Indoor Air Quality - Molds, Asthma, and Allergies

Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but many do not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant health effects. Environmental Protection Agency studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants may be of particular concern because most people spend about 90% of their time indoors. EPA

If indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures. Persons exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other health problems. Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Clothes and shoes in damp closets can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth can cause serious damage to the structural elements in your home. (California Department of Health Services, Indoor Air Quality Fact Sheet)

"Molds can trigger asthma attacks in mold-sensitive asthmatics; molds can also cause allergic reactions to persons sensitive to molds." (EPA)

Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds, along with mushrooms and yeasts, are fungi and are needed to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment. For molds to grow and reproduce, they need only a food source - any organic material, such as leaves, wood (including old wood furniture stored in damp places), paper, or dirt- and moisture. Because molds grow by digesting the organic material, they gradually destroy whatever they grow on. Sometimes, new molds grow on old mold colonies. Mold growth on surfaces can often be seen in the form of discoloration, frequently green, gray, brown, or black but also white and other colors. Molds release countless tiny, lightweight spores, which travel through the air.

Molds will grow and multiply whenever conditions are right- sufficient moisture is available and organic material is present. Be on the lookout in your home for common sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold problems:

Warping floors and discoloration of walls and ceilings can be indications of moisture problems. Condensation on windows or walls is also an important indication, but it can sometimes be caused by an indoor combustion problem! Have fuel-burning appliances routinely inspected by your local utility or a professional heating contractor.

Molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Allergic reactions (often referred to as hay fever) are most common following mold exposure. Typical symptoms that mold-exposed persons report (alone or in combination) include:

Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are often times reported in mold cases, however, many doctors do not understand this aspect of mold sensitivity. Therefore, these symptoms are many times attributed to other causes.

Tipu Sultan, MD, understands these symptoms, and more often than not he can help you attain relief without the use of a lot of drugs. Dr. Sultan has been successfully treating inhalant allergies in the St. Louis are since 1979. Request more information by Email. We will send you via email two publications from which this information came. At the same time, we will send you information about serial dilution testing, the testing method Dr. Sultan uses. The serial dilution method allows Dr. Sultan to tailor your treatment plan according to what your body needs, and therefore, gain quick relief.