How Dangerous Is Black Mold?
Mold spores are found continually in the air. The mold spores seek out damp and wet areas to settle and grow. As the mold grows, it spreads over items, digesting them to survive. Mold can grow on all surfaces including wood, paper, carpet and food. Black mold can be difficult to remove and can cause damage and illness. Does this Spark an idea?
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How it Grows
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Black mold develops from moisture and dampness. To avoid the promotion of mold, keep your home free of moisture buildup. If you have damp areas in your home, dry the areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Eliminate wet and damp areas in the home by reducing indoor humidity to 30 to 60 percent. If you find mold developing, clean the surfaces with detergent, disinfectant and water. Materials that are porous and absorbent may require replacement, as the mold can develop inside these materials as well.
Asthma
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Mold is known to trigger episodes in those with asthma. It is important that asthmatic individuals steer clear of growing mold. A recent study discussed on WedMD shows that children have a higher risk of asthma when their homes smell of mold. The research determined that you do not have to see the mold for it to affect you. Smelling the mold is enough.
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Allergies
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Like asthma, mold can trigger existing allergies and create new ones. Inhaling, and even touching black mold or mold spores, can cause allergic reactions. The reactions can be immediate or delayed. Allergy symptoms can include sinus congestion, watery and burning eyes, red eyes, sneezing, skin rashes, headaches and fatigue. Respiratory problems can also develop. These symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Infections
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Black mold and mold spores are opportunistic entities. For people with weak immune systems, exposure to black mold, mold and mold spores can be detrimental. Certain types of black mold and mold spores can develop spores inside the body when inhaled. These molds, known as aspergillus fumigatus, can develop and grow on your lungs. These mold spores can develop lung disease and pneumonia symptoms and can result from acute and chronic mold exposures.
The Most Dangerous Spores
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While all molds can be detrimental to the human body, certain mold and spores have been recognized as the most dangerous. These dangerous indoor molds include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chatomium, Cladosporium, Fasarium, Mucor, Penicllium and Stachybotrys. These mold spores are known to be toxic in humans and animals, and can result in disease or death when exposure occurs. These toxins are known as mycotoxins. Mycotoxins poison their hosts by attacking the host's deficiencies. In humans, mycotoxins attack immune systems by seeking out vitamin deficiencies, caloric deprivation, alcohol abuse and infectious disease. These toxins generally affect babies, the elderly and immune-compromised or already sick individuals.
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