Toxic Mold: A New Beginning of Health Crisis
Mold is among one of the earliest organisms to be found on this earth. It can be found anywhere- indoor and outside. Different types of mold grow in different humid conditions and temperature. However, certain molds grow in humid climates. Therefore, mold is commonly found in bathroom because of the warm and moist air. Mold can also grow well in cold temperatures.
If it is said that molds are ubiquitous and have been around forever than why the problem of toxic nature of molds arising now. It is because techniques of construction changed after the energy crisis of 1970. In order to prevent the warm air to escape from windows and door, buildings, homes and commercial sites (offices, schools, stores etc.) were constructed airtight. The material used for construction also changed. Now the building material made from cellulose and paper such as fireboard, wallpaper, dry walls, ceiling tiles and insulation provided place for spores to thrive and grow. Since these materials were based on paper, they formed a perfect environment for the growth of mold on becoming moist or wet.
Toxic mold is, thus, a big problem in certain parts of southern United States that are hit by hurricanes Rita and Katrina. In fact condensation, plumbing failures, water leaks at home and excessive moisture because of the leakage in pipes, plant pots, walls and roofs acts as perfect conditions for the growth of molds.
The Melina Bill and the EPA
No organization has recommended guidelines for the indoor quality of air. The strategic plan – “Healthy Buildings, Healthy People: A Vision for the 21st Century”, created by the Environmental Protection Agency recommends certain priorities and guidelines to protect people indoors. EPA is now reaching the people in the geographical areas where mold exposure is a major issue. To highlight the hazardous effects of toxic mold exposure, Congressman John Conyers and Jr.D.Michigan introduced a bill to the House of Representatives entitled “The United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act”. The purpose of the bill was to address the dangers of exposure to toxic mold. Following are the major provisions of the bill:
- Provision for health care: To provide medical aid for the victims of mold exposure.
- Provision of Tax: tax credits for remediation and inspection of exposure to toxic mold.
- Public Education and research: Scientific examination of effects of mold on health of the people, spreading awareness about mold exposure, certification of remediators and mold inspectors.
- National Insurance Program on toxic mold: Insurance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to protect the citizens against the losses due to toxic mold exposure.
Symptoms of Toxic Mold Exposure
Though mold is not toxic itself, it releases many toxic substances like allergens causing irritation and allergic reactions and mytoxins, which are highly toxic. People are not affected with the small quantities of toxic mold exposure. Prolonged exposure in large quantity effects children and those with weak immune system. Different people have different reactions to mold exposure depending on individual’s medical health history, chemical sensitivity and genetic disposition. Not every doctor can identify the symptoms of toxic mold exposure. Only those who have training and experience associated with such exposure successfully recognizes the symptoms.
Toxic Mold Exposure and Symptoms
Following are the symptoms of mold exposure:
- Fatigue
- Burning or bleeding from the nose
- Running nose
- Sneezing
- Skin rashes
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Coughing
It is not necessary that everyone exposed to mold exhibits these symptoms. Mold exposure worsens the condition of asthmatic people. Patients suffering from chronic respiratory illness also experience breathing difficulties when exposed to mold. People who have weak immune system are at the risk of catching infection when exposed to mold exposure.
The reaction caused by exposure to mold is sometimes immediate and sometime delayed. If the exposure to mold is discontinued these reactions will disappear. In many cases it becomes important to contact doctor.
Serious Reaction of Mold Exposure
Mold exposure may also lead to the following serious symptoms:
Multiple chemical sensitivity
Heart problems
Cancer
Lung problems including breathing difficulties ,chronic bronchitis and pulmonary hemorrhage.
Multiple sclerosis
Acid reflux
Death
Excessive bruising
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic fatigue, lethargy
Hearing loss and eye sight damage
Lupus
These symptoms together form toxic mold syndrome. According to the research conducted, there are no connection between these conditions or symptoms and exposure to mold. However, many organizations and administrations argue that more research is needed on this subject.
A study has established link between cancer and mold exposure. Two mycotoxins that have been identified as human carcinogens are ochratoxin and aflatoxins. Animal and people have developed liver and kidney diseases after eating food exposed to mycotoxin. Workers who are exposed to mold exposure develop diseases like hypersensitivity, infection in respiratory system, allergies and pneumonititis.