Molds are categorized in 3 different areas.
- Allergenic
- Pathogenic
- Toxigenic
Allergenic mold types are the most common and found on most samples.
Molds are ubiquitous (everywhere) so there is no such thing as a mold free environment in homes. There are acceptable levels of mold in indoor environments that are always compared to an outdoor reference sample. These levels vary throughout the year and are usually lowest during the winter months and highest in the warmer, humid, summer months.
There are 4 groups of people that more susceptible to the effects of mold. They are
- elderly
- infants
- immunosuppressed
- pregnant individuals
Mold can have an adverse effect on others as well. There is no rule as to what types of molds and how they can affect you and who is affected by them.
There are currently no permissible exposure limits (PELS) to molds in the U.S. California EPA was close to establishing PELS in 2005, but was forced to back away since they could not establish something that was consistent with everyone. We have gone into homes and found that some occupants have some ill effects from molds and others are completely unaffected that are living in the same household.
Most people have no reaction when exposed to molds. Allergic reactions, similar to common pollen or animal allergies, and irritation are the most common health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. Flu-like symptoms and skin rash may occur. Molds may also aggravate asthma. In rare cases, fungal infections from building-associated molds may occur in people with serious immune disease. Most symptoms are temporary and eliminated by correcting the mold problem.
