Molds Effect on the Body
Molds produce and release millions of spores small enough to be airborne. They can also produce toxic agents known as mycotoxins. Spores and mycotoxins can have adverse effects on human health. The most common route of entry into the body is through inhalation; mold has a characteristic smell - if you smell mold, you could be inhaling mold. Mold is generally visible; however, some of the most toxic mold spores are small enough to be considered respirable [less than 10 micrometers in diameter].
Mold Exposure in the Work Environment - IAQ Video Network
Allergenic Molds
Allergenic molds do not usually produce life-threatening health effects and are most likely to affect those who are already allergic or asthmatic. The human system responses to allergenic molds tend to be relatively mild, depending on individual sensitivities, typically producing scratchy throats, eye and nose irritations, and rashes.
Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic molds usually produce some type of infection. They can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems. Healthy people can usually resist infection by these organisms regardless of dose. In some cases, high exposure may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (an acute response to exposure to an organism).
Toxigenic Molds
Mycotoxins can cause serious health effects in almost anybody. These agents have toxic effects ranging from short-term irritation to immuno-suppression and possibly cancer. Therefore, when toxigenic molds are found, further evaluation is recommended.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Which of the following molds can possibly cause cancer after exposure?
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