Mold/toxic mold allergies

by AirPurifiersAndFilters.com

Along with pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, molds are a leading cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose). In warm regions, molds may be present year round. In colder areas, the mold season generally runs from early spring well into the fall, typically peaking during July and August. While most molds, like pollens, are killed by the first major frost, others may persist during the winter months even in cold regions.

There are literally thousands of types of mold. The seeds of reproductive particles of fungi are known as spores, and it is usually these spores that actually cause mold allergies. A single mold growth can spawn literally millions of spores.

Molds can be found wherever moisture and oxygen are present. Rotting logs and vegetation are prime habitat for molds, as are damp walls and carpet. Some molds attach to certain grasses, weeds, and grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and corn.

Inside your home, molds thrive at room temperature and can often be found in damp basements and closets (in drywall, wallboard, and insulation), bathrooms, houseplants, refrigerators, air conditioning systems, humidifiers, foam pillows, washing machines, dryer vents, and furniture. Certain workplace environments are also very prone to mold infestation or problems. The photo to the left reflects a ceiling that has been contaminated by a mold colony.

Mold allergies are caused by inhaled mold spores or inhaled fragments of mold growths. While there are thousands of types of molds, only a few dozen are believed to cause significant allergies. Mold spores may lodge in the pathways of the upper respiratory system or in the lungs themselves, where they cause irritations.

Symptoms of mold allergy are similar to other allergies, including nasal congestion, sneezing, watery and itching eyes, dry tickling throat, recurrent ear infections, rashes, coughing, sore throat, post-nasal drip, and breathing difficulties. In some individuals, exposure to certain molds can lead to asthma or to a rare lung disease called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis which is characterized by wheezing, low-grade fever, and coughing-up brown-flecked masses or mucus plugs. Individuals who have mold allergies may be more susceptible to other types of allergies.

Black (toxic) mold, called Stachybotys, is a particular threat. It is especially toxic and can prove to be a serious health threat, particularly to children with mold allergies. Stachybotys is widespread in the southern U.S. were foam board insulation was installed without adequate ventilation. Symptoms of an allergic toxic mold reaction are generally the same as traditional mold allergies, however, they are usually much more severe and could progress to coughing up blood, nosebleeds, anemia, memory loss, pulmonary hemorrhage, and even coma or death.

In addition to using a medical-grade HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) air filter to remove airborne mold spores, you can do the following to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful molds:

• Remove carpet in bathrooms and replace with tile or linoleum;
• Clean bathrooms and shower stalls frequently with mold-killing cleaning products;
• Turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom when showering and in the kitchen when cooking;
• Vent your clothes dryer outside of the home;
• Use a dehumidifier in the summer if the humidity in your home exceeds 50 percent;
• Make sure clothes are well dried before they are put away in closets or dressers;
• Use paints with mold inhibitors;
• Repair any water leaks in basements quickly.

Given that your family's health and well-being are at stake, a small investment in a quality air cleaner is well worth it. To learn more about products that can help, visit AirPurifiersAndFilters.com.

For other related articles on the subject of mold, click here.

Copyright © 2002 LAF/C.R.S., Inc. All rights reserved.
Permission to reprint this article has been given by AirPurifiersAndFilters.com.

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