Friday, June 26, 2009

The Truth About Toxic Mould Exposure

If you are the type of individual who likes to stay well informed then you probably have at least some comprehension of what toxic mould exposure is. In recent years a greenish black colored mold called Stachybotrys Chartarum has been linked to Sick Building Syndrome, which has been the subject of much media attention. Some of the claims made about toxic mold exposure seem to have been exaggerated, at least to some extent. While toxic mold exposure can make certain individuals feel quite ill there is no concrete proof that links it to memory loss or infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

Mold grows inside buildings and thrives in a damp, moist environment. Mold loves the damp air and condensation of bathrooms and flourishes where there has been flooding or water damage. There are several different varieties of mold and small amounts of it can be found in most homes. If you have a severe mold problem in your home you will be able to see and smell it. When people talk about toxic mold exposure they are referring to those varieties of mold that give off mycotoxins, which can be hazardous to the health of humans and animals.

The ailments that are most frequently associated with toxic mold exposure are allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, wheezing and inflammation of the skin or in the eye area. However individuals who are subjected to toxic mold exposure every day for a prolonged period of time may experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and fever.

In rare instances exposure to toxic mold causes illness that is quite serious. People who have serious lung diseases or a suppressed immune system are at greater risk of becoming very ill as a result of toxic mold exposure. For instance, such individuals can develop a severe respiratory infection.

If you think that you or another member of your family is suffering adverse symptoms because of toxic mold exposure then don’t waste time trying to find out what type it is. If you see mold in your house simply take the appropriate measures to get rid of it. Soapy water is often enough to get rid of mold, though in some cases you may need to use bleach.

When you take a bath or a shower always make sure the extractor fan is on or open a window so that the condensation can escape. You may also wish to consider investing in a dehumidifier for your home. They are especially effective at moving moisture from the air during the humid summer months, and this can help to control the problem of mold.

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