Atlanta Inspection News! Consumer information: Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

Recent medical studies show that mold is one of the most common causes of allergic symptoms and certain types of mold can cause fatal disorders.  The presence of mold, fungus and mildew can create a health hazard in a home, and homes should be tested to determine the type of mold growing in a home.

Mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed. In recent years, the nation has been gripped by the fear that their own home is making them sick, well-known as "sick home syndrome". Because homes and businesses are being built "tighter," moisture that is trapped within the walls before, during or after construction, is contributing to the growth of toxic mold, often referred to as "black mold." This mold travels through the air and is inhaled by the occupants causing a multitude of health problems. The problem of black mold.

Some common Fungus found in homes are:

•1)      Aspergillus- A genus of fungi containing over 100 species, approximately 11 of which are commonly encountered in American Homes. All natural occurring aspergillus are toxigenic. A fast growing mold that may cause infection in people who have compromised immune systems or have asthma.  

Penicillium- A fungi that tend to be blue green in color, commonly found on moist, non-living matter. This type of fungi requires less moisture and cooler temperatures than other types of mold      

The symtoms of this type of Mold Exposure are as follows;    Bronchospasms, Edema,Pulmonary emphysema, Pneumonitis, Sneezing, Coughing, Low-grade Fever, Headaches.

•2) StachyBotrys- A greenish or black mold. A product of prolonged water damage involving exposure to cellulose materials.Stachybotrys molds produce my cotoxins considered to be extremely hazard. Stachybotrys spores have been recorded as toxigenic, and this fungus should be treated with caution.

The symtoms due to long time exposure may included; Fatigue, Skin rashes, Liver and Kidney cancer,Bone and lymphoid disorders, Lung Cancer.

There are millions of different types of spores and fungus that could be in your home.

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).Have accurate home inspection of atlanta inspect your property for mold,and air quality of your home.

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.