Molds and fungus are common in many places. In most cases these molds are relatively innocuous. Certain molds, however, do pose substantial health risks. For that reason you want to prevent mold from building up when you first spot the problem.
According to Berlin D. Nelson, Ph.D., department of plant pathology, North Dakota State University, Stachybotrys Chartarum, or “black mold” is the most prominent and notorious of the toxic molds.
Black mold produces mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can cause a wide range of symptoms from headaches to flu-like symptoms and chronic illnesses especially respiratory problems.
There are many mycotoxins created by black mold but they fall into 3 main categories:
- Macrocyclic Trichothecenes, which can inhibit protein synthesis
- Phenylspirodrimanes and Cyclsporine, which can suppress the immune system
- Stachylysin, which can lyse and therefore destroy red blood cells
With all three groups present mycotoxin poisoning caused by black mold can lead to severe health problems.
Sick building syndrome
Black mold has also been linked to “sick building syndrome”. This is a syndrome that occurs in some workplaces when the health and comfort of the workers is affected with no obvious cause but is related to being in a particular building.
If you have symptoms that seem to be location dependent you should see whether others are experiencing the same. Mold spores are often benign and found practically everywhere but they can propagate quickly into active colonies if they are in a damp environment.
Mold build up post flooding
This can be a real problem if a building has been victim to flooding. it seems that extreme weather events are becoming more common and flooding is a risk in many areas. If you suffer a flooding event then it is important to clean up and dry out the affected areas before the mold takes hold.
If you have mold build up in your home or work environment, you may need to contact a professional that knows how to deal with fungal growth. In the early stages you can swab the affected areas with bleach or use a mold remover which can be bought in many stores.
If you do decide to deal with the problem yourself then use the chemicals in a well ventilated area.
Though the effects of mold exposure in adults often go unrecognized you may find that you feel better when you aren’t exposed to them.
Cot Deaths or SIDS
Another health concern with mold and fungus stems from foam. Polyurethane foam, which is the type of foam commonly used in cushion and bedding applications, can be broken down by mold into volatile organic compounds. These VOCs are toxic.
A New Zealand doctor Dr. T. James Sprott, OBE, MSc, Ph.D., FNZIC, researched sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and discovered that VOCs were a major contributor when crib mattresses were affected. The solution for crib mattresses was simply covering the cot mattress with plastic.
You should bear this in mind if considering buying a used mattress. There may be many reasons to think twice about a secondhand mattress but one of them is definitely the fact that it may have mold spores in it.
Prevent mold building up on mattresses
To deter mold from growing in your own mattress you can use a washable mattress pad. You can use a mattress topper to absorb moisture and wash it regularly. Alternatively you can buy a latex mattress that doesn’t create a suitable environment for mold or other microbes.
Latex is a natural product that can keep your bed free of mold and other harmful microbes. Mold will always be around, and will always be a health concern. You can minimize the health effects on your life by taking proactive action to prevent mold from building up.
Ventilation is important to prevent mold building up. Turn your bed sheets down to air your bed. Open windows or use extractor fans to ventilate rooms. When we breathe we release moist breath which can add to the problems of mold build up. Keeping your home ventilated will minimize problems.
