Dangers of House Mold

Mold Growth

• Mold begins to grow rapidly after water finds it way into your home. Common problems that spur the growth of mood are major and minor flooding, seepage in basements, or leaky pipes, roofs or air conditioners. Even showering or cooking can result in enough moisture for mold growth. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, mold begins to grow on wet surfaces in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

Symptoms

• When you inhale mold, the immune system is activated and attempts to destroy the mold cells. In some people, the immune system goes into overdrive, resulting in allergy-like symptoms. Sneezing, runny nose, fever, cough, scratchy throat, fatigue, difficulty breathing and eye irritation and redness are symptoms of mold exposure.

Asthma

• Mold can cause asthma flare-ups. Asthma occurs when the small airways in the lung constrict and produce excess mucus. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that 50 percent of asthma sufferers in the United States are affected by a form of asthma that is triggered by allergies. Mold, dust mites and pollens are common causes of allergic asthma. Symptoms of a mold-related asthma attack can vary from mild difficulty breathing to life-threatening episodes.

Aspergillosis

• Aspergillus is a common type of mold that is often found growing in homes. People with compromised immune systems or lung diseases may develop aspergillosis if they have an allergic reaction to aspergillus. Pulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic bronchopulmonary type that usually affects people with such conditions as cystic fibrosis or asthma. Symptoms include fever, feeling ill, weight loss, episodes of airway obstruction, wheezing and coughing. Blood or mucus may be produced with heavy coughing. Pulmonary aspergillosis is an invasive type that may cause pneumonia. Infection may spread to other parts of the body, particularly if you have a weakened immune system due to leukemia, cancer, organ transplantation or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). People who have this infection may experience chills, bloody urine, bone pain, chest pain, headaches, increased mucus, meningitis, skin sores, sinusitis or shortness of breath.

Aspergilloma

• Previous infection or scarring in the lungs can increase susceptibility to developing aspergilloma after exposure to aspergillus mold. Aspergilloma occurs when mold lodges in the lungs and eventually grows into a fungus ball. This condition is most common in people who have had lung abscesses or tuberculosis. If symptoms develop, they are similar to the symptoms experienced with aspergillosis. Surgery may be needed to remove an aspergilloma.