The seemingly small hairy living organisms, ‘molds’ can
become a health hazard in any home, alarmingly fast. The effect of molds on
humans does not entirely depend on the strength of the immune system. Molds
affects humans in a variety of ways, leaving some people more susceptible to
getting sick than others.
According to various studies, the following people are the
most susceptible to mold influence:
·
Infants
·
Elderly people
·
People with respiratory disorders
·
Asthmatic patients
·
People with different kinds of respiratory or
fungal allergies
·
Patients with immuno-compromised problems
Common Effects of Molds on Health
The common effects of molds include allergies and irritants.
However, molds also produce toxins (mycotoxins), which are absorbed by humans.
The reaction to mold allergens, irritants and toxins varies from person to
person. The reaction depends on the following three elements:
·
The length of time of exposure to molds
·
Person’s sensitivity to allergies and irritants
·
Person’s age
When a person inhales or touches mold, the reaction is
evident from symptoms like runny nose, skin rashes, itching, coughing, nasal congestion,
watery eyes, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty in breathing. Molds
cause severe infectious diseases only among people with weaker immune system.
Research Evidence about the Effect of Molds
The Institute of Medicine conducted a study in 2004 and came
up with direct link of molds with upper respiratory tract of humans. According
to the study, molds are linked with asthma symptoms in patients of asthma,
hypersensitivity pneumonitis symptoms in people with immune system disorders,
and respiratory tract disturbances in people with respiratory disorders. These
disturbances include wheezing, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty
in breathing. The study further reveals that the influence of molds is poorer
on healthy children.
Another study, was
conducted and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that
between the 1993 to 1994, hundreds of infants in Cleveland, Ohio fell victim to
pulmonary hemorrhage. The unusual outbreak attracted international attention
when one of the victim infants died. The American Academy of Pediatrics
conducted a study and revealed that infants living in homes with molds or flood
history are easy victims of pulmonary hemorrhage.
What Medical Tests are Available for Mold Exposure?
Most of the physicians recommend RAST, the
radio-allergo-sorbent test. This blood test measures the immunoglobulin
antibodies in your blood stream to measure the response and reaction of your
immune system to mold exposure. Another common test includes applying diluted allergens to
the skin. A small hive-like outgrowth shows allergic reaction to molds. The
size of hive shows the measure of reaction to molds.
Are Treatments Available?
Different types of medical treatments are available to treat
allergic reactions and infections caused by the molds. However, the treatment
is incomplete if the person with allergic reaction is again exposed to molds.
Therefore, it is important to completely eradicate mold growth and take
measures like installing dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth. 
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References http://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm
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