Toxic Mold: How Dangerous Is It?
Most of the mold e come across in our homes are not of the toxic variety. They usually cause mild symptoms which disappear soon after the source of the mold is treated. Toxic mold, however, can strike anywhere at any time. Buildings and even ordinary homes are not immune to toxic mold contamination, and judging from scientific studies, toxic mold can cause various disorders in our organs and systems, interfering with their normal functioning. The Stachybotrys mold is the most common toxic mold, and there are also those that belong to the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus. Long-term exposure to toxic mold can give rise to some untreatable medical conditions.
Toxic Mold: A Growing Health Problem
Toxic mold in your home can cause a major health problem. While every home or building has its fair share of mold growing there, some houses contain mold that is toxic. Toxic mold is rare, but exposure over a period of time can be much more serious.
Which Molds Are Toxic?
Most people experience some kind of allergic reaction in the presence of mold. This usually includes runny nose, sneezing, coughing and headaches. Mold allergy is much like dust allergy, or common environmental allergies. Its symptoms resemble a cold, and it is not a major health problem.
But, lately there have been major lawsuits over mold, costing large amounts of money. The mold problem has led to buildings being destroyed and victims claiming thousands in damages. This is due to toxic mold and the health problems associated with it.
The culprits are just a few species of related toxic molds. The most common are stachybotrys mold (also referred to simply as “black mold”), aspergillus and penicillium, the mold from which Penicillin is made.
These deadly toxic molds produce spores which have mycotoxins in them. These mycotoxins are the root of these health problems.
How Does Toxic Mold Cause A Health Problem?
The mold takes root in your home, and the spores are released to the air. The spores can get into your body a number of ways, but most commonly through breathing. They can also get into your skin, eyes or stomach if eaten.
Once inside your lungs, the mycotoxins can spread throughout your damage. They kill cell tissue and can damage internal organs, skin and even your brain. They also destroy an important chemical in your nerves, which causes damage to your central nervous system.
At the present there is little medical evidence to back up for certain which illnesses are caused by toxic black mold. However, research has shown a link between toxic mold and diseases such as leukemia, kidney and liver cancer and respiratory illnesses. Evidence suggests that these mycotoxins may interfere with a person’s DNA.
The effects on the brain can be most serious. Those who are exposed to toxic mold often experience fatigue, memory loss and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is because of the way the mycotoxins destroy cell tissue in the brain.
Sick Buildings And Toxic Mold
Lately, there have been many reported cases of “Sick Building Syndrome.” Some old buildings have terrible mold problems, and those who work or spend lots of time in them experience a wide range of health problems. Now, companies and organizations are trying to clean up all these old buildings and remove the mold and other dangerous substances. There are also quite a few lawsuits claiming that companies have been negligent in meeting environmental safety standards.
About 1 in 4 American homes have mold problems. Although the incidence of toxic mold infestation is relatively low, it is a concern that should be taken seriously. You should always work to rid your house of mold and try to prevent its re-growth. You and your family’s health are at stake.