Molds are fuzzy fungi; they are fuzzy because they are made of root like structures called hyphae. Most mold hyphae grow on and inside of decaying plant materials or wall boards and release millions of tiny spores that float passively through the air like tiny wind blown seeds.

Molds possess the potential to instigate health problems. Molds generate allergens and irritants. Touching or inhaling mold spores cause allergic symptoms in sensitive people. Allergic symptoms include sneezing, red eyes, skin rash, sore throat, sinus congestion, breathing difficulties, skin and eye irritation, higher risk of sinus infection and colds, and rarely upper respiratory infection. The mold effects vary extensively from one individual to another.

This does not entail all the members in the family. Certain people who may be at elevated risk level are:
• Pregnant ladies and unborn children
• Infants, children and elders
• Individuals with severe respiratory sensitiveness
• People with immune system problems such as HIV infected people, patients undergoing chemotherapy and recipients who have undergone organ transplantation.
• People with allergies
• People with asthma
Molds also are a cause of frequent asthma attacks for people already suffering with asthma.

Mold odor alone has been connected to a two fold increase in a child’s chances of developing asthma later in life. So a person who test for spores and finds none has not proven that your property is safe in regard to mold. Mold in your walls may produce unnoticeable odor that cause allergy like symptoms and an increased chance of asthma. Mold assessment involves more than sampling the air, it is a multidisciplinary investigation into building defects, humidity problems, air pressure and flow conditions, AC ducts, mold odor, spore levels, and more.

Exposure to mold of higher levels for a long period of time eventually turns to become unhealthy. Short term high exposures can result in organic dust toxic syndrome with flu like symptoms occurring for a few days. Long term elevated exposure can result in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis with pneumonia like symptoms and long term complications.

In regard to toxic mold, yes many molds commonly found indoors produce toxins, and these toxins are very powerful. Mold toxins are a type of self defence that makes up for molds lack of legs, fangs, claws, and hard shells. It is important that you do not panic. Numerous studies show that mold spore levels in your office or home are typically too low to generate toxic reactions. But synergistic effects of indoor pollutants and various mycotoxins are not yet fully understood, further study is required. However, you cannot escape the allergies, sinus infections and asthma attacks appearing due to mold, this can harass you to the core with constant ailments.

But that is not the end of it, molds have a general tendency of destroying all the things they grow on. You can prevent this damage from happening to your furnishings, your home, and your health by controlling moisture. If it is too late and you already have mold, moisture, humidity or odor, then contact a certified mold inspector for testing, inspection and written recommendations. If you suspect mold or indoor air quality related health problems then do not rely on this article for medical advice consult a doctor.

Home Improvement Products on our marketplace

An Accredited mold inspection service, Inc is dedicated to understanding the root causes of toxic black mold and IAQ or indoor air quality problems. Our qualified testing firm services West Palm Beach, Ft Lauderdale, and Miami. If you are looking for more information on mold and IAQ issues, or need to find an inspector in your area, click on the links.