Defining Toxic Mold Spores

by: Chris Anzalone, eHow Contributor

Toxic mold is a concern for homeowners and anyone who must work or spend time in an environment with mold spores.

Though there are more than 400,000 types of mold, the majority are not toxic. "Toxic mold" refers to a very specific type of spore.

Defining Toxic
No mold spore is toxic, in and of itself. Certain molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus flavus, are classified as toxigenic. A toxic substance consists of toxins, whereas a toxigenic substance such as certain molds is non-toxic, but has the ability to release airborne toxins. Toxigenic molds release toxins known as mycotoxins.

Determining Toxicity
Only a mold expert can determine the exact mold type, and therefore determine whether or not the mold produces mycotoxins. The symptoms associated with toxigenic mold exposure match the symptoms produced by other molds, such as sinus infection, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (an inflammation of the lungs), respiratory infection, coughing and wheezing.

As a result, you cannot determine the toxicity by symptoms alone, nor can you determine toxicity by appearance. For example, Stachybotrys, a toxigenic mold, has the same color and consistency of Cladosporium, which is a non-toxigenic mold.

Contact a mold expert to determine toxicity. Cancer Risk Cancer risk sets toxigenic molds apart from non-toxigenic molds. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that molds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus contain a carcinogenic mycotoxin known as aflatoxin B1. Aflatoxin B1 can contribute to the growth of liver cancer.

For this reason, you should treat all molds as a potential hazard, since you cannot determine toxicity by observation alone. Non-toxigenic molds can cause symptoms, but are seldom life-threatening.

Other Mold Types Every household mold falls into one of three categories. The toxigenic molds comprise one category, but the other two categories are allergenic and pathogenic molds. A pathogenic mold can cause illness and infection.

However, it contains no mycotoxins and is not believed to contribute to cancer growth. An allergenic mold affects only people with allergies and potentially people with respiratory sensitivities such as asthma.

from:http://www.ehow.com/m/info_8354571_toxic-mold-spores.html

Tips To Help With Spring Mold Allergies

from: http://www.allergy-details.com/mold-allergy-c/mold-allergy-peak-spring/

Mold allergy problems increase in the spring. This can be confused with a pollen allergy, but they are quite different.

You may be suffering from both, to make matters worse. What can you do about it? Mold is around all year because it grows indoors as well as outside.

If you live far enough north to experience winter temperatures below freezing, mold allergies are usually less of a problem during those months. Mold does not grow outside when it is frozen, and the drier air inside from heating reduced mold growth in your house as well. Outside is a a different matter.

As temperatures increase, the mold begins to wake up. I’ve seen mold growing on top of snow as it melts, and under the snow, so that its already growing on the grass even before you can see the grass. All of this aggravates your mold allergy

Last year’s leaf litter is this spring’s mold bed. There is no getting away from it. Allergy shots may help with your mold allergy. See your allergist about this in the winter so that you’re already taking the shots before the spring mold season.

Open the windows for fresh air in the evening when temperatures are lower and the mold less active, then close them during the day. This is the opposite of what you should do in the summer in some cases.

Make sure the fresh air intake damper for forced air heating is turned off during the spring. Do open it during the summer and winter. Reduce your humidifier setting to maintain a drier atmosphere inside. This discourages mold growth in your home.

Keeping your house a bit warmer in the spring may also help. Spring can be a bad time for mold allergies, so do your best to avoid mold problems

Mold Treatment Centers of America gives hope to Toxic Mold Sufferers

from: http://www.prlog.org/11450869-mold-treatment-centers-of-america-gives-hope-to...

At the Mold Treatment Centers Of America we know that Mold Sickness is real. We understand that the right medical help for Mold Sickness is difficult to find, and that's why we're here.

The physicians at the Mold Treatment Centers specialize in the diagnosis of Mold Sickness, mold related diseases, and the adverse health conditions created by mold exposure.

Invasive fungal infections are serious and can be life threatening. This is why early diagnosis and treatment are a must. There are an estimated 20 Million people in the U.S. who are now the victims "Mold Sickness", and have been commonly misdiagnosed with other medical conditions.

An estimated 48 million Americans unknowingly suffer from Chronic Fungal Sinusitis, and another estimated 33 million suffer common misdiagnosis of what the medical community calls “Mystery Illnesses”. Below find the most common misdiagnosis for mold exposure.

Fibromyalgia Lupus Asthma Emphysema COPD SIDS Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Sinusitis Chronic Ear Infections Arthritis Fatigue Syndrome Sexual Dysfunction "ED" and Prostate Associated Disease Neurological and Nervous Disorders

Unfortunately, the list goes on and on. Healthy People Can Become Infected by Mold and Fungal Contaminates The old school of medicine has taught that, "Only the elderly, infants, and the immunocompromised can get infections from mold", this is completely false.

New data shows that healthy people exposed to mold contaminated environments whether at home, work, or school may develop infections from being exposed to mold. · “
· “Cryptococcus Gattii”, infects healthy human beings and has a mortality rate of 25% of persons infected.

“Morgellons”, has been labeled by the CDC as an unexplained and debilitating condition that has emerged as a public health concern.

New data reveals that some persons are at higher risk of getting fungal infections from being exposed to mold. In certain instances exposure to mold for those people has been documented to cause fatalities Persons being more susceptible to infections from Mold and with higher risk factors are as follows:
PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 21, 2011 – Finding the Right Help is Just a Phone Call Away
(678) 943 2111
http://www.moldtc.com

The Mold Treatment Centers Of America

At the Mold Treatment Centers Of America we know that Mold Sickness is real.
We understand that the right medical help for Mold Sickness is difficult to find, and that's why we're here.

The physicians at the Mold Treatment Centers specialize in the diagnosis of Mold Sickness, mold related diseases, and the adverse health conditions created by mold exposure. Invasive fungal infections are serious and can be life threatening. This is why early diagnosis and treatment are a must.
There are an estimated 20 Million people in the U.S. who are now the victims "Mold Sickness", and have been commonly misdiagnosed with other medical conditions. An estimated 48 million Americans unknowingly suffer from Chronic Fungal Sinusitis, and another estimated 33 million suffer common misdiagnosis of what the medical community calls “Mystery Illnesses”. Below find the most common misdiagnosis for mold exposure.

Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Asthma
Emphysema
COPD
SIDS
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic Ear Infections
Arthritis
Fatigue Syndrome
Sexual Dysfunction "ED" and Prostate Associated Disease
Neurological and Nervous Disorders

Unfortunately, the list goes on and on.
Healthy People Can Become Infected by Mold and Fungal Contaminates

The old school of medicine has taught that, "Only the elderly, infants, and the immunocompromised can get infections from mold", this is completely false. New data shows that healthy people exposed to mold contaminated environments whether at home, work, or school may develop infections from being exposed to mold.

· “Cryptococcus Gattii”, infects healthy human beings and has a mortality rate of 25% of persons infected.

· “Morgellons”, has been labeled by the CDC as an unexplained and debilitating condition that has emerged as a public health concern.

New data reveals that some persons are at higher risk of getting fungal infections from being exposed to mold. In certain instances exposure to mold for those people has been documented to cause fatalities

Persons being more susceptible to infections from Mold and with higher risk factors are as follows:

Persons with AIDS and HIV

Organ Transplant Recipients

Cancer Treatment Patients (chronic lymphatic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, chronic myelogenous leukemia, myeloma, lymphosarcoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children, those undergoing Chemotherapy, and others)

Persons with Sarcoidosis

Persons undergoing Corticosteroid Therapy

Persons with Diabetes Mellitus

Those with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer

Alcoholics

People with Cirrhosis

Those with rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematous, pregnancy, and splenectomy

Persons under the age of 18

Persons over the age of 58

Through advanced testing and diagnostic procedures we can accurately pinpoint and assess the harmful effects that mold has had on your body, internal organs, and the extent of those damages.

Correct diagnostics is the first step on your road to recovery, risk reduction, and getting the right treatment.

Mold Sickness can effect everyone! If you have/are suffering from mold exposure. Let us find the Medical, Legal and Environmental help you need (770) 991 6653

Asthma Caused by Mold

I had a cough for months, trouble catching my breath when running for the train, I thought it was just a really bad virus until a friend at work mentioned it might be the mold that was making me cough.

Finally I went to Stanford Emergency and was diagnosed with Adult Asthma, and possibly Pertussis (whooping cough). I’ll write more on Asthma later, I actually just had a minor operation today for a Uterine Polyp removal at Stanford Medical Center. Waking up from a nap I was inspired to write more on my blog, I had the most amazing service and what a smart pleasant staff. I even had a nurse walk me from the shuttle to where I needed to check in for surgery. I’ll be starting a blog on women’s health too!

Here is a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has links to Asthma Facts, What Triggers Asthma and how to control it. http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/ I will be adding more information and links! Thanks!

Bleeding Lungs And Other Effects Of Black Mold

from:  http://www.wellarticles.info/a-look-at-some-of-the-health-issues-caused-by-bl...

Black mold product irritating odour and it is a feature common to most of the mould. If you are a sensitive person, this scent may act as an allergen.

This irritating odour could worsen or develop allergies and disease that you may not have known before. Therefore, if you think that your experience could be related to the infestation of mold, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Apart from the just causing allergies, it also produces a toxic substance which affects the nervous system and this is why it must be treated as soon as possible.

Black mold and mold spores can trigger allergic reactions. These are the most common cause health issues by them. If you are sensitive or your immune system is weak, you will discover immediately; these allergies or on the other hand, they could develop some time after the first exhibition.

The allergic reaction usually depends on is how severe black mold growth. It produces toxins known as mycotoxins, which can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and the ways of the air in most individuals, even if you have not any allergies.

People with chronic lung disease may suffer serious respiratory infections due to toxic mold. Some people may also face serious reactions to this toxic odor, which may include fever and difficulty breathing.

These risks also depend on the State of health of the person affected at the time of exposure and not is not only limited to the extent of its growth. Since the response of mold exposure varies from one individual to another, it is quite impossible to assess the severity of the associated health risks of black mold infestation.

Other symptoms caused by toxins from black mold: discomfort in breathing, headache, nausea, cough, red eyes, hives on skin and loss of memory development and skin rash. In some cases, persons of experience bleeding in the lungs, lethargy, lack of concentration, asthma, irregularity of the blood pressure, damaged digestive and respiratory system, pain in the liver and other internal organs, infections of the urinary tract and the problems of urination etc.

Severe or prolonged exposure to them may even affect infertility in some patients. Therefore, it is preferable to take preventive measures and stop the growth of black mold in the first place.

If you suspect mold infestation, you should quickly consult a help. If you are interested to learn more about black mold, feel free to visit our Web site at the http://www.yourblackmoldguide.com

Is Toxic Mold Killing Infants?

(I-Newswire) Tamarac, Florida, March 29, 2011 -

The evidence of toxic black mold infestation in most military housing is strong, and home owners were taking actions to this.

Although the death of another infant in the community is not yet confirmed whether it is due to black mold, owners were concern about the health effects of these toxic molds. CEO of Green Cleaning Products is welcoming everyone who has mold problems to get a copy of their free mold course.

Along with the mold course is a free trial of natural cleaning products, which are 100% organic that are very safe and effective to humans especially babies and elders.

What causes the death of the babies? =====================
"Another death of an infant living in Military housing was reported. This is not the first time that it happens. The number of babies death have doubled recently. Though studies are still going on concerning the death of another baby, many individuals speculated it is caused by toxic black mold, since evidences shows black mold present in the area."

"Mold removal company is giving out free mold removal manuscript for military home owners so they can take action to their black mold problem. In addition, green cleaning products manufacturers are also giving out discounted price of mold removal products.

These products are 100% safe for humans, which is very suitable for home owners with infants at home."

"Our hearts go out to yet another military family that has had another infant die while living in military housing. Are the possible causes correctly being studied? What are the credentials of the people involved in previously studying this problem? How reliable are the tests that are being done? What has been adequately ruled out and why have they been eliminated?"

"Could it be toxic mold causing the deaths of these infants? If it is toxic mold that may be the culprit, what have they found to be present in the residences of these infants? Toxid mold targets our neurological system and has been known to have an affect on our immune system.

There is a great deal of information on toxic mold and it has been shown that there are specific types of mold that are associated with affecting our health. Does that mean that mold that has formed in a wet closet and behind wall paper, the type of mold that could sicken these infants? Have they been able to define how to adequately remove toxic mold?

When we hear the word mold, we associated it as a by product of a wet, musty environment that is harboring dangerous spores that we can breathe into our lungs. Is there a permissible level of toxic mold that may not make us sick?" ============================================================== Read more below: http://www.mold-removal.biz/infant-died-due-suspected-black-mold.htm ============================================================== Whether it is due to black mold or something else, the life of every human is precious. If you have problems with mold infestation, always use non-toxic chemicals like Green Cleaning Products.

One Family's Mouldy Nightmare

We didn't have money for legal fees; if you don't have money, you can't recover," she said. "The only person willing to help us was the president (of the United States).