Everyday I and the other members of our team speak with homeowners and business owners that are confused about mold and how it can harm them so I thought it would be a good blog topic.
Part of the confusion about molds and how they affect us differently is due to the fact that molds actually have several ways in which they may harm humans. Some people are just naturally allergic to mold, others may not be able to fight off the normal pathogens mold produces. Still, some mold produce deadly toxins intended to kill other organisms to ensure survival. These types of mold can be divided into three categories:
Allergenic Molds affect people who have certain allergies or asthma. When people allergic to mold are exposed to it they have a hypersensitive reaction where an excessive number of mast cells are activated, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response in the respiratory system. About 20 to 30% of the population has allergic rhinitis and are susceptible to mold and/or other allergens. Most people without allergies are unaffected by allergenic mold in small amounts. For this reason, the same mold may affect different people differently and while it may go unnoticed by some, others will be harmed.
Pathogenic Molds produce some type of lasting infection or disease. Most healthy individuals are able to regularly fight off pathogens with their immune systems. However, pathogenic molds are very dangerous to anyone who has had their immune system compromised, which is why pathogenic mold is considered an opportunistic pathogen. Infants have underdeveloped immune systems, the elderly have weakened immune systems, and organ transplant patients have suppressed immune systems. Pathogenic mold is especially dangerous in the workplace where there is frequent turnaround of the occupants and someone with a compromised immune system eventually starts working there.
Toxic Molds produce mycotoxins, a deadly poison to discourage and prevent other bacteria and fungi from growing in the same area as a survival mechanism. Unfortunately, mycotoxins are dangerous to humans as well. Unlike allergenic and pathogenic molds, toxic molds intentionally harm other living things rather than it being just a side effect. Some of the most deadly chemicals on the planet are mycotoxins. They are found both on mold and on mold spores. Mycotoxins cause harm through ingestion, dermal exposure and inhalation and can be a temporary irritation or cause long-term illnesses, immunosuppression, neurological disorders, even cancer.
No matter what type of mold you are dealing with, it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible even if no one has become sick yet. If you have mold, then you have a moisture problem that will eventually result in more mold to start growing.
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