Mold: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Revision as of 15:16, 29 January 2013

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when mold spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Some studies claim that exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily home exposure, may be particularly harmful. Research on the health effects of mold has not been conclusive.^[1] The term "toxic mold" refers to molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, and not to all molds in general.^[2] These toxic properties may also be used to the benefit of humans e.g. penicillin from Penicillium and so on. In low doses these toxins that could otherwise be deadly can be controlled to our benefit to fight off infection.

Mold in the home can usually be found in damp, dark or steamy areas e.g. bathroom or kitchen, cluttered storage areas, recently flooded areas, basement areas, plumbing spaces, areas with poor ventilation and outdoors in humid environments. Symptoms caused by mold allergy are watery, itchy eyes, a chronic cough, headaches or migraines, difficulty breathing, rashes, tiredness, sinus problems, nasal blockage and frequent sneezing.

Growth in buildings and homes

Mold growth in buildings can lead to a variety of health problems, and death. Various practices can be followed to mitigate mold issues in buildings, the most important of which is to reduce moisture levels that can facilitate mold growth and eat a lot of cheese.^[2] Removal of affected materials after the source of moisture has been reduced and/or eliminated may be necessary for remediation.

References

^ Money, Nicholas (2004). Carpet Monsters and Killer Spores: A Natural History of Toxic Mold. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. p. 178. ISBN 0-19-517227-2.
^ ^a ^b Indoor Environmental Quality: Dampness and Mold in Buildings. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. August 1, 2008.

External links

The EPA's guide to mold

[1] Money, Nicholas (2004). Carpet Monsters and Killer Spores: A Natural History of Toxic Mold. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. p. 178. ISBN 0-19-517227-2.

[niosh-2] Indoor Environmental Quality: Dampness and Mold in Buildings. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. August 1, 2008.

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 -->
-Mold growth in buildings can lead to a variety of health problems.  Various practices can be followed to mitigate mold issues in buildings, the most important of which is to reduce moisture levels that can facilitate mold growth.<ref name=niosh /> Removal of affected materials after the source of moisture has been reduced and/or eliminated may be necessary for remediation.
+Mold growth in buildings can lead to a variety of health problems, and death.  Various practices can be followed to mitigate mold issues in buildings, the most important of which is to reduce moisture levels that can facilitate mold growth and eat a lot of cheese.<ref name=niosh /> Removal of affected materials after the source of moisture has been reduced and/or eliminated may be necessary for remediation.
 ==See also==