Mold Exposure: Symptoms of Mold Allergy

Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people (about 20% of the human population) are sensitive to molds. Symptoms of mold exposure are primarily allergic reactions involving the upper respiratory system. Also referred to as mold allergy, the symptoms can include:

Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Cough and postnasal drip
Itchy eyes, nose and throat
Watery eyes.

Symptoms of mold exposure vary from individual to individual, and range from mild to severe. Some individuals may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year when the allergens are present. Currently no exposure limits have been established. The large number of mold species and strains present in the environment and the large inter-individual variability in human response to mold exposure make it difficult to establish exposure limits.

For individuals with mold allergy and asthma, their asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to mold spores. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Signs and symptoms of asthma include:

Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness.

On some rare occasions, effects of mold exposure may include infections and toxic effects. Serious infections from living molds are relatively rare and occur mainly in people with severely compromised immune system. Many types of molds may produce toxins but only under certain growth conditions. Toxic effects have been reported from eating moldy grain, but evidence is weak that inhaling mold spores in buildings causes toxic effects.

Prevention of mold exposure and ensuing health issues include control of mold growth in the first place by rectifying the moisture problems. Failure to completely dry out building materials after extensive flooding and water damage can result in extensive mold growth.

If you are concerned about mold exposure, check your home to make sure there are no hidden areas of mold growth. Speak to your doctor if you have had previous mold exposure, and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Definitioner

Allergy

A damaging immune response by the body to a substance, esp. pollen, mold spores, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive.

Allergic

Caused by or relating to an allergy or having an allergy to (a substance).

Mycotoxins

Toxic substances produced by fungi.

Trichothecium

Trichothecium sp. is found in decomposing vegetation, soil, corn seeds and in flour. The species Trichothecium roseum can produce a trichothecene toxin which may be associated with disease in humans and other animals. Trichothecium sp. is reportedly allergenic.

Trichoderma

Trichoderma sp. is commonly found in soil, dead trees, pine needles, paper, unglazed ceramics. It readily degrades cellulose and often will grow on other fungi. It produces antibiotics which are toxic to humans. Trichoderma sp. is reportedly allergenic.

Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys sp. may produce a trichothecene mycotoxin- Satratoxin H – which is a poisonous by inhalation. The toxins are present on the fungal spores. Stachybotrys sp. grows on building material with high cellulose content and low nitrogen content. Stachybotrys sp. is rarely found in outdoor samples. It is usually difficult to find in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed or if it dries out and become airborne. There is controversy about toxigenic effects through inhalation of spores or mycelia.

Rhizopus

Rhizopus sp. is reportedly allergenic. It may cause mucorosis in immune compromised individuals. It is often linked to occupational allergy. May cause mucorosis in immune compromised individuals . The sites of infection are the lung, nasal sinus, brain, eye and skin.

Penicillium

A large number of organisms have have been placed in this genus. Identification to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Penicillium is commonly found in soil, food, cellulose and grains. It is also found in paint and compost piles. It may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals. It is reported to be allergenic. It is commonly found in carpet, wall paper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. Some species can produce mycotoxins. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Paecilomyces

Paecilomyces sp. is commonly found in soil and dust, less frequently in air. Paecilomyces variotii can cause paecilomycosis. It is linked to wood-trimmers disease and humidifier associated illnesses. Species of Paecilomyces are reportedly allergenic. Some members of this genus are reported to cause pneumonia. It may produce arsine gas if growing on arsenic substrate. This can occur on wallpapers covered with paris green.

Alternaria

Alternaria is a very common allergen. It is often found in carpets, textiles, and on horizontal surfaces in building interiors. Often found on window frames. Outdoors it may be isolated from samples of soil, seeds and plants. It is commonly found in outdoor samples. It may be related to baker’s asthma. It has been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The species Alternaria alternata, is capable of producing tenuazonic acid and other toxic metabolites which may be associated with disease in humans or animals. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus spp are reported to be allergenic. Members of this genus are reported to cause ear infections (see Aspergillus niger) . Many species produce mycotoxins (see Aspergillus flavus) which may be associated with disease in humans and other animals . Toxin production is dependent on the species or a strain within a species and on the food source for the fungus. Some of these toxins have been found to be carcinogenic in animal species. Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I).

Fusarium

Fusarium sp. are found on a wide range of plants and in humidifiers. Several species in this genus can produce potent trichothecene toxins. Some species also produce vomitoxin on grains during unusually damp growing conditions. Poisoning by these toxins occur primarily through ingestion of contaminated grains or possibly inhalation of spores. The genus can produce hemorrhagic syndrome in humans (alimentary toxic aleukia). This is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding. Fusarium is reportedly allergenic and some species are frequently involved in eye, skin and nail infections.

Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus is reportedly allergenic. It grows on mouldy corn and peanuts and grains. It can be found in warm soil, foods and dairy products. Aspergillus flavus can be found in water damaged carpets. Some strains of Aspergillus flavus are capable of producing a group of mycotoxins, the aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are known carcinogenic and are poisonous to humans by ingestion. It may also result in occupational disease via inhalation. The production of the aflatoxin is dependent on the growth conditions and on the substrate used as a food source.

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