Exposures

Toxic Molds

What they are: Molds are fungi which grow in damp, dark places. Molds are usually harmless, but some types, such as Toxic Black Mold, can be detrimental to people’s health. The toxic effect from molds comes from their spores. Spores grow on the surface of a mold and can be blown into the air. It is a mold’s way of reproducing.

Where they are: Molds are everywhere in the environment. Often, mold spores blow into our homes, or we carry them in on our clothes and shoes. We have all seen the mold that grows on bread and in the bathroom. These kinds of molds are not dangerous. Molds grow quickly in moist places, and especially porous things like wood, paper, cardboard and ceiling tiles. They can also grow well in drywall, upholstery, carpets and wallpaper. The key is moisture. Usually molds grow in places that have been flooded or in old buildings.

How we’re exposed: We are exposed in our homes, schools, and offices. We breathe air and dust that contain mold spores. Sometimes the act of cleaning an area with mold growth can actually make our exposure worse because we inadvertently kick up the spores into the air. Poor ventilation in buildings increases the likelihood of growth and therefore exposure. The good thing is that once the mold is safely removed, the symptoms usually go away.

The harm they cause: Molds can cause anything from sneezing to death. Allergic reactions including, eye irritation and watering, sneezing and coughing. Asthma attacks may be triggered by mold exposure.

In adults: Black Toxic Mold has the worst effects on people and can cause nose, mouth and throat irritation, nosebleeds, shock, hemorrhage (internal bleeding) of the lungs, and nervous disorders. Symptoms in adults from molds and indoor air pollutants may increase during the workweek. This may be an indication that the workplace is the site of exposure.

In children: Children who are exposed at school may exhibit symptoms and behaviors similar to sickness and to learning disabilities. They may not be able to focus or remember things very well. They may be tired, fatigued, have headaches or stomachaches. Exposure to molds during the first year of life has been linked to an increase in asthma in kids.

In babies born and unborn: Toxic Black Mold has been linked to SIDS. Severe reactions to mold exposure have resulted in bleeding of the lungs and to infant death. Other factors are sometimes present like second hand cigarette smoke. During pregnancy, the same reactions in adults will occur if exposed. There have been incidents of linking mold exposure and miscarriages and birth defects, but no scientific studies to validate them.