More about Toxic Mold
Mold has certainly made its way into people’s homes as well as the headlines recently. Many people still don’t fully understand the health hazards of fungal exposure. The term toxic mold is somewhat misleading as it exudes and idea that certain molds are toxic, when actually certain types of molds produce secondary metabolites that produce toxins. The correct term is mycotoxins. Airborne mycotoxins from mold can definitely destroy one’s health. Sometimes, people are unaware that they are breathing mold spores and mycotoxins until they are very sick. Certain people have a minor allergic reactions to the non-toxic mold, but once you leave the affected area they most likely recover with few serious side effects, However, if they have been exposed to the dangerous molds such as Stachybotrysious symptoms and illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, learning disabilities, mental deficiencies, heart problems, cancer multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple chemical sensitivity, bleeding lungs and much more.
Unfortunately, the government has failed to establish guidelines that determine unhealthy amounts of poor indoor air quality. This is the main reason why so many people are confused about the damage mold can cause. As most know, many molds can cause allergens that can affect some of the population, but some molds can also cause toxins, which can affect every person, depending on the length of exposure. Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds yet most of them don’t even realize that when they’re sneezing and sniffling the cause could be from fungi.
The molds that produce airborne toxins that can cause serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and acid reflux. Common ailments from toxigenic mold---including allergies (hypersensitivity after initial toxicity), and excessive bruising--- usually can be treated and reduced after people leave their contaminated environment. Often medication, diet, and other treatment protocols are necessary. But other health problems may remain permanently, such as brain damage and weakened immune systems. Eyesight, memory, coordination, balance, and hearing are generally the most common residual effects that often do not improve after treatment in most cases.
Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and something to feed on. In the fall, they grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in moist, shady areas. In gardens, they can be found in compost piles and on certain grasses and weeds. Molds grow in our homes in moist warm areas like damp basements, crawlspaces, closets, and bathrooms, even after the moisture has dried up. Dirt crawlspaces can be the main source of mold for the inside of an entire home. The worst place that molds can grow, however, is inside wall cavities and flooring of our homes, wherever there may be cellulose materials they can feed on, such as wood, ceiling tiles, or drywall, even if they are not visible, and they have sustained water damage at one time or another.
Many people are either unaware, ignorant, or in denial about the severe health hazards involved with some types of indoor household molds. Molds come in thousands of different varieties, but a few who are some of the offenders that invade our homes:
- Alternaria and Cladosporium are the molds most commonly found both indoors and outdoors throughout the United States.
Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium are also common.
- One of the mycotoxins, aflatoxin, is produced by the fungi Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasitcus. Mycotoxins B1 is the most toxic, carcinogenic and prevalent.
- The most dangerous mold strains are: Chaetomium and Stachybotrys chartarum as they have been proven to produce demylenating mycotoxins among others, meaning they can lead to autoimmune disease. Under certain growth and environmental conditions, both of these fungi release toxic, microscopic spores and several types of mycotoxins that can cause the worst symptoms which are usually irreversible such as neurological and immunological damage. Some of these natural mycotoxins include a very strong class known as trichothecees. Trichothecenes are alson produced by several common molds including species in the Acremonium and Trichoderma. The trichothecenes are potent inhibitors of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis , and have been well studied in animal models because of concern about their potential misuse as agents of biological warfare, due to their ability of destroy human health (mentally and physically), and never appear in and autopsy.
The disturbing factor about airborne mycotoxins is that it is impossible to know how much damage they have caused to one’s health until it is too late. Therefore, it is imperative not to knowingly expose oneself even for brief periods of time in any place the smells moldy or has an appearance of mold or mildew.
If you suspect that the air quality in your home is being compromised by mold spores you can have the air tested, Call us for a FREE estimate today!
"This is the best thing I've done to my house. The crawlspace was very moldy and now it's clean and dry." 
Since the 1970’s, when there was a shortage of oil, home construction has changed dramatically. It is now common practice to heavily insulate homes, wrap the exterior with a vapor barrier, and create less ventilation from the outside air. This can cause the potential for mold growth if there is a water event. According to statistics from the Bureau of the Census, 35% of homes are damaged due to water of moisture yearly. With the wood, cellulose, and other organic materials used in buildings, this now provides a fertile platform for mold. 
