Recently we have begun to see a rise in mold related health problems
from toxic molds such as stachybotrys, strains of aspergillus,
chaetomium and penicillium. Health problems can be so severe that
some people actually have had to burn their homes.
Although, we are beginning to see a lot of exposure in the media
regarding these molds, and thus it is increasing awareness in our
society about mold related health issues, we often don’t hear about the
devastating health problems that are caused by common everyday molds
present in all our environments.
Mold is an invisible microscopic organism and it is everywhere.
It is in the air and grows on everything. Typically we can’t see
it until it grows into larger colonies. It is the most widespread
living organism in thousands of varieties indoors and out.
Mold puts out showers of spores into the air that can be in the
millions. It is present in highest numbers in the spring and fall, but
is present in all seasons and is often underestimated for the vast
amount of havoc it can perpetrate on one’s health.
Molds make toxins called mycotoxins that can do the same damage to our
health as any chemical such as formaldehyde, toluene, natural gas or
trichloethylene. They can even initiate cancers, cause chemical
sensitivity and just about any symptom you can think of ranging from
high blood pressure to depression.
Not only do molds trigger typical organs such as nose, chest or skin
with allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, rashes, hives and eczema,
but the brain can also be the target organ.
Mold can be a primary cause of depression, obsessive compulsion, panic
attacks, schizophrenia, tourettes syndrome, migraine, headaches, or
inability to concentrate.
In susceptible individuals mold can also cause dermatitis, dizziness,
fatigue, algias, irritability, weakness, burning eyes, arthritis, lower
IQ, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, hyperactivity, symptoms
attributed to MS, heart palpitations, cravings for sweets or
carbohydrates, gastrointestinal distress such as irritable bowel,
indigestion, heartburn, etc., and much more.
By preventing mold growth in our living environment we can reduce these
symptoms and improve our level of health.
Do you need help determining if mold is a problem for your
health? You may want to check into Cynthia's
holistic health counseling.
Some steps to prevent mold growth:
- Mold is present on a variety of foods and can enter the blood stream
and affect the brain and body. Avoid moldy foods such as yeasts,
aged, pickled, dried, or fermented products, all cheeses, sour breads,
wines, all alcohol, dried fruits, bread, peanuts, pistachios,
citrus fruits, condiments, anything with vinegar, pickles, smoked
foods, oranges, melons, cantaloupes.
- Keep refrigerator trays, garbage pails, shower areas, laundry areas
and closets clean and dry.
- Make sure there are no leaks in plumbing where water and moisture can
build up.
- To eradicate mold growth clean with zephiran mixture 1 to 5 with
water, bon ami, borax, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda.
- Clean any vulnerable areas, such as shower curtains, bathrooms,
laundry areas frequently to prevent mold from proliferating.
- Avoid barns, piles of leaves, basements or any other damp musty
area.
- Mold spores are found in house dust so keeping house clear of dust
will decrease mold.
- Keep coils of air conditioning cleaned.
- Some people benefit from neutralizing doses from a doctor familiar
with mold allergy.
- Use a damp mop to dust floors and damp rag to dust furniture to
prevent from blowing dust and mold around and flaring of symptoms.
- Open windows when vacuuming or where a mask and leave for a while
after vacuuming.
- Use a quality air filter.
- Keep your home as moisture free as possible.
- Keeping your environment below 50% humidity will retard mold growth.
- Don’t put clothes that you have worn back in your closet or
drawer. Once you have put clothes on your body they develop mold.
- Keep vulnerable areas in the house clean, dry and well lighted.
Light will retard mold growth.
- Keep furniture in your house away from the wall so that air can
circulate around all sides and prevent mold from growing on the wall
and furniture.
- Good air circulation through the entire house is essential to prevent
mold build up.
- Put cotton covers on furniture, mattresses and pillows because these
items usually harbor mold spores.
- Use a dehumidifier in the basement or any other damp room.
- Keep good drainage around your house.
- Avoid carpeting if possible as mold accumulates in it. Use throw
rugs that can be washed frequently.
For some people with severe mold sensitivity living in a dry climate
can be very beneficial. Although this may seem like an
extreme measure it can often create drastic improvements in one’s
health.
Since any mold requires moistness and humidity to grow then by taking
steps to prevent common everyday mold growth in our environments we are
also ensuring that the more toxic molds will not proliferate as well.
