Mold is a fungi and is present everywhere - indoors and outdoors. There are more than 100,000 species of mold, of which, at least 1,000 are commonly found in Florida alone. Mold is most likely to grow where it is damp or water is present. Some species are capable of dangerous side effects. Mold can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces, such as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls. Mold often grows in rooms with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action NOW and call Home Enviro for a mold inspection. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24-48 hours after a moisture or water intrusion.
How much mold does it take to make me sick?
It depends on the situation and the person. This question is difficult to answer in the same way it's hard to say how much sun causes a sunburn: the amount varies from person to person. What one person can tolerate with little or no effect may cause symptoms in another individual. The long-term presence of indoor mold may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. Those with special health concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. The following types of people may be affected sooner and more severely than others: Babies and children Elderly persons Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions or allergies or asthma Persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV or AIDS, chemotherapy patients, or organ transplant recipients).
Most molds do not harm healthy people. But people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds.
Even small traces of mold in the air can be harmful — studies have directly linked the presence of mold to a number of respiratory ailments including asthma, croup, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine recently reported that children in homes with the most fungi — mold, mildew, or water damage — had an 86% higher risk of developing upper respiratory infections in the first year.
If you or your family members have health problems that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should consult with your physician.
http://www.doctorfungus.com/ http://www.cdc.gov/mold/Symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome
The mycotoxins produced by toxic mold create environmentally toxic air that affects the body’s myelin, depleting this important substance that covers the nerves. The nerves are exposed without protection and fail to function correctly. This affects essential components of the body, including: the immune system, the nervous system, the respiratory system, the skin, and the gastrointestinal system. When toxic mold causes neurological problems, it can be devastating to children since their brains and other organs are not fully developed.
