Indoor Air Quality and Mold

Mold is everywhere and can have many benefits.  Molds are the “bleu” in bleu cheese and Roquefort. Molds improve our wine. They produce penicillin and antibiotics and are used widely in
the food and beverage industry. Without mold and mold’s decaying mechanism, the natural environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead organic matter.

Despite many harmless and beneficial molds, some molds can be toxic and pose very serious health threats to humans. The Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) cautions that all molds can cause health problems under the right conditions. The word “toxic” is used to refer to mold that produces toxic compounds, or mycotoxins.  Often included in the list of toxic molds is Stachybotrys Chartarum, a greenish-black mold, which can grow on high cellulose, low nitrogen materials such as fiberboard, drywall, paper, dust and lint in the presence of moisture.

Adverse Health Effects of Toxic Mold:

There are correlations of mold exposure contributing to the following symptoms:

• Allergic reactions, including irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
• Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue,dizziness, headaches, and diarrhea
• Worsening of asthma.

Some molds can amplify poor Indoor Air Quality and are capable of making people sick.

If you are concerned about the quality of your indoor air, contact the air quality experts at Castellano A/C Services.  We provide 24/7 emergency service.

Check back for our next blog: If You Suspect Mold in Your Home or Building