Household Mold poses a significant danger to the residents, especially children and the elderly.
Mold is a formidable enemy — even at its worst, it can go unnoticed in the home for far longer than is safe for residents. Known as a "silent threat", toxic mold inhalation is especially dangerous for those with compromised immune systems, namely the elderly and children. It is therefore imperative that every homeowner take steps to identify and eliminate mold as soon as it crops up in the home.
According to immunotoxicologist (mold expert) Dr. Jack Thrasher, mold may be present in 25 percent of homes in America and in 40 percent of schools — both places where children are likely to spend the majority of their time. Health problems associated with toxic mold inhalation are various and wide-ranging, from sore throat, rhinitis, muscle aches and fatigue to more alarming symptoms like erratic behavior, memory loss and pulmonary hemorrhage.
The particles that are responsible for these symptoms are called mycotoxins, and they enter the body through the nose and mouth during inhalation and even occasionally through the eyes. They then make their way to the lungs, other organs and even the brain and take up residence there. One of the particularly menacing aspects of mycotoxins is that they are able to multiply in the body while simultaneously suppressing the immune system's response, leaving the body defenseless against their attack. The most dangerous form of mold is the notorious Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, which can survive cleaning with bleach and causes some of the worst reactions to mold on record.
If you suspect that your house may have mold or members of your family have been displaying mysterious symptoms that they can't attribute to any particular cause, one way of mitigating mold's effects is by installing a home air purifier. The Airfree brand was designed by a father specifically to help his son fight asthma, and will help your family to cope until the mold has been safely removed.