Mold and Your Health
(Cont. from page 1)
|
|
 Poor
indoor air quality is one of the most important health
issues we face today. Concern about indoor exposure
to mold has increased along with public awareness that
exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects
and symptoms.
Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne
concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set.
Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations,
(e.g.,
OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or
mold spores. Scientific research on the relationship
between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing.
What we do know is that experts
agree that indoor mold growth should be avoided.
It
is estimated that about 50 to l00 common indoor mold
types have the potential for creating health problems. Molds
can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances
that can cause allergic reactions). Allergic
reactions may be the most common health problem of mold
exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone or in
combination) include:
~respiratory problems such
as wheezing and difficulty in breathing
~nasal and sinus congestion
~eyes- burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
~dry, hacking cough
~sore throat
~nose and throat irritation
~shortness of breath
~skin irritation
~central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood
changes)
~fatigue
~nausea
~aches and pains
~possible fever
Molds can also cause asthma attacks in some individuals who are
allergic to mold. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate
or delayed. |
According to the California
Department of Health Services, the following individuals
appear to be at higher risk
for adverse health effects of mold:
~infants and
children
~elderly
~immune compromised patients (people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy,
liver disease, etc.)
~pregnant women
~individuals with respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical
sensitivity, and asthma. |
This section
provides a brief overview, but does not describe all
potential health effects related to mold
exposure.
For more detailed information, consult a health professional
or your state or local health department. The advice
of a medical professional should always be sought if
there are any emerging health issues. Some specific species
of
mold produce toxic agents known as mycotoxins. Mycotoxins
are found in both living and dead mold spores. Exposure
to mycotoxins may present a greater hazard than that
of allergic or irritative molds. Potential health
effects from mycotoxins are the subject of ongoing
scientific research
and are beyond the scope of this document.
In summary, potential health concerns are important reasons
to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem
areas.
Environmental Testing Associates, Inc. is committed
to providing our clients with knowledge to make educated
decisions on the well being of their families and buildings. All
clients are provided with a copy of inspection results
and lab certified test results which can be useful
for their medical practitioners.
ETA is not licensed as medical
professionals; therefore the conclusions and recommendations
contained within
this article/site do not constitute medical opinions,
human
health risk analysis, or public health alerts. A
licensed physician should be consulted for such opinions.
This section provides a brief overview, but does not
describe all potential health effects related to mold
exposure.
For more detailed information, consult a health professional
or your state or local health department. |
