Mildew is a common name for mold growing on fabric or wood, but is actually a mold. Molds are found almost anywhere, inside and out, and occur in a variety of shapes and colors. Molds are organisms that feed on things such as wood, paper, leaves or dirt and require moisture to grow. While molds are quite common, they are not harmless. When given a moist environment to thrive, they can reproduce and create a great deal of health problems or even structural damage to homes.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to mildew and mold in a home can manifest as watery or runny eyes, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, coughing or wheezing. While those who are allergic to molds may have a lower threshold to reacting to molds, repeated high exposure to molds can also lower that threshold. Allergic inflammation in the lower airway can create asthmatic reactions such as sore throat, tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing. Molds can be a significant trigger in asthma especially in children. Other allergic reactions can include skin rashes, dryness and itching.
Irritant Reactions
Irritant reactions to indoor mold or mildew include eye irritations, eye infections, rashes, cold symptoms, laryngitis, hoarseness, coughing and tightness in the chest. Other reactions are headaches and fatigue. Irritant reactions typically disappear rather quickly once a person is removed from the environment causing the symptoms.
Toxic Reactions
Some molds can develop into mycotoxins, often referred to simply as black mold. This is characteristically found in water-damaged homes with high amounts of mold particularly in walls, wallpaper, ceiling tile, wallboard, carpets and insulation. These molds can cause neurological, respiratory and skin reactions. Examples of illnesses caused by black mold include organic dust toxic syndrome and pulmonary hemorrhage in infants.
Tags: black mold, Irritant reactions, tightness chest