Weathervane Home Mold Inpsections

What is mold?

Molds and mildew are fungi that grow on the surfaces of objects, within pores, and in deteriorated materials. They can cause discoloration and odor problems, deteriorate building materials, and lead to allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, as well as other health problems.

Mold Related Symptoms

• Causes allergic reactions
• Triggers asthma attacks
• Increases susceptibility to colds and flu
• Causes sinus infections

What is Mold Allergy? (From HealthLink)
When inhaled, microscopic fungal spores or, sometimes, fragments of fungi may cause allergic rhinitis. Because they are so small, mold spores may evade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract to reach the lungs.

In a small number of people, symptoms of mold allergy may be brought on or worsened by eating certain foods, such as cheeses, processed with fungi. Occasionally, mushrooms, dried fruits, and foods containing yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar will produce allergic symptoms. There is no known relationship, however, between a respiratory allergy to the mold Penicillium and an allergy to the drug penicillin, made from the mold.

Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. There does not have to be an extensive amount of mold in an area to affect certain people.

Most susceptible people to mold:

• Infants
• Children
• Immune-compromised patients
• Pregnant women
• People who have respiratory problems
• People with allergies or asthma
• The elderly

The EPA has put together "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"