|
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft
through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold
spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing
and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive.
There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and
foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors,
mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture
problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no
practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the
indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth
is to control moisture.
Can Mold Cause Health Problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores
land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the
potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens
(substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants,
and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic
reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include
hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red
eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold
are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also
cause asthma attacks in people withasthma who are allergic
to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes,
skin, nose, throat, and lungs of bothmold-allergic and non-allergic
people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types
are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research
on mold and health effects is ongoing. This web ste provides
a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health
effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information
consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult
your state or local health department. (This information is
provided by: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html)
|
