Image via WikipediaThere is inadequate news coverage and information available about toxic mold syndrome, its potential health hazards, its symptoms, treatment and prevention. That bargain foreclosure home that you are looking at purchasing may be a breeding ground for these highly treatment-resistant toxin-producing mycophytes; this is largely due to the long periods of time that these homes have gone without proper care, cleaning, ventilation. When the bank reclaims a home, it is invariably neglected, and left dark. Most molds thrive in dark, dank areas where there is limited air circulation. Before you buy any home which has been abandoned and untended for more than a few weeks, have it inspected by experts for Black Mold or other Toxic Molds!In fact, "sick building syndrome," a popular news topic of years ago, was, in most cases caused by a combination of poor ventilation and mold growth. Molds are very resilient organisms which breed very rapidly (through spreading spores), can often endure harsh climate and temperature extremes, and are every bit as deadly as some bacterial and viral infections. They live on organic matter, and can make themselves at home breeding in your sinuses, lungs, and throughout your body.
The symptoms of early-stage mold toxicity and infection in Humans may mimic those of a cold, sinus infection, allergy or light case of the flu. If you are being treated with immune suppressants or any type of steroids (including nasal inhalers), you are exceedingly vulnerable to attack by molds and fungi. If you are otherwise healthy and not being given any type of steroid or immunosuppressant therapy, be certain to see your healthcare provider if you have cold-like or flu-like symptoms (as mentioned earlier) which persist or worsen. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Note: People die from fungal and mold infections. They can absolutely be fatal, especially in infants, the elderly and those being treated with immune suppressant medications and corticosteroids (even in small doses) for conditions such as HIV, cancer, organ transplant recovery, severe arthritis, severe psoriasis, and others.
Here's just a bit of technical background:
Mycotoxins are examples of chemical substances that molds create generally as secondary metabolites, thought to possibly play a role in either helping to prepare the substrate on which they exist for digestion, as defense mechanisms, and some have suggested that they may be produced when the organisms are under stress, which could be related to competition/defense, or simply due to inhospitable environmental conditions. The mycotoxins, which are also neurotoxins (a toxin that is determined to cause neurological damage), most commonly reach people from the air, via spores from the molds in question. They are also found in small particulates at times which may often represent mold dust, small particles of mold that has dried and turned to dust. Spores, when inhaled, can begin to colonize in the sinuses and throughout the body, including the brain, lung and gut after a period of time.
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Following are some hyperlinks to resources to educate yourself and your loved ones about detecting and avoiding mold hazards, signs and symptoms of mold infection, and treatment. Please forward this information to everyone you care about. Awareness and education are the first lines of defense against illness:
1) http://www.mold-help.org/
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_health_issues
3) http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm
4) http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=toxic%20molds&sourceType=undefined
5) http://www.bioidea.net/resources/mold_diseases/
Some additional information about keeping your living and working areas mold-free (or at very least, mold-minimal) is provided below. Note that I have avoided making the obvious rhyme (despite a growing temptation) "There's a fungus among us," throughout this article. I consider this to be somewhat of a victory in self-discipline. Now, back to our agenda:
Prevention
- If mildews or molds are present in your home, it is important that you clean the affected areas right away. A 10 percent bleach solution is most effective in cleaning small areas. If you have a larger area in your home affected by mold or mildew, you should contact a professional to clean it up.
Warning
- Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when cleaning areas affected by excessive mildew or mold. Mold can enter your body through the skin of your hands, or through contact with your eyes or mouth. Take extra care when cleaning. Large living or working spaces which may be inhabited by dangerous molds should not be cleaned by non-professionals. Contact a mold-removal service to take care of these large and potentially hazardous jobs.
To your health and happiness,
Douglas E Castle [http://aboutDouglasCastle.blogspot.com]
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