Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. People
with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to molds.
For people that are sensitive to mold exposure to mold can cause symptoms such as
nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Those with serious
allergies to mold may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among
workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers
working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.
Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop
mold infections in their lungs.
EPA's publication,
Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals
, assists health professionals in diagnosis of patient symptoms that
could be related to an indoor air pollution problem. It addresses the health problems
that may be caused by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office. Organized
according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke,
VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet lists key
signs and symptoms from exposure to these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist
and quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action.
EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994.
Allergic Reactions - excerpted from
Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals section
on: Animal Dander, Molds, Dust Mites, Other Biologicals .
A major concern associated with exposure to biological pollutants is allergic reactions.
Notable triggers are allergens derived from house dust mites; other arthropods,
including cockroaches; pets (cats, dogs, birds, rodents); molds; and protein-containing
furnishings, including feathers, kapok, etc. In occupational settings, more unusual
allergens (e.g., bacterial enzymes, algae) have caused asthma epidemics. Probably
most proteins of non-human origin can cause asthma in a subset of any appropriately
exposed population.
Consult the following links for information:
Mold