Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Studies by Harvard University have shown that between 40 and 50% of homes in North America have moisture and mold problems serious enough to significantly increase respiratory symptoms among occupants. Particularly susceptible are pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
For many people, mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and throat. Molds can trigger asthmatic attacks. Molds produce allergens which are substances that cause allergic reactions. In addition, a 1999 Mayo Clinic study implicated fungi, the plant group to which molds belong, as the cause of almost all chronic sinusitis affecting 37 million Americans. Finally, some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxin that can damage your health. In high concentrations mold fragments, spores and mycotoxins can trigger symptoms even in individuals with no allergies.
© 2012 WMBarr
