Does mold contribute to respiratory disease and allergic reactions? The answer is yes. This happens when susceptible individuals inhale excessive amounts of spores and other tiny fragments of mold. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can also elicit sensitivity.

What are mold spores and how do they affect us?

• Mold spores are tiny structures produced by molds for propagation.
• Inhaled spores and mold fragments can cause allergic reactions such as runny nose and eyes, and asthma-like symptoms.
• Prolonged exposure to unusually large numbers of spores and fragments can result in the development of allergic alveolitis.
• Spores of pathogenic fungi if inhaled can infect the respiratory system and the rest of the body.

Generally there are less spores indoors than outdoors. Therefore, unless there is actively growing mold in a home the amount of mold spores present in a home are very unlikely to affect the occupants. However, in industrial environments the concentration of spores can be very high. The types of molds present in industrial environments depend on work carried out and the prevailing conditions.

Which environments are higher risks?

• Mushroom farms,
• Saw mills,
• Paper mills,
• Composting areas,
• Waste disposal sites
.
• Demolition sites,
• Agricultural environments, e.g., animal farms.

Mold testing in houses is becoming common as people become more aware of health risks associated with mold growth in houses. Mold testing has 2 components. The first is the visual inspection of the house for any visible mold growth and/or moisture damage. Presence of musty smells is generally an indication of microbial growth. During visual mold inspection, the assessor estimates the extent of (area covered) mold growth. The extent of mold growth is generally categorised into 3 levels; low (level 1), medium (level 2) and high (level 3). The remediation strategies are based on the level of contamination.

The second component of mold testing in houses involves taking samples for laboratory testing. The samples to take depend on what is being investigated. For example, if people are experiencing health problems, such as allergy, which they suspect could be caused by mold, then the investigator could take air samples. This is because people are not affected by mold that is on the wall but by what they inhale in the air. On the other hand, if the investigator is just interested in knowing what type of mold is growing on the wall, they could take either a piece of material (bulk) with the mold or they could take tape samples. Other times, the investigator may collect dust samples.

Extensive mold growth requires the help of a qualified professional. However, there are some basic tests, including air testing, that a homeowner or property manager can do on their own.



If you have any question regarding mold testing, give us a call at 905-290-9101.

Indoor mold can cause respiratory problems. While mold exposure is also often cited as a cause of fatigue, there is no scientific evidence to support or disprove this.

Molds do cause respiratory allergy and infections. Allergic diseases include rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, allergic pneumonia, alveolitis and diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.

Some molds are also capable of infecting the respiratory system. However, infection generally occurs in immunocompromised individuals. The most common cause of lung infection is Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus fumigatus is a concern in hospital environment since it can easily infect patients.