Common Types of Mould
Mould performs the natural function of breaking down biological
materials and is found almost everywhere in our environment. With possibly over
100,000 different species, it has dangerous, repugnant as well as useful versions.
Moulds may produce volatile organic compounds (VOC) or toxins as
byproducts of their metabolism. VOCs generally evaporate at room temperature; though
some VOCs do produce adverse health effects, generally they are not dangerous.
In contrast to VOCs, toxins do not evaporate easily, and some are
considered very dangerous to humans. In the end, regardless of whether a
particular type of Mould produces VOCs or toxins, all Moulds should be
considered potential health risks, and the presence of Mould should lead to
investigation, cleaning, and/or removal. It must be noted that diseases caused
by Mould-generated toxins affect the western world/advanced countries far more
than the oriental, mainly because of low immunity levels.
Colors
Around your house you will commonly see six colors on Moulds: blue-green
and white, white, pink, gray-brown and fuzzy, yellow, and black or black tinged
with green.
Ø
The
pink is fusarium and is dangerous. Do not eat anything with pink Mould on it
as it produces a toxin. The US government claims that the black and black
tinged with green Mould (aspergillius and Stachybotrys chartarum ) and the blue and white Mould (pencillium)
can produce cancer-causing toxins when grown on grain. You eat the black Mould
(aspergillius) if you eat miso, and the blue and white Mould (pencillium) if
you eat blue cheese.
It is sound procedure to consider all Moulds as dangerous if you breathe
their spores. If you touch something with Mould on it and see a fine mist or
powder rise up, do not breathe and
immediately leave the room. After the powder has had time to settle down,
return with a cloth filter over your face, take the item outside and let the
spores blow away in the wind in a direction away from you. The spores are not
toxic, per se, it's just that they are baby Moulds and can grow into bigger Moulds
if they land on something moist and warm and you do not want them to do so
inside you. If you were intending to use them for something, like making your
own blue cheese or culturing pasteurized milk, you can do so, just be sure you
do not breathe in any.
Ø
The green or blue-green Mould powder is probably spores from the Mould
penicillium. It is the most common powder-forming kitchen Mould. It is actually edible (as most Moulds are)
and wouldn't have done you any harm if it landed on food that you eat. It is
the same Mould you eat when you eat blue cheese. The danger in breathing Moulds
primarily is not that the Mould is toxic, per se, but that it is a
"seed" that may be able to plant itself somewhere in your body that
has a moist, nutrient-rich environment and grow.
Ø
Yellow.
Serpula lacrymans is a yellow Mould that causes "dry rot" because it
feeds on wood. It has no effect on humans.
We all breathe in Mould spores every day and our bodies have evolved to
deal with them. Most likely, your immune system will keep it from causing any
major damage. However, it is possible that it can get some footing in the mucus
lining in your sinuses, where the immune system cannot reach. For that, you
need saline nasal irrigation, which is basically pumping salt water through
your nose. It's not bad and only takes a minute once you get used to it.
Moulds make many good things that could be useful to us like enzymes
that would help us digest our food, but primarily Moulds today are used by
large manufacturers to make things that are bad for us, like quorn or high
fructose corn syrup (ibid).
Ø
White,
Diplodia. Diplodia is a harmless white Mould that produces no toxins and may
sometimes have small black spots. Diplodia is the white stuff on top of
sauerkraut or other lacto-ferments known as "kahm". Diplodia is also
used in the production of salami and other preserved sausages.
Ø
Turquoise
and white, Penicillium. The blue and white Mould that makes blue cheese and
penicillin, and make lemons and bread Mouldy. In ancient times, soldiers took
this Mouldy bread with them on campaigns to use to prevent infection from war
wounds. Probably harmless, but the government claims it sometimes produces chemicals
called "ochratoxins" that causes cancer though this ochratoxin is
used in birth control pills. A book entitled,
"Selected Mycotoxins: Ochratoxins, Trichothecenes, Ergot" refutes the
carcinogen claim.
Ø
Gray-brown
and fuzzy, Botrytis − Destroys fruit during cool, damp weather, becomes noble
rot making sweet dessert wine when weather is damp in the morning and hot and
dry in the afternoon (ibid).
Ø
Black,
Aspergillius niger − Also called filamentous fungi. A few of more than 200 of
these Moulds cause illness. Most people are naturally immune. A. niger
fermentation is "generally regarded as safe" by the FDA. Used by
industry to make citric acid and gluconic acid.
Enzymes produced by A. niger fermentation include glucoamylase,
pectinase and galactosidase (an enzyme that breaks down certain complex sugars,
is a component of Beano and other medications which the manufacturers claim can
decrease flatulence). In 2006 it was reported that a secreted RNase produced by
A. niger called actibind has antiangiogenic (anti-tumor) and anticarcinogenic
characteristics. A. niger is the main agent in the fermentation of Pu-erh tea
and miso.
Ø
Black
tinged with green-the highly dangerous Stachybotrys chartarum.
Pink: Fusarium and Gibberella
o
X
fusarium is the non-reproductive state of gibberella -- white to pink or
salmon-coloured Mould with a "streaking" or "star-burst"
pattern. Fusarium attacks cells by secreting mycotoxins that dissolve cell
walls so that the fungus is then able to eat the cell's contents, enter the
cell cavity and reproduce. This produces a toxin called fumonisin which can
cause liver and kidney damage and birth defects. It was used to create
biological warfare agent "yellow rain" which mostly infects corn and
other cereals. The toxin affects pigs and horses. Mould can grow in potted plants
in hospitals and toxins can affect immunosuppressed patients. It would be prudent not to eat anything with
pink Mould and especially avoid breathing or taking in any.
o
X
gibberella is the reproductive stage of fusarium -- dark pink, red or purple. It
produces:
·
Gibberellin,
a plant hormone that promotes cell elongation and is good for flower formation,
and seedling growth;
·
Vomitoxin
or deoxynivalenol, an estrogen toxin that causes anorexia or lack of weight
gain in animals but is not considered highly toxic in humans (that is, you
would have to eat a lot of infected grain to be affected by it); and
·
Zearalenone,
a mycoestrogen that causes abortions in animals.
It mostly infects corn and other cereals. Don't eat anything with pink,
red or purple Mould. If accidentally ingested, no treatment is required
provided the toxin source is removed. All symptoms will disperse 3-4 weeks
after eliminating suspect food (ibid).
Other Common Moulds Found in Homes
§ Aureobasidium. Aureobasidium is a Mould
often found outdoors, but it can also be found in homes growing on wooden
surfaces, wallpaper, and painted surfaces. It’s also often found on damp window
frames and caulking. It is pink and black in color. Many people are allergic to
aureobasidium. Follow the link for more information on pink Mould in the
bathroom.
§ Botrytis. Botrytis grows in areas with high
levels of humidity, like bathrooms with poor ventilation. It can cause allergic
reactions and asthma.
§ Chaetomium. Chaetomium often grows on
drywall that has sustained water damage. It produces a characteristic musty
odor.
§ Fusarium. Fusarium is another of the Mould
types that can grow and spread at low temperatures. It’s often found growing on
water-damaged carpeting and other fabrics. It causes allergic reactions,
asthma, and respiratory infections. People with compromised immune systems are
particularly vulnerable to infections due to fusarium exposure.
§ Serpula lacrymans. Serpula lacrymans is a
yellow Mould that causes "dry rot" because it feeds on wood.
§ Trichoderma. Trichoderma is often found
growing on damp carpet, wallpaper, and other wet surfaces. It produces
mycotoxins similar to those produced by stachybotrys chatarum, and it can cause
similar health problems. Many people are also allergic to trichoderma.
§ Ulocladium. Ulocladium requires a lot of
water, so it frequently grows in areas with extensive water damage, including
homes that have been flooded. It’s often found growing on wet walls. Many
people are allergic to ulocladium.
Mould vs. Mildew
Mould and mildew are both fungi, but they do have a few striking
differences. Both Mould and mildew have a few matching characteristics: Both
are keen on moist, warm areas where they might sprout their homes. They can
also each grow on a multitude of surfaces, from food to your shower to a sheet
of paper. And, of course, they are both fungi that no homeowner likes to see in
his or her home.
Mould and mildew also have striking differences when it comes to size,
color and texture.
·
Mildew
is a surface fungus that can easily be identified as a patch of gray or even
white fungus that is lying on the surface of a moist area. Mildew is easily
treated with a store bought cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Mildew is a specific
kind of Mould, usually with a flat growth habit. Mildew could be downy or powdery: Downy mildew starts as yellow spots
that first become brighter in appearance and then the color changes to brown.
Powdery mildew is whitish in color and that slowly turn yellowish brown. It is
also called allergenic Mould. Mildew is found on host plants like beans, maize,
potato, tomato, rice and other plants. Mildew also grows on clothing, leather,
paper, shower curtains, window sills where the moisture content is high.
Reproduction is both sexually and asexually, via the production of spores. A video explains the
difference.
·
Mould,
on the other hand, can be multiple-hued and is often the result of a much
larger infestation. This type of fungus can appear almost "fuzzy" —
especially when it is found on food — or even slimy in nature. Moulds generally
obtain their energy from food and other organic matter. Enzymes secreted from
the hyphae breakdown complex molecules such as starch, cellulose and lignin
into simpler substances, and then absorbed by the hyphae. Reproduction may be
sexual or asexual through spores. These spores are airborne and able to survive
in extreme conditions. Mould has a musty smell and is only visible to the naked
eye when the colonies start growing. It will lie dormant till a minimum
moisture level is reached.
Hazard Rating of Mould Types in Homes
Some countries have adapted a hazard class system to place Moulds in
different categories based on their health risks. They are broken into Hazard
classes A, B and C:
·
Hazard
Class A:
o The Mould types in this group are either
directly hazardous to health due to risk of infection or creation of toxins.
They should not be in homes or workplaces and should be removed right away if
found.
·
Hazard
Class B:
o The Mould types in this group can cause
allergic reactions, especially over longer periods of time.
·
Hazard
Class C:
o The Mould types in this group aren’t known
to cause any health risks or reactions in humans. Note, however, that even Moulds
in this category can potentially cause structural damage to things that they
are growing on, and should still be got rid of.
1.
Cladosporium: Hazard Class B or C
2.
Aspergillus: A
or B
3.
Penicillium: B
or C
4.
Ulocladium: B
and C
5.
Acremonium: A,B
and C
6.
Stachybotrys: A
7.
Alternaria: B
Who Should Do the Cleanup
Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the Mould
problem. If the Mouldy area is less than
a ONE sqm (about 10 square feet), in most cases, you can handle the job
yourself, as long as you follow the guidelines.
However, if there has been a lot of water damage, and/or Mould growth
covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA's guide on Mould Remediation. Although focused on schools and commercial
buildings, this ePub is applicable to other building types.
Ø
If you
choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the
cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up Mould. Check
references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mould
Remediation, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or
government organizations.
Ø
If you
suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be
contaminated with Mould (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for
instance, or there is Mould near the intake to the system), consult EPA's guide on air
ducts before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or
suspect that it is contaminated with Mould - it could spread Mould throughout
the building.
Ø
If the
water and/or Mould damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water,
then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings
damaged by contaminated water.
Ø
If you
have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.
ATTIC MOULD REMEDIATION
Attic Mould is extremely common in USA’s Northwest climate and is generally
directly attributable to four basic causes:
·
Lack of adequate ventilation or improper ventilation.
·
Existing or past roof or flashing leaks.
·
Improperly
exhausted bathroom fans and or dryer vents.
·
Attic
Bypass or Attic Air Leaks.
If a company is called in to help eradicate Mould, an engineer inspects
attic intake vents for blockage, calculates recommended venting requirements
and checks for roof leaks and improperly vented fans.
Attic Mould Remediation Process
1.
Analysis
and correction. The most important step is to address the cause of the attic Mould.
Most attic Mould is from a lack of proper ventilation, roof leaks, improper
exhaust venting or attic air leaks.
2.
Site
Prep - protect your home. The attic is isolated from the rest of the house.
3.
Attic Mould
and Stain Removal. The attic sheathing is treated
with a chemical spray which removes all visible Mould and penetrates the roof
sheathing eliminating the Mould root structure.
4.
Attic
thermo fogging. Once the attic Mould has been remediated, a certified
technician will fog the attic area to remove Mould spores and air borne
particulates, as seen in the video.
5.
Mould
protection for your attic. A clear coating is applied to your attic roof
sheathing effectively sealing the wood. Its Mould inhibiting properties ensure
that fungal growth cannot occur. Some companies offer a 10-year guarantee!
6.
A
recheck is carried out and the owner shown a 99.997% result from an independent
agency.
7.
Certified
Mould Report provided. Complete before and after photos of the project with
detailed steps taken to eliminate the Mould and recommended steps to correct
the attic Mould from returning are described therein.
How Much Does Mould Testing or Removal Cost?
How much does Mould inspection cost? Mould inspection costs vary widely depending on the size of the property,
extent of the Mould inspection, number of Mould samples, and other factors.
Prices could vary between $300-30,000. Nationally, homeowners report an average cost for Mould remediation of just over $7,500.
A Mould inspection is different from Mould remediation or Mould
treatment. A Mould inspection refers to the process of assessing whether there
is or has been undesirable Mould growth in a building. Mould inspections may
include a questionnaire about the building history, symptoms observed with the
building occupants, a visual inspection, and Mould testing. Mould remediation
(or Mould treatment) refers to the process of fixing a Mould problem that
exists. Mould remediation may include fixing or resolving the water problem
that caused the Mould growth and cleaning and removing the Mould growth or
items affected by the Mould growth.
Do-it-yourself Mould test kits are available online or at home improvement stores for $5-$100. Results
have to be sent to a lab, which has its own fees, from $30-150 per sample,
depending on the level of identification and the type of report and
consultation provided.
A professional Mould inspection of a typical family home by a certified
Industrial Hygienist runs to $200-$600, although larger homes (5,000-10,000 sq
ft or more) can be $600-$900 and up. In extreme cases, the inspector may cut
open the walls for what's known as an invasive inspection. The total additional
cost will depend on the extent of the hidden Mould and how much work is
required to discover it.
What should be included: Several different types of Mould (also called
mildew) are almost always present both indoors and out; they usually are benign
and only grow large colonies where there's moisture. Because do-it-yourself
test kits can become contaminated before use, ConsumerReports.org does NOT
recommend such kits. And it's usually not necessary to identify the type of Mould
growing in your home, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); just
remove the Mould without testing it.
Some companies offer both Mould inspection and remediation, but most
experts recommend using different contractors for these services. A full Mould
inspection of a typical home takes about 2-5 hours.
The inspector will visually evaluate the structure and offer a quotation
on what he saw (ibid).
Additional costs: There can be fees for additional paperwork for an
insurance claim or other circumstances; if you need specific documentation, be
sure to ask if it's included in the quote. A sample breakdown of costs involved is posted online; it can cost from
only $500 to upwards of $30,000 to tackle a Mould remediation project.
Shopping for Mould inspection: There are a number of organizations
offering Mould certification. Check to be sure that your inspector is certified
by a group requiring training, experience and testing. Referrals are available
from the American Council for Accredited Certification.
The Effect of Mould on People
Symptoms of Mould Exposure
·
A skin
rash: Although you may think that the skin can only become inflamed by direct
contact with the Mould this isn’t always the case. You can develop redness in
your skin simply from
inhaling the fumes from the Mould.
·
Eye
irritation: Mould can cause both redness and watering of the eyes. During
spring, many people associate this with seasonal allergies when the cause is
the Mould in their home or office.
·
Headaches:
Breathing in Mould can cause headaches in some people. This is especially true
of people who suffer with migraines.
·
Feeling
tired: Feeling tired for several days in a row, even when you are getting
adequate sleep can be a symptom of Mould exposure.
·
Sore
throat: Experiencing a raw feeling when swallowing, or hoarseness when
speaking, are both indicative of Mould exposure. Spores can become lodged in
the throat and irritate the sensitive membranes.
·
Shortness
of breath: Breathing in Mould spores can cause respiratory difficulties in some
people. This is especially prevalent in those with allergies. They may develop
asthma or have asthma and not realize that their asthma attacks are being
triggered by the Mould in their homes.
·
Runny
nose or sinuses: If you are constantly reaching for a tissue to catch your
runny nose this can also be a strong symptom of Mould exposure. This can be
triggered either by an allergy to the Mould spores or the membranes of the nose
become irritated by the spores. In either case, you may again misdiagnose
yourself as having a head cold or seasonal allergies, but if the runny nose
persists, consider that the source may indeed be Mould.
·
Bleeding
nose: Although this symptom is rare, it does occur. Some people are more
sensitive to certain allergens and those offending irritants cause severe
reactions. One of these reactions can be damage to the membranes of the nose
resulting in regular bleeding. If this is happening to you, it can be caused by
Mould within your home.
·
If you
leave your home each day to work and notice that you feel better during the
day, this can be a clear indicator that something in your home is causing your
distress. The same can be said if
you travel and find yourself in
better health then. Your home shouldn’t make you sick and
finding and treating the Mould
problem will ensure that doesn’t happen.
Health Risks of Toxic Mould
Living in an Area with Risks of Toxic Mould. If you are living in an area where the
relative humidity is above 55%, you are very much liable to health risks caused by toxic Moulds like Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as
Black Mould. Stachybotrys Chartarum is a greenish-black fungi found worldwide
that colonizes particularly well in high-cellulose material such as straw, hay,
wet leaves, dry wall, carpet, wall paper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal
insulation, etc. The fungus, before drying, is wet and slightly slimy to touch.
Species of Stachybotrys Chartarum. There are about fifteen known species of Stachybotrys worldwide.
Contrary to popular belief, this type of fungus does not grow on plastic,
vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles. It is not found in the green Mould
on bread or in the black Mould on shower tiles either. It is found in wet
areas. The toxic Mould environmental risk may be one of the next major real
estate due diligence concerns, especially
in property development areas where major flooding has occurred. The problem is
that the existence of toxic Moulds not only includes residential and commercial
area flood incidents, but also numerous minor water releases due to plumbing failures, conductive condensation, house
water leaks and accidents. The toxic Mould concern could also be a problem
where fires have occurred on residential properties. For some people, exposure
to the toxic Mould spores may stay just a “risk”. To others, it may be a real
health hazard, with life-threatening results.
Health Risk or Hazard?
Whether Stachybotrys is just a health risk or a major hazard needs to be
defined clearly by responsible parties. There are already several major
lawsuits concerning toxic Mould exposure in residential and commercial
buildings throughout the United States. The most common health risks associated
with toxic Mould are:
1. Pulmonary hemorrhage or pulmonary
hemosiderosis (bleeding from the lungs), primarily in infants
2. Nose bleeds
3. Immune system suppression (resulting in
increasing numbers of infections)
4. Hair loss
5. Dermatitis
6. Chronic fatigue
7. Psychological depression
8. Diarrhea
9. Sore throats
10. Problems concentrating and communicating, mood swings, body aches, pains, fatigue, headaches
and other flu-like symptoms
11. Loss of short-term memory
Further
Developments
Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould.
Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early Mould exposure to
development of asthma in some children, mainly those who may be genetically
susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve
housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, as
research carries on apace in this regard.
Another source of irritation from Mould exposure comes from substances
known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). These compounds are
produced through fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air,
often giving off strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from Moulds can
irritate the eyes and respiratory system and has been linked to symptoms such
as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea. The effects of MVOCs
are not completely understood and research is still in the early stages. This
topic will be dealt with at length later.
Can All Toxic Mould Be Eradicated?
One of the major concerns of many experts is that it might not be possible to permanently eliminate ALL toxic Mould
from a structure. Moreover, it regenerates rapidly. It is therefore recommended
all products that have been contaminated by the toxic Mould be removed and
disposed of. Another concern is that state’s Health Departments will find
response to the inquiries about toxic Mould made by the public ambiguous and
generic. Some people, especially children, will exhibit more adverse reactions
than others exposed to the toxic Mould. Some of these reactions will include
lung tissue damage, memory loss and death. This may also depend on the chemical
sensitivity, genetic disposition, and health history. Currently, most health
organizations consider exposure to toxic Mould a health risk and hazard. Keep
in mind that most responses leading to testing, investigations, and abatement
of the toxic Mould are due directly to occupant complaints or documented detrimental
health effects (ibid).
Liability Concerns: Toxic Moulds may even evolve to a point where it is
regarded with the same caution, response and liability concerns as those
attributed to lead-based paint and asbestos. Health hazards and risks
associated with concern to exposure to these types of Mould are currently
considered as short-term effects. The Stachybotrys fungi cannot be identified
by a routine visual inspection. All black Moulds are not necessarily
Stachybotrys. It could be non-toxic black Mould. The only method to determine
the type of Mould present is by sample analysis by an accredited laboratory.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that the Mould is only a toxic risk or
hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores. Wet Mould is
not an indoor air quality health risk, but there is a significant potential for
the Mould to dry and release into the air. Be wary of continuous health
problems you might be having. If you cannot find the cause of these problems,
chances are they are not really visible. Toxic Moulds can be as risky to your
health as any other environmental factor.
Many of these actions are beyond the power of the individual building
user and must be taken by public authorities through the relevant regulatory
measures concerning building design, construction and materials, and through
adequate housing and occupancy policies. The criteria for what constitutes
healthy indoor air quality provided by these guidelines are therefore essential
to prevent disease related to indoor air pollution.
Mould Exposure and the Common Misdiagnoses
Have you been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Emphysema, Chronic Lung and
Sinus Infections, Fatigue Syndrome or feel sick and there simply is no
diagnosis? Did you or your doctor think of Mould exposure? Mould exposure is
perhaps the single most misdiagnosed illness in the United States. Some
physicians will even tell you Mould illness cannot be diagnosed, or there is no
such thing. If so, it’s time for you to get a new Doctor.
The reasons are simple. When you go to your
local doctor, he treats you, and the symptoms you brought with you to him. Mould
is an environmental issue. Unless you are seeing an Environmental Toxicologist,
most doctors do not understand that the actual place where you live, work, or where
you are spending most of your time can be the cause of your illness. When you
remove yourself from that environment you may feel better. Many times we
describe our symptoms to the doctor as "it comes and goes". The fact
is it did not come and go, you came and went. The average family physician is
not trained in environmental sciences or related illnesses, and his inexperience
can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Common Mould Exposure Misdiagnoses
§
Fibromyalgia:
Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia. Current thinking centers around a
theory called "Central Sensitization". This theory has to do with
sensitivity to pain and brain signals. Other thoughts concerning the causation
of fibromyalgia are sleep disturbances, injury, infection, abnormalities of the
autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system and changes in muscle metabolism. The
symptoms of Mould Exposure are mirror images of those of fibromyalgia. Many
people misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia have found relief when treated for Mould
Exposure.
§
Asthma and
Emphysema: With no warning, suddenly some people are diagnosed with Asthma. Why
they have it, where it came from, and why inflicted so suddenly, no one knows.
What happens in Emphysema and Asthma? An inflammation or spastic closure of
airways, sometimes destroying the fragile walls of the lungs the air sacs. As a
result, the bronchioles collapse, and
the air becomes trapped in the airs sacs over stretching them and interfering
with your ability to exhale or inhale.
§
Respiratory
fungal infections: Many physicians are still in the dark ages regarding
respiratory fungal infections. Many still believe only the elderly or immuno
compromised people with AIDS and AIDS-related complex (ARC) can get fungal
infections. This seemed to be the standard thought fifteen years ago, today
research has shown differently. The fact is that Mould is a living organism and
that when introduced into the human body through ingestion or inhalation easily
incubates and grows within the human body. People misdiagnosed with both Asthma
and Emphysema have reported being fully fit after being treated for Mould
exposure.
§
Mould /
fungal exposure and exposure to their secondary metabolites
"Mycotoxins" and "Beta Glucans" can cause disease within
the human body. The adverse health effects caused by these "Mould Fine and
Ultra-fine Particulates" can be devastating to the human body. Though the
undermentioned symptoms have been covered, they have not been graded.
The severity of the Mould attack can
categorized in three levels.
Level - I
Common Symptoms of Mould Exposure
The most commonly reported symptoms of short
term Mould exposure are:
·
Sneezing
·
Itching
Skin
·
Redness
and skin irritation
·
Watery
Eyes
·
Itching
Eyes
·
Headache
Level - II Advanced Symptoms of Mould
Exposure
The following symptoms of Mould exposure have been reported generally as
a result from persons being in a Mould contaminated environment on and off for
an extended period of time. Symptoms are reported to have become more severe
and longer lasting directly in proportion to the length of exposure time. Their
reported symptoms are as follows:
·
Constant
headaches
·
Nose bleeds
·
Feelings
of constant fatigue
·
Breathing
disorders
·
Coughing
up blood or black looking debris
·
Nausea
·
Diarrhea
·
Vomiting
·
Loss of
appetite
·
Weight
loss
·
Hair
loss
·
Skin rashes
·
Open
sores on the skin
·
Memory
loss "short term"
·
Neurological
and nervous disorders
·
Sexual dysfunction
·
Swollen
glands in the neck area and under the armpit
·
Sudden
asthma attacks or breathing disorders
·
Ear
infections and pain
·
Chronic
sinus infections
·
Chronic
bronchitis
·
Pain in
the joints and muscles
Level - III Late Symptoms of Mould Exposure
The following Mould exposure
symptoms are the most severe, attributed to high levels of exposure:
·
Blindness
·
Brain damage
·
Memory loss "long term"
·
Bleeding lungs
·
Cancer
·
Death
You can view a list of
documented diseases caused by Mould exposure and their symptoms.
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