Your Health

EPA Studies Reveal Indoor Air Quality May Be 2-5 Times MORE Polluted Than Outdoor Air Levels…And Most Of Us Spend 90% Of Our Time Indoors!!

"Most homeowners believe that as long as they don't see visible signs of mold, that their environment is free of contamination. What they don't realize is that large accumulations of mold may be growing in areas that they cannot see such as air ducts, attics, basements, or wall cavities. Left to multiply, these infestations may produce enough organic compounds to cause allergic reactions, sickness and, in extreme cases, death."

Symptoms of Mold Affecting Your Health

The most common symptoms that you or a family member may be suffering from as a result of mold exposure are as follows:

• Memory loss or memory difficulties/Alzheimer-like symptoms
• Learning difficulties or mental functioning problems
• Feeling lost or "disconnected" from what's happening around you
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Runny nose (rhinitis)
• Clear, thin, watery mucus from your nose may appear suddenly
• Sinus congestion and sinus problems
• Thick, green slime coming out of nose (from sinus cavities)
• Coughing and resulting sore lungs/chest from excessive coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Bleeding lungs
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
• Redness of the sclera (white of your eyes)
• Skin rashes
• Skin redness
• Open skin sores and lacerations
• Sneezing
• Sneezing fits (more than three sneezes in a row, happening often)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chronic, excessive, or continued fatigue

How am I exposed to indoor molds?

Mold is found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is common to find mold spores in the air of homes and growing on damp surfaces. Much of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. Therefore, everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they enter the air and are inhaled in large amounts. People can also be exposed to mold through skin contact and eating.

How much mold exposure will make me sick?

It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. However for most people, it may take exposure to a large number of mold spores. The basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take necessary steps to eliminate the excess moisture and remove the mold permanently.

Who is at greater risk when exposed to mold?

Exposure to indoor mold is not healthy for any living being. Therefore, it's extremely important to identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems develop. The following individuals appear to be at greatest risk of developing mold related illness:

• Infants and children
• Elderly
• People with immune deficiencies (HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, liver disease, etc…)
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma.

People with these conditions should consult a physician if they are suffering from health problems possibly related to mold inhalation.

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Depending on the amount and type of mold present, most allergic reactions will vary based on an individual's sensitivity to mold. In addition, certain types of molds can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, which the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead mold spores.