Avoiding exposure to molds, mildews and other harmful fungi is quite difficult. Black molds, the most common term of indoor fungi, and mold spores are present everywhere. Molds are important for maintaining the balance in the environment. They degrade dead organisms to simpler carbohydrates. However, when they form inside covered areas like home, office or any other premises they become problematic.

Molds are primitive organisms of animal kingdom. As mold cells do not contain chlorophyll they obtain nutrition from other organisms or organic matters. During their lifecycle molds produce spores to replicate. Some of the molds are known for producing mycotoxins as secondary metabolites. Molds, mold spores and mycotoxins all affect human beings and pets adversely.

Black molds are often reported as the cause of following health issues for humans.

Different types of Allergies:

When foreign particles or allergens like mold spores, hyphal fragments etc. enter human body, antibodies are released. Allergens react with antibodies and certain chemicals are produced causing different types of ailments in human beings. Common symptoms of allergic responses are runny noses, eye problems like itching, tearing and puffiness around eyes, skin rashes, throat irritation, coughing and sneezing, asthma and more.

It’s worth mentioning that IgG and IgE are two antibodies human body releases in response to antigenic attack. IgG releases immediately after ingesting or inhaling allergens, whereas, IgE may release long after the intrusion. Not only that, IgE can be found in response to multiple allergens. Hence allergic symptoms may be observed days after the exposure to molds.

There are some molds and mildews, other than black mold, that lead to dermal infection eczema. This type of molds generally attack feet, nails and dry body skins.

Opportunistic Infection in immunocomprised people:

Some microscopic organisms generally do not affect healthy individuals, but target immunocompromised people. That is the reason individuals with weaker immune system need better protection. HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients under immunosuppressive drugs and patients of severe diabetes suffer from impaired immune system. Chances of opportunistic infections are higher in them.

Toxicity due to mycotoxins:

The reasons behind toxicity are volatile and non-volatile organic compounds produced by toxic molds and mildews. These compounds are responsible for the musty odor observed around mold infested premises. The volatile compounds cause the disagreeable taste and smell in spoil food.

Mycotoxins are the non-volatile compounds produced by molds as secondary metabolite, i.e., a byproduct of metabolism process. Mycotoxins are found in all parts of toxic mold colony, mold spores, hyphal fragments and the substrate on which molds colonize. By inhaling toxic mold spore or hyphal parts human beings can be exposed to mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins cause dermatitis, flu, cough, throat irritation, headache, fatigue, diarrhea and weaker immune functions in human beings.

How to fight Molds and Mildews?

Moisture is the main supportive factor for colonization of molds and mildews. So keep the places dry to prevent indoor black molds. If they still penetrate, use mold killer made of natural products.

Not all molds and mildews are allergens. Again, a certain percentage of allergenic molds are toxic. People who are allergic to molds should take preventive measures and all methods should be practiced to remove molds and mildews from household premises. Mildew cleaner can be used to remove these omnipresent organisms permanently!