Toxic Mold - Mold Health Effects

For specific health questions, you should always consult your physician.  This is an overview of some mold symptoms that may be felt sometimes by some people.  Tolerance for mold results from DNA and other health/risk factors.  If there is mold present, there are probably dust mites and roaches which also contribute to negative health effects.

The Institute of Medicine has found sufficient evidence of an association of exposure from damp buildings to case asthma symptoms in sensitized asthmatic persons, upper respiratory (nasal and throat) tract symptoms and cough.

They found limited or suggestive evidence of an association with dyspnea (shortness of breath), lower respiratory illness in otherwise-healthy children and asthma development.

Can mold make me and my family sick?

Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it.

The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.

What symptoms might I see?

The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as:

•     nasal and sinus congestion

•     cough

•     wheeze/breathing difficulties

•     sore throat

•     skin and eye irritation

•     upper respiratory infections (including sinus)

Are the risks greater for some people?

There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:

•     infants and children

•     elderly people

•     individuals with respiratory conditions

•     persons having weakened immune systems

Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold.

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds (called mycotoxins) although they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.