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Could These Illnesses Be Related To Mold Spores?

Question: My question regards mold spores. Our basement was flooded about 2 weeks ago. Most if not all of the exterior concrete walls and floor were affected as well as an inside wall. Although we have tried to clean everything up as best as we could, we noted a musty smell shortly afterwards. All four family members have been sick with what seems to be various allergic symptoms ever since. Could these illnesses be related to the flood? Could mold spores be the reason and should we have the air quality of our duplex tested?

Answer: It’s possible that your allergic symptoms are linked to dampness in your home. Excessive dampness is a health problem by itself. Indoor dampness also indirectly contributes to health problems by supporting the growth of molds and other microbial agents in addition to initiating the release of chemical emissions from damaged building materials and furnishings. Mold spores are also known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

Research has shown that living in damp homes not only increases the risk of asthma, but also leaves residents with a greater chance of repeated colds and skin allergies. People living in damp houses have been found to require more antibiotics than others and are more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis or tonsillitis.

You may want to test the air quality in your home to determine the levels of airborne mold spores. I would suggest you hire a professional to assess the situation in your home and give recommendations on remediation.

Mould Growth In Buildings

Mould growth only occurs in moisture-damaged and damp building materials. The main causes of mould growth in buildings, therefore, may include poor maintenance and lifestyles of occupants, defective construction and use of building materials susceptible to mould attack. It is estimated that up to 40% and 30% of buildings in the USA and Canada respectively have mould problems.

Health Effects Associated With Mould Growth And Dampness

Several studies suggest that people living and working in damp or mouldy buildings have a higher risk of respiratory health problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Other symptoms associated with mould growth and dampness include blocked nose, itching eyes, and skin irritation. In agricultural environments, where the concentration of spores is several magnitudes higher than in indoor air, inhalation of spores has been associated with cancer, premature birth and farmers lung disease.

Health Problems Associated with Indoor Moulds

Exposure to indoor mould has been associated with the following health problems:

  • respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing
  • respiratory infections such as aspergilloses
  • allergic diseases, including allergic asthma and bronchitis
  • unspecific symptoms, e.g., eye and skin irritation, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

The moulds most frequently encountered in indoor environment are Penicillium, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Ulocladium, Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, Acremonium, Mucor, Paecilomyces, Alternaria, and Trichoderma. These moulds are all known to cause different types of inhalation allergy. Some moulds such as Chaetomium, Stachybotrys and Ulocladium thrive under very wet conditions. Their presence in indoor environment is an indication of water problem.

Do you have a mould question? Call us at (905)290-9101.

Salmonella food poisoning and symptoms

Salmonella food poisoning has been a growing concern in recent news. It has frequently lead to recalls of beef, salads and organic products and, even peanut butter products. Salmonella food poisoning occurs when one eats raw or undercooked foods such meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. Properly cooked food can get contaminated with Salmonella if […]

Legionella pneumophila – Guidelines for Laboratory Interpretation

Legionella pneumophila is a Gram negative, aerobic bacteria that is characterized as an opportunistic pathogen. It is the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe form of pneumonia and, it is the cause of Pontiac fever, a non-pneumonic form of L. pneumophila infection. Legionella spp.’s mode of transmission is through aerosols or aspiration of contaminated water. The Public Health […]

The Indoor Mold Is An Early Warning Device

The mold (or mould, in the Queen’s English) has been the victim of a bad press. Mention the word and it conjures up an image of something rotting or in the process of decomposition. And yet, were it not for the mold that inspired the discovery of penicillin millions of lives would have been lost. […]