Mold! What You Don't Know About It Could Make You Sick.

INTRODUCTION:
      So-called “toxic molds” have been in the news lately. Mold and fungus growing inside the walls of homes may contribute to serious health problems, especially when the occupants of the home are susceptible to these illnesses because of age or poor health.

ARTICLE:
      No, we’re not talking about the type that grows on your bread after you leave it out too long. Instead, we mean the type of mold and fungus that may be growing inside of your own home and may be making you sick. In recent years, scientists, and in turn, homeowners and consumers, have begun to become conscious of household molds and fungus that may be making people sick. In some extreme cases that have been in the news lately, homeowners have actually had to move out of their homes or even have their houses burned in order to destroy these infestations.
      Mold, in this context, is used generically to mean a multitude of organisms, including a variety of species of mold and fungus. These organisms surround us daily, both outside and, to an extent, inside our homes and workplaces. Most of them do not harm us and are no cause for concern. However, in certain circumstances, they can make a person sick, especially if that person is susceptible because of age or other illness. Mold may occur in your home in a number of places and for a number of reasons. The most obvious may be in showers or bathtubs. These are fairly easy to deal with because they are out in the open and easy to clean. However, some mold and fungus may be growing inside the walls of your home or in other unreachable or unseen areas. Mold likes to grow in such places, because unlike normal plants, they like it dark, dank, wet, and musty. They also can survive where there is little or no ventilation.
      The one thing that mold does require is a source of moisture. Hence, leaks in the walls from plumbing, or cracks in the walls combined with outside sprinklers or rain, and even water intrusion that occurs from moist soil outside or under the home that wicks up into the walls or floors, may all be partially or wholly to blame for mold infestations.
      The mold itself is usually not so dangerous. However, molds reproduce by sending out spores into the air, hoping they land in another good spot to start another mold growth. When large amounts of these airborne spores are then breathed in by people, they may become ill. This can occur in a home because many of us keep our windows closed in the hot summer with the air conditioner on, or in the winter when it’s cool. Without any way for the spores to escape, the amount of spores in the air inside our home keeps increasing.
      Scientists are still debating about how much mold in these hidden areas is “too much” or about the extent to which mold can make people sick. They do seem to agree however that young children, older folks, or those who are already at risk because of other illnesses do in fact have reactions to high levels of mold. The reported symptoms range from nausea to chronic headaches and breathing problems.
      If water intrusion is apparent in your home, through leaking windows or stains that appear on your walls or floors, you should consider having an expert take a look. Also, you should be aware that many times the leaks or mold itself may not be visible. If you are experiencing symptoms of some inexplicable illness, mold may be the cause. Lastly, as a homeowner you have rights. The builder of your home may be liable to you for any repairs or cleaning that needs to be done, if in fact, you do have hidden toxic molds in your home.

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