The health effects of mold are well studied but not well known by many people. Mold in the home can lead to allergic reactions, asthma, respiratory conditions, and mold-related illnesses like CIRS. To control mold you have to control moisture. This is easier said than done for many individuals – especially those living in older houses or houses that were not constructed properly to avoid leaks. Some individuals are more sensitive to the presence of mold than others and may experience more severe adverse effects.
Mold in Houses
In the environment, mold plays an essential role in breaking down organic matter. The problems occur when it starts to grow on indoor surfaces. Mold can grow on almost any surface in the home – all it needs is moisture. It can be found in walls, carpet, tiles, ceilings, food, appliances, and more. There is no way to remove all mold and mold spores from a home. The only way to manage the presence of mold is to clean it and then control moisture. Since mold can get in from a variety of sources including open doors and windows, clothing and shoes, and pets it is very difficult to prevent mold from entering the home entirely.
Studies show that there is some presence of mold in almost all indoor spaces. The severity of the problem is mostly determined by the presence of moisture that provides a suitable environment for the mold to grow quickly. Moisture is frequently found in bathrooms, near leaky pipes, and in basements and attics.
Besides the home, children may be exposed to mold in schools and adults may be exposed to mold in their work environment. The prevalence of mold in homes and buildings disproportionately affects poorer communities. Multi-family housing can have poor ventilation that leads to mold being a common issue. Leaks that are not repaired promptly can lead to an environment that is conducive to the development of mold.
Health Effects of Mold
When mold grows indoors in significant enough amounts it may cause a variety of side effects. Allergens produced by mold can be inhaled or touched and cause reactions in some individuals. Examples of allergic reactions to mold include red eyes, a skin rash, runny nose, and sneezing. Anyone can experience side effects from mold in the home even if they do not have an allergy. The symptoms will often be similar to an allergic reaction but may be less severe. Wheezing and coughing, sore throat, headaches, and other symptoms may also be present.
Different types of fungal species are known to cause health problems when they infect the skin or are ingested. For example the species that cause Athlete’s foot or that can contaminate grain and nuts are well known. The levels of mold and mycotoxins in grain and other food for both animals and humans is regulated by the FDA. It is known that mold species can also cause problems when inhaled but the exact species that are most harmful are not as well documented.
Asthma: Exposure to mold in children and infants is linked to the development of asthma. For people who already have asthma it can make the condition worse.
Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to mold, mold spores, and other toxins associated with mold growth are possible.
Inflammation and immune system changes: Long-term exposure to mycotoxins has been shown to induce inflammation and affect the immune system. Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) is one possible diagnosis following mold exposure.
Patients who are already sensitive and suffer from allergies, asthma, or a compromised immune system are more likely to experience negative health effects from mold exposure.
Preventing Mold
Most of the preventative measures for mold involve reducing moisture and improving ventilation of humid areas. Humidity should be kept below 50% to provide a more inhospitable environment for mold. This can be accomplished with a dehumidifier and measured with a humidity monitor (a hygrometer). These monitors are available online and are not expensive. Basements and attics that are prone to dampness should be cleaned frequently. Any other areas, like bathrooms, which are likely to have excessive moisture, should be kept well ventilated. Leaks in pipes should be repaired immediately after they are noticed.
In areas that are prone to flooding, the risk of mold contamination is especially relevant. After severe flooding following hurricanes, widespread reports of mold growth in homes are often reported. However there is insufficient research into the health effects experienced by residents in flood prone areas so the extent of the effects of mold on health are not known. In these cases preventing mold is not possible and efforts focus on remediation if possible and managing the long-term health effects.
Can You Test for Mold?
You can test for the presence of mold in your home. However there are a variety of opinions on the subject of whether testing for mold is necessary. Most regulatory agencies have established a consensus that testing is not necessary and is not useful for solving the problem. The cost of mold testing is often higher than it would cost to just clean the mold and fix the issue. Knowing the exact type of mold that exists through testing does not help in the clean up process. In addition, the exact levels of mold inside a home can fluctuate depending on the time of day, the season, the weather, the temperature inside your home, etc.
CIRS and Mold Related Illness
It is recognized that the mold growth itself is not the only issue with contamination in the home. Mold spores, biotoxin byproducts, and dead mold cells can all cause health problems. Mycotoxins are byproducts of mold that are not well understood. It is thought they help weaken the host to create a better environment for mold to proliferate. Some doctors are now looking more closely at the effects mold and mycotoxins can have on sensitive individuals. For these patients, there is an overactive response to mold that leads to adverse health effects throughout the body. The condition has been called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and its exact prevalence is not known.
Protocols that exist for treating patients with CIRS include the Brewer Protocol, the Shoemaker Protocol, and various protocols developed by Dr. Neil Nathan. Providers often combine these protocols with what works best for their patients. Medications that are common for treating CIRS include pure cholestyramine resin, BEG nasal spray, amphotericin, and VIP spray.
Cholestyramine Resin: Cholestyramine is a binder that was first used for managing high cholesterol. It is prescribed for patients with CIRS to bind toxins in the gut and excrete them naturally from the body.
BEG Nasal Spray/Solution: BEG is an acronym for the ingredients in the formulation which are bactroban (mupirocin), EDTA, and gentamicin. This formulation includes antibiotics and a chelator that helps clear biofilm.
Amphotericin: An antifungal that is commonly used to treat fungal infections is amphotericin. It can be made into a solution for intranasal use by a compounding pharmacy. An alternative is the antifungal nystatin which can also be compounded for intranasal use.
VIP Spray: Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an essential peptide that is prescribed for patients after they have completed most other steps of CIRS treatment. VIP levels have been shown in some studies to be low in patients with CIRS.
Consult With Your Doctor
If you believe you are being affected by a moldy environment at home, work, or school you should consult with your healthcare provider. The first step in all mold treatment protocols is remediation or removal from the moldy environment. Treatments do exist that may help improve your symptoms as you heal from your mold exposure.
Articles
A Spreading Concern: Inhalational Health Effects of Mold – Environmental Health Perspectives
Mold exposure and health effects following hurricanes Katrina and Rita – Annual Review of Public Health
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings – Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker
Mold and Mycotoxins: Often Overlooked Factors in Chronic Lyme Disease – Dr. Neil Nathan MD