Our planet is rich in mold, these microscopic fungi are everywhere. Hundreds of thousands exist in the natural world, living in almost every environment. When humans occupy the same environment as mold, mold enters our air, lands on our food, and touches our skin. This creates many opportunities for mold to effect, even infect, our bodies. Over a thousand varieties inhabit North American homes.
Because many molds are harmful to humans, as a matter of public health, the need to understand mold is vitally important. To this end, scientists have categorized molds into three major categories: Allergenic, Pathogenic, and Toxigenic. Allergenic mold is the least problematic, as those who are sensitive to mold are most likely to be affected and Toxigenic mold is the most dangerous to those even in good health.
Allergenic Molds
The most common and least harmful type of mold is the Allergenic mold. Molds in this category do not affect all people, mainly only those who are born with, or have acquired a sensitivity to them due to asthma or allergies. Reactions are relatively mild and include irritation of the eyes, nasal passages, inner ear, rashes, sore throat, runny nose and congestion. Those who are not sensitive to mold will have no reaction to this mold beyond knowing it is present due to its noticeable musty odor.
Pathogenic Molds
The next mold category when ranked in order of severity is the Pathogenic Mold. The word “Pathogenic” literally means “disease producing.” Pathogenic Molds refer to molds that are capable of producing some sort of infection. The immune systems of healthy people usually can resist Pathogenic Molds, but people with underdeveloped, weakened, or otherwise compromised immune systems can produce severe health problems. In some cases overexposure to Pathogenic Molds can cause otherwise healthy immune systems to produce an exaggerated reaction such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Toxigenic Molds
Toxigenic Molds are the most severe of the three categories. Toxigenic Molds produce harmful “mycotoxins,” which can cause severe health problems in otherwise healthy people. Exposure to mycotoxins can cause a wide range of reactions, from minor irritation to more severe health problems. Some mycotoxins are carcinogenic. Several diseases and conditions have been linked to toxic mold, including cancers. When toxigenic molds are discovered, even if no symptoms have been experienced, anyone exposed to it should make an appointment to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Conclusion:
Though these differences are easy to understand, they are virtually impossible for the naked eye to distinguish. Without the benefit of the right training, equipment, and access to a lab a benign mold and noxious mold are virtually the same. When a mold outbreak occurs in your home, extreme caution is recommended. The best policy is to bring a professional in as soon as possible.
If the mold is caused by a flood, a leaky roof, or a plumbing leak you should do what you can to dry out the moist area and remove any moldy items. If the source of water or moisture is a persistent problem, have it permanently repaired. If the water was from a one-time occurrence, take steps to ensure that it will not happen again.
