Answers (4)
*** Mold—Friend and Foe!
The strongest carcinogenic (cancer causing) substance known is aflatoxin—a toxin produced by molds. In one Asian country, 20,000 deaths a year are attributed to aflatoxin. This lethal compound has been used in modern biological weapons.
In everyday life, however, the symptoms of exposure to common molds are more an annoyance than a serious health threat. “Most molds, even if you can smell them, are not harmful,” says the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter. People who usually have an adverse reaction include those with lung disorders, such as asthma; individuals with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or a weakened immune system; and farmworkers who may be exposed to massive amounts of mold. Infants and the elderly may also be more susceptible to the effects of exposure to mold.
According to the California Department of Health Services in the United States, mold can cause the following symptoms: ‘Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath; nasal and sinus congestion; eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes); dry, hacking cough; nose or throat irritation; skin rashes or irritation.’
*** Structural designs have also changed. Prior to the 1970’s, many buildings in the United States and in a number of other lands were less insulated and airtight than later designs. The changes resulted from a desire to make buildings more energy efficient by minimizing heat loss and gain and by reducing airflow. So now when water gets in, it tends to stay longer, encouraging the growth of mold. Is there a solution to this problem?
The most effective way of solving, or at least minimizing, mold problems is to keep everything inside clean and dry and to keep the humidity low. If moisture does accumulate somewhere, dry the area promptly and make the necessary changes or repairs so that water cannot build up again. For example, keep the roof and gutters clean and in good repair. And ensure that the ground slopes away from the building so that water will not accumulate around the foundation. If you have air-conditioning, keep the drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed.
“Moisture control is the key to mold control,” says one authority. Simple measures may spare you and your family from an encounter with the unfriendly face of mold. In some ways, mold is like fire. It can do harm, but it can also be extremely useful. Much depends on how we use and control it. Of course, we still have much to learn about mold. But knowledge of God’s amazing creations can only be to our advantage.
Some molds are very toxigenic and is very dangerous to our health. Some people are allergic and some experience asthma symptoms. Molds can cause other health effects but are not well understood.
If there is a visible mold growth, it should be removed whether or not you have health problems and the moisture problem that allowed its growth should be fixed. I used to call a mold professional from Healthy Environmental, Ontario to conduct an air quality test to test the presence of mold in the air. It is always preferable to call a mold professional to remove it rather than trying it yourself.
depends on the type of mold and the persons system. If you see mold you have a moisture problem of some kind. Once you get this corrected, clean the walls and area with mixture of water and teatree oil. Directions on the bottle for mixture. Is the only good killer of mold. Some think bleach works, it actually cleans and leaves spores. I got this info from a mold specialist cleaning Co.
Yes, molds that are found at home are indeed dangerous. Molds found outdoors are fine, but if they form colonies inside of your home, you should be alarmed. People with respiratory problems and those with weak immune systems are prone to different health problems caused by molds. They can be prevented by checking for source of moisture inside of your home. You should always make sure that your vents and air-conditioning system are clean. The house should have normal humidity level, because too much humidity can cause moisture which allows molds to grow.
If you have problems in dealing with mold, you can seek the help of professionals from nymoldpro.com.