, especially under damp conditions.

For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems; while for others, it may take many more. A rule of thumb is, if you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mold. People with special health concerns are at the greatest risk, and should consult their physician if they think that there may be a problem.

As you can see, the importance of knowing the extent to which mold, and in particular toxic mold, can affect you health is great. There is little that you can do without your health. If you think that there may be a problem or a potential problem in your home, garage, office or any other place that you spend significant amounts of time, you’re going to want to take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.