Mold can affect the body in many ways. This article will explain the main routes of entry into the human body and then discuss how mold exposure can affect humans.

Body Systems

Each body system interacts with the other body systems to maintain life. Each organ is interdependent of others. Several body systems are more seriously impacted by mold than others. These systems will be the focus herein.

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Respiratory System

Our respiratory system is one of the most important systems in the human body. Air enters the body through the nose and mouth which are covered with mucous membranes. These membranes heat and moisturize the incoming air. They also catch dust, bacteria, and mold spores before they enter the lungs. The nasal membranes contain cilia (tiny hairs) which move mucous and trapped particles out of the nasal passages.

The esophagus delivers ingested food to the stomach. The trachea conveys air. It is also covered with cilia, to move mucus and contaminants up from the throat. At the lower end, the trachea divides into the left and right bronchi which lead into the lungs. As they enter the lungs, the bronchi divide into smaller and smaller tubes. These tubes are called bronchioles. The bronchioles lead to the alveoli. The alveoli are tiny clusters of air sacs with very thin walls that allow air from the bronchioles to diffuse into the blood of transport around the body.

Mold in the respiratory system can cause swelling, extra mucous, and constriction of the air passages. At times, spores can grow in the sinuses and lungs. Some mold toxins can damage the walls of the alveoli which can cause bleeding lungs and nose bleeds.

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Nervous System

The nervous system contains the brain, spinal cord and nerves. The main organ of the nervous system is the brain. The information our senses (hearing, touch, smell) generate is interpreted in the brain. Memories and thoughts are processed here also. Our brain is analogous to a computer.

The spinal cord extends from the medulla oblongata at the base of the brain to the tailbone. It relays messages from the nerves to the brain. The upper portion of the spinal cord, along with the medulla oblongata, controls such involuntary body functions as breathing and heartbeat.

The nerves are long, fine, fibrous cells. Some sense the environment while others control the motion of the muscles of the body. The sensory nerves use chemicals to produce electric impulses that send information back to the brain. These nerves are incredibly sensitive, capable of noticing variations of only a few microns and heat differences of less than a degree Celsius. Motor nerves receive messages from the brain and act to cause muscles to move.

Mold exposure may affect the nervous system when eaten or breathed in. Mycotoxins from some types of molds can have a negative effect on the nervous system. This can result in memory loss, the shakes (tremors), mood changes, and numbness

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Vascular System

The circulatory system is comprised of blood vessels, the heart, and blood. The heart is a four-chambered pump that circulates blood to and from the lungs and body. The blood vessels are called veins when they bring blood to the heart. Blood vessels are called arteries when they carry blood away from the heart. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that go among individual cells, allowing nutrients to be transferred into the cells, and wastes to be brought in in, for transport out of the body. Blood is comprised of antibodies, trace elements, platelets, plasma, and red and white blood cells.

Mold exposure can injure the capillaries creating nosebleeds and bleeding in the lungs.

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Skin

The skin is largest organ in the body. It protects the body from entry of bacteria, microorganisms, protects the body against injury, and helps retain moisture. The skin is comprised of 3 layers; the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers. The epidermis is the outermost layer. It is a dead covering layer and pigment cells. The dermis is the middle layer of skin. It is made of strong, elastic connective tissue. It is capable of repairing itself. The subcutaneous layer is the bottom layer. Fat that protects the skin above and insulates the body.

Rashes and irritation to skin can be caused by exposure to mold. Athlete’s foot is caused by fungus growing on the skin. Dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin, usually characterized by redness, swelling, itching, rash, or pain can also be caused by mold exposure. Aspergillus niger often causes raised red welts on the skin of individuals who have been exposed to it for an ongoing period of time.

The digestive system and the excretory system, the waste removal system of the body work in conjunction with the other system of the body to maintain its health. A problem in one system can influence the other bodily systems at times.

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Allergens and Human Response

An allergic response is when the immune system reacts to a foreign material in the body by fighting it or trying to contain it. Reactions can range from mold, moderate, to severe and be anything from a cough or runny nose to death. Allergic reactions can come from regular exposure, a heavy exposure, or ongoing exposure to mold. While there may be no reaction at first, repeat exposures to mold can lead to allergic reactions. The degree of the allergic reaction can be different among individuals. A little amount of an allergen may cause some people to have a severe allergic reaction but other people may not reaction to a high dosage at all. Therefore, many molds do not fit neatly in a set amount/reaction relationship.

People can react differently even when exposed to the same mold. Bioaerosols create quite a range of symptoms and reactions. Bioaerosols create a range greater than most chemicals. These are the reasons that can make identification of this specific allergen tough

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and aspergillosis are several allergic reactions that can occur upon mold exposure. Coughing and difficulty breathing are among the symptoms of asthma, an inflammatory disease of the airways and lungs. Mold colonies can create mold balls in the lungs. This is caused by exposure to Aspergillus and the disease is called Aspergillosis. A runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and congestion are symptoms of rhinitis, inflammation in the nasal passages. Sinusitis is like rhinitis but it occurs in the sinuses. The difference is that with sinusitis drainage down the throat occurs. The lungs immune system overreacts in hypersensitivity pneumonitis and it becomes an inflammatory disease of the lungs. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that 93% of bronchitis cases were caused by mold exposure and that the major cause of bronchitis was not bacterial as was previously believed.

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Mold Exposure Can Cause These Symptoms

• Irritated and watering eyes
• Asthma or worsened asthma
• Drippy nose
• Coughing
• Sinus pressure
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice
• Tightness/burning of chest
• Memory loss
• Malaise
• Recurrent fever
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Symptoms similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Toxic Reactions

A toxin is a poison. In mold it is called a mycotoxin. They are cell toxins (cytotoxins) that disrupt cellular processes. A single toxin can create many different bodily effects.

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Mold Toxins (Mycotoxins) Can Create These Bodily Effects

• Opportunistic infections
• Rashes and skin infections
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea, depression, memory loss
• Enterotoxic effects such as vomiting and diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Bleeding in the lungs
• Circulatory system problems such as fragile blood vessels, bleeding
• Mold exposure has been associated with pulmonary hemosiderosis in infants (bleeding lung disease)

Several mycotoxins can effects specific organs such as the liver. Aflavatoxin B is a mycotoxin that is known to be the most dangerous natural cancer causing agent. It can cause liver cancer and other cancers if a person is exposed to it long enough. The mold that produces this cancer causing mycotoxin is Aspergillus flavus.

Symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, memory loss, depression, nausea, fatigue, and headaches are all central nervous system related effects of prolonged mold exposure. Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium can all cause central nervous system related symptoms to mold exposure.

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Health Problems That May Be Caused By Mold Exposure

Effects from exposure to mycotoxins and endotoxins:

• Cancer
• Organ damage
• Gastrointestinal illness
• Bronchial constriction
• Suppression of immune system
• Internal bleeding

Type of infection cause by fungi:

• Systemic or primary
  • usually caused by inhaled or ingested spores
  • impacts major body systems
• Opportunistic
  • attacks those with impaired immunological defenses
• Dematophytes
  • infect skin, hair, nails
• Nosocomial
  • Caused by exposure to contaminants during hospitalization

Mycotoxins also affect the respiratory system. Aflavatoxins create problems with pulmonary macrophage production and create an increased risk of getting other diseases. Aflavatoxins can also cause lung cancer. Other toxins can cause bleeding in the lungs and sore throats.

Several mycotoxins mutate genetic material (mutagenic toxins) and can cause health issues. Others cause fetal damage and birth defects (tetragenic toxins).

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Sensitization to Mold

Sensitization is defined as when a person becomes extra sensitive to an agent. A person can be sensitized with several intense exposures over a short time period. The other way a person can become sensitized with repeated ongoing or chronic exposure. It can be difficult to determine the allergenic agent if the time period between the exposure and the symptoms appearance is extended.

Sensitization can occur with the whole body or only 1 or 2 parts of the body. A person can develop sensitization to a specific agent or a range of agents. Multiple chemical sensitivity is an example of sensitivity to a whole range of allergens.

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Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS)

• Abrupt onset of fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Respiratory symptoms within hours of a single heavy exposure
• Documented in farm workers and remediation workers

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Treatment for Mold Exposure

It is always essential to remove the source of exposure. At times, taking allergy pills may help while investigating the problem, Allergy shots are also available but just reduce the symptoms and they do not address the causation.

At times, the person may have to leave the area. If a person leaves the area it can speed the remediation efforts and eliminates the exposure to the mold. If a building is extremely mold infested in a multitude of areas, a full evacuation of inhabitants may be necessary. Studies have shown that most people can return safely to building if a thorough investigation, remediation, and fixing of the source of the moisture problem has been done.

Mycotoxins often depress the immune system leaving the person more susceptible to other diseases. In such situations, steroids are often a treatment option. Steroids strengthen the body which may help in fighting disease. However, steroids also have many adverse side effects with prolonged use. Only a physician can prescribe or recommend such use based on a thorough examination of the patient and his/her medical history. Physicians can recommend other treatments post examination.

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Conclusion

The EPA Guidelines dictate how a mold remediation project is to be conducted to ensure the safety of occupants and the mold remediation crew. The heath effects mold can have on humans are the reason mold remediators conduct a risk assessment and perform mold testing. Containment, proper safety gear, negative air machines, HEPA filtration systems, mold testing, and the actual cleaning work are methods used to ensure the environment is properly remediated. Remember, until the original source of the moisture problem is fixed mold can continue to grow.