Breathing in or consuming mold may cause negative side effects for some people. Symptoms can increase with additional exposure.
Molds are a type of fungi, which can flourish both indoors and outside. There are millions of mold species.
Mold is important for the planet’s ecosystem, because it helps break down waste products and organic matter, such as leaves, dead trees, and garbage.
Some people get sick from exposure to mold. Others have no symptoms and don’t experience ill effects of any kind.
In this article, we’ll talk about the potential dangers of mold exposure, identify who’s most vulnerable, and provide solutions for keeping your environment mold-proof.
Mold needs organic matter to feed upon and moisture in order to grow. When growing conditions are right, mold releases spores and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which may make some people feel sick.
Mold spores may be breathed in or absorbed through skin. Mold can also grow on food and may be hazardous if ingested.
Piles of wet leaves, damp wood, and rotted tree bark are all sources of mold. So are standing, stagnant water sources, such as wading pools and puddles.
Mold spores enter our homes, schools, and workplaces through a wide range of channels. They may attach themselves to clothing and shoes as well as to your pet’s coat. Spores can float in through open doors and windows and through air conditioning or heating vents.
Some of the most common varieties of indoor mold are Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys atra, which is also known as black mold. Despite its negative reputation, black mold hasn’t been definitively linked to severe health issues.
Mold needs moisture to grow. Damp, humid environments are particularly prone to mold growth. Poorly ventilated areas also pose a mold risk.
Certain mold species thrive on foodstuffs such as cereal, bread, nuts, and dried fruits. Some of these may contain toxic substances called mycotoxins.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mycotoxins can cause severe, adverse health effects, such as:
Foods that are moldy may also have invisible bacteria growing along with the mold. Yes, some molds cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. And a few molds, in the right conditions, produce “mycotoxins,” poisonous substances that can make you sick.
People with a mold allergy
If you’re allergic to mold, you may have more severe allergic reactions, plus secondary conditions, such as:
- mold-induced asthma
- hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- allergic fungal sinusitis
- allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Dangers of mold exposure
Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. If you have a mold allergy, you may experience significant respiratory distress when you come in contact with mold.
Some people have ongoing exposure to mold at home or at work. This may cause long-term health issues, particularly in children.
People with certain health conditions may be more likely to experience symptoms, including infections and respiratory distress. These conditions include:
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FAQ
What should you do if you accidentally inhale mold?
Does mold on fruit make you sick?
What should I do if I ate moldy fruit?
What happens if you breath in a little bit of mold?
What happens if you breathe in mold spores?
In this case, breathing in mold spores can result in the typical, mild allergic reaction: sneezing and congestion. These symptoms can arise directly after exposure or several hours later, depending on your body’s response. 2. The Amount of Mold
What happens if you swallow mold?
Eating mold-contaminated food can cause vomiting, allergies, diarrhea, food poisoning, abdominal pain, and even cancer if consumed frequently over a long period of time.
What happens if you breathe mold into your lungs?
Breathing mold into the lungs, especially for a long period of time, may trigger allergic reactions and worsen symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Some types of mold may cause aspergillosis, which is a group of lung infections that occur when a person inhales fungi from the Aspergillus genus.
What happens if you inhale a small amount of mold?
For the general population, a one-time exposure to a small amount of mold is not enough to cause a reaction. For individuals who are sensitive to mold, however, mild to moderate symptoms can appear almost immediately. Generally speaking, the larger the amount of mold you inhale the more likely you are to experience adverse health effects.