by Andy Shackcloth

Created on: March 08, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2009

Mold usually associated with old or poorly repaired houses is surprisingly on the increase in modern well heated homes. These super sealed properties leave no escape for humidity and so it condenses in cold spots and provides the perfect conditions for molds to colonise.

The spores from these molds can produce allergic reactions in occupants living or working in the building. The modern term 'sick building' where headaches or breathing difficulties occur to the occupants, has been at times attributed to mold colonies.

- Molds and mold allergy -

Mold allergy is produced when a person comes into contact with the spores released into the air by molds. These spores are released naturally into the environment depending on the humidity and temperature, indoor molds very often have prime conditions through autumn, winter and spring due to central heating and so have an almost continuous season to affect sufferers. However the spores are also easily disturbed and the very act of vacuuming and living in the building can send clouds of spores into air during the dryer summer months.

The optimal time for outdoor molds to release their spores is spring and autumn, due to the mild temperatures and the damp air, these 'seasons' account for increases in reactions for some sufferers. Allergic reactions to the molds Alternaria and Cladosporium have been linked to seasonal Asthma cases. Unfortunately the link between a fungal spore and a patient?s seasonal increased Asthma reaction is often overlooked.

Molds are generally an unacknowledged factor when dealing with allergic symptoms, often as a last consideration after the food and dust mite options have been removed, unfortunately due to this, much unnecessary suffering is caused to mold allergy sufferers.
The people who are allergic to dust mites, pollen, pet dander and house dust, are also likely to be affected by mold spores.

Molds found in domestic buildings are grouped into three classes;

Hazard Class A Mycotoxin producers.

Hazard Class B Molds that may cause allergic reactions to occupants.

Hazard Class C Includes fungi not known to be a hazard to health.

Mycotoxin ; This is highly hazardous to health and Class A molds must be dealt with immediately. However normally molds found in homes will probably only trigger an allergic reaction and not a toxic one. If you are concerned then discuss it with a physician.

- Symptoms -

The symptoms of mold spore allergy include;

Asthma

Nasal and Sinus Congestion

Wheezing and shortness of breath

Cough

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>