Is Household Mold Harmful?

Household mold can occur as the result of a flood, leaky plumbing, poor insulation or excess humidity. Basically, mold spores can take form in any environment wrought with excess moisture. Mold is a general term referring to thousands of different fungal spores, so in order to determine whether or not household mold is harmful, you must consider the different variables.

The Simple Answer

To answer the question of mold's harmfulness, the answer is yes. The EPA warns that all types of mold can potentially lead to health-related symptoms. Household mold is harmful because it consists of microscopic fungal spores that travel through the air. If you spend time in a moldy environment, you will inevitably breathe in these spores, which can pollute your sinuses, lungs and even your central nervous system. The more time you spend in this environment, the more spores you will ingest, and the greater your risk of developing mold-related symptoms.

Breaking it Down

Though mold in general does present real risks, you also must consider that different types of mold carry different risks. Though thousands of varieties exist, they all fit into one of three specific categories: allergenic, pathogenic and toxigenic. Allergenic molds are the least harmful, and usually manifest symptoms only in persons with mold allergies, asthma or respiratory problems. Pathogenic molds can manifest respiratory and sinus-related symptoms in anybody, but are seldom life-threatening. Toxigenic molds can manifest severe symptoms and even promote cancer growth, as they contain deadly carcinogens. Toxigenic mold refers almost exclusively to black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, a black or dark green colony that requires immediate professional removal.

Specific Symptoms

Ongoing exposure to household mold may lead to symptoms that include frequent asthma attacks, painful sinus infections, respiratory infections, difficulty breathing and allergy-related symptoms like sneezing, swelling and rashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Household molds also contain volatile organic compounds like the fumes found in chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals, which can affect the central nervous system, leading to dizziness, disorientation and severe headaches. Again, your personal risk of developing these symptoms will depend on the type of mold as well as your personal health.

Determining Your Risk

In order to determine with certainty whether you have an allergenic, pathogenic or toxigenic strain, you will need to contact a mold removal specialist. You can make an educated guess, however, based on the physical appearance of your mold. For instance, if you notice only a few traces of the fungus on your shower tiles or grout, you most likely have a mildly allergenic mildew, easily removed. Black mold colonies require excessive moisture and ample time to grow, according to the CDC, so if you notice a large collection of green and black slime in an area where considerable water damage has occurred, contact an expert immediately.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About Stachybotrys Chartarum and Other Molds
• North Dakota State University; Remove Mold for a Healthy Home; Kenneth Hellevang, Ph.D.; April 2009
• Washington State Department of Health: Got Mold?
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mold
• Environmental Protection Agency: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings
• Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety: Mold Contamination -- Important Facts You Should Know