Mold is a natural occurence

February 12, 2003

Just because you are allergic to penicillin does not mean you will be allergic to the mold which is called penicillium. See my response to a question about penicillium mold and penicillin allergy here.

There are over 100,000 species of mold, and at least 1000 in the United States.

About 25% of the biomass of the earth are composed of fungi. Fungi is an inclusive term, including molds and yeasts. See "Fungi" in the glossary for more information. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. For our purposes we will refer to them all as molds.

Only a handful of these molds cause health problems. The most common health problem from mold is related to mold allergy.

Those with mold allergy often have symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes, or itchy skin when they are exposed to mold. Usually the most severe symptoms are experienced during or shortly after the time a person is exposed to the mold. However, it is possible to have a delayed allergic response a few hours later.

If you are continuing to have symptoms a couple days after exposure, or if your symptoms are severe, you should check with your physician.

It's important to realize that in most climates we are all exposed to molds every day in varying degrees. Mold is a natural occurrence and is not a bad thing in it's natural outdoor environment.

God has provided our world with all the ingredients needed to keep it healthy. Mold spores are a necessary part of that balance. Mold plays an important role in the breakdown of dead material. This breakdown replenishes the soil to nurture life.

But when mold begins to colonize on materials inside our home, it can become unhealthy. Usually a one-time exposure is not considered a major health threat. It is repeated exposure of living or working in a mold-contaminated building day after day that usually causes health concerns.

However, for those allergic to a specific mold, a brief exposure can bring on allergy symptoms. During humid seasons when the mold count is high, the allergy sufferer can be miserable outside or inside.

Mold not only affects humans adversely, but it causes unsightly stains and damage to the material on which it is growing. When mold spores begin to multiply, especially in an enclosed internal environment, they can affect our health in three ways:

1. True mold allergy for susceptible individuals.
2. Toxic by-products produced by mold which can be harmful to both allergic and non-allergic individuals.
3. Infections, more likely in immune-compromised individuals, such as those on chemotherapy.

Anytime you feel ill and suspect the problem maybe mold, you should check with your physician. She can recommend appropriate testing and treatment for any symptoms you may have.

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