Are Invisible Mold Spores In Your Home?

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Are Invisible Mold, Spores in Your Home? They Could Increase Your

Risk of Multiple Allergies

 

 

Fungal spores common in the air we breathe daily may increase

children's risk of multiple allergies, according to a study by

University of Cincinnati researchers.

 

Infants who were exposed to basidiospores and the fungal spores

penicillium/aspergillus and alternaria in the air early in life had

an increased risk of developing allergies later in life. The children

had an increased risk of allergy to:

 

Mold

Pollen

Dust and mites

Pet dander

Certain foods

Fungus grows by releasing reproductive cells, or spores, into the

air, and mold is a type of fungus. While previous allergy studies

have focused on visible mold, this study is unique in that it focused

on invisible airborne spores.

 

Mold grows in moist environments, including wood, drywall and cement.

If mold is in your home, the researchers recommended resolving any

moisture issues (roof or plumbing leaks, etc.) and following the

Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines for mold removal.

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology June 14, 2006

University of Cincinnati June 14, 2006

 

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Dr. Mercola's Comments:

 

In addition to the development of multiple allergies, many other

health conditions can also be attributed to molds and mold spores,

both in children and adults.

 

Many research studies have confirmed that home exposure to molds can

increase asthma and wheezing incidence in both children and adults.

 

Sadly, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Diseases, asthma affects more than 4.8 million children in the United

States, making it the most common serious disease among children.

 

And back in 2004, I reported on a research study that demonstrated

that chronic sinusitis is actually an immune disorder caused by

airborne fungus.

 

At a 2003 environmental medicine symposium in Dallas, studies of more

than 1,600 patients suffering health issues related to fungal

exposure were presented. These problems included muscle and joint

pain, fatigue, headache, GI problems, shortness of breath, anxiety

and depression, vision problems, memory loss and many more.

 

Some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. For example,

the dangerous airborne mycotoxin from a slimy black mold called

Stachybotrys has been associated with numerous lawsuits and insurance

claims related to toxic houses or " sick building syndrome " and

associated medical problems. (Serious home mycotoxin invasion

requires professional removal or remediation.)

 

Since molds can grow on any moist surface in your home, the high

humidity of the summer season signals increased mold growth and more

health problems -- for your entire family.

 

Along with obvious places such as shower stalls, air conditioners and

damp basements, there can be many hidden sources of mold in your

home. Particularly if you have had plumbing problems or leaks in your

roof, mold may grow and release spores from places such as drywall,

carpet or padding, even wood.

 

Mold spores are very difficult to destroy, even with cleaning agents

such as hot water or bleach (which is itself toxic). The best way to

reduce the problem is through smart preventive measures.

 

Hands-down, the most effective and simple overall solution to fight

all the sources of mold in your home is to use a superior-quality air

purifier. Unfortunately, this can be a very confusing area to discern

which one might be best for you.

 

 

Because I have treated thousands of allergy patients as part of my

involvement with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, I

put in a fair amount of time in researching this area. You can read

more about the research at this link.

 

 

Related Articles:

 

 

Antibiotics Linked to Asthma, Allergies

 

Fungus May be Causing Your Sinus Infections--Here's What Can Help

 

The Top-10 MYCO-Toxic Foods

 

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invisible-mold-spores-in-your-home-they-could-increase-your-risk-of-

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