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Mold Health Risks
In the indoor environment, molds are an unwelcome visitor. They can cause structural damage by decomposing wood, drywall, carpeting and other organic building materials, and can also cause health problems. Molds generally cause health symptoms by producing allergens, toxic substances (mycotoxins), or by causing infections. Allergic responses to mold include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and skin rash. Mold can also cause asthma attacks. Molds can cause infections by actively growing in the body. Molds of the genus Aspergillus , for instance, can cause a condition knows as aspergillosis, by growing in the lungs. This infection is almost always seen in individuals with a compromised immune system. Finally, certain molds can produce toxins. These toxins have been reported to cause such symptoms as nose bleeding, lung bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and neurological disorders, such as memory loss.-- Department of Health and Senior Services 2009
There is wide variability in how different people are affected by mold exposures. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:
infants and children, elderly people,individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies or asthma,persons having severely weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)
Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. -- MN. Department of Health 2009
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