Mold may be close connected to asthma. Children who grow up in a moldy environment seem more likely to develop asthma. Mold can also trigger asthma attacks.
Mold is a bigger health risk than most people realize because it is very common and therefore often overlooked.
Mold allergy problems are quite common, although many cases go undiagnosed.
Mold can be a problem in at least three ways:
- Mold spores can cause allergic reactions
- Toxic mold byproducts can be poisonous.
- Moldy food can cause allergy problems and may have toxic effects
In this article, we will put this moldy food issue aside and focus on airborne mold.
Mold sources
Mold can grow in any damp place. Although less of a problem in dry environments, it is still very common in basements and bathrooms. Leaky plumbing can be a problem. Condensation on pipes and the water cistern the back of toilets can also provide enough moisture to allow mold to grow.
Air conditioners are a common source of mold problems as well.
In humid environments, the problem is worse – both inside and outside.
As building materials become cheaper, relying more on particle board than solid wood for example, mold problems may become worse.
Old houses on the other hand, have lots of opportunity for mold growth due to a combination of dirt buildup, aging materials that start to leak.
Mold and Asthma
Research has linked the presence of higher mold concentrations with an increased chance of developing asthma.
Certainly mold allergies can trigger an asthma attack for those with asthma.
Stachybotrys Chartarum and Asthma
Stachybotrys chartarum is a type of black mold that can cause serious health problems.
Houses have been known to become uninhabitable due to uncontrolled growth of this type of mold.
Experiments at EPA research laboratories investigated the effects of this type of mold on the lungs.
Researchers found that the lungs of mice, when exposed to stachybotrys, developed immune responses typical of allergies, and inflammation similar to asthma.