Mold serves an important duty breaking down dead organisms in nature, but inhaling or touching mold can cause allergic responses similar to hay fever, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash (dermatitis), as well as irritation in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. People with asthma who are allergic to mold may experience asthma attacks from exposure.
Dr. Michael Pallaci, emergency medicine program director at Grandview Medical Center, said the ER department usually can’t determine if a respiratory issue is directly caused by mold, but most people with healthy lungs without allergies will rarely feel the effects of mold. Pallaci recommended speaking to a family physician or allergist about treatments.
In most cases, homeowners can handle mold patches smaller than 3 ft. by 3 ft. themselves, according to the EPA’s Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Homes.
The guide provides recommended procedures for contractors who specialize in mold abatement.
Outdoor mold spores can enter buildings through non-central air conditioning units, such as window units. The EPA advises not turning on a heating/ventilation/air conditioning system if it might have mold contamination.
About the Author