ALL ABOUT MOULDS- PART 3

                                        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

Exposure to Mould has several symptoms including:

·         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

In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for

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.