There are a number of documented cases of health effects and physical problems resulting from indoor exposure to mold and mold spores (sometimes referred to as sick building syndrome). Mold related illnesses can result from high level / short-term exposures and lower level / long-term exposures. The most common health effects or symptoms reported from exposure to indoor mold environments are a chronic clearing of the throat, runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma, allergic reactions similar to cat allergies, headache, and fatigue. Mold related health effects are often reported as feeling like you have a cold but you don’t. Eventually it may feel like you have the flu, but you don’t. Many of our customer report feeling better when they leave their home for a week or more. Once they arrive back within a day or so they are ill again.
Some individual have a higher risk of negative health effects than others these including the following groups of people:
- Infants
- Children
- Elderly
- Those with severe allergies
- Individuals with existing respiratory problems
- Pregnant women
- Immune-compromised individuals (those with cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses)
- Individuals recovering from surgery
When high levels of airborne toxic mold spores are inhaled deep into the lungs they can enter the bloodstream and affect the immune system, nervous system, liver, kidneys, blood and cause brain damage. With enough long-term exposure to elevated mold environments, it is possible for mold related illnesses and health effects to become life-long chronic diseases.
Source: HomeRight Restoration Services – http://www.home-right.net/mold_information/#2