Types of Mold
What is mold? Mold is a microscopic organism, it is a fungus that sometimes grows in dark, gloomy, and wet or damp environments such as basement, garages, and attics. Mold spreads through the air as spores. Making its way into your home. Stachybotrys atra is a common mold that is found in homes, it is discolored and black. Majority of people have no idea that there are way over 300,000 types of mold. There are several different types of mold, mold is broken down into three different categories. Most common molds are Allergenic, Pathogenic, and Toxigenic.
The allergenic molds that some people may be allergic to are sometimes mild. They usually do not produce a life threatening effect. Being allergic to mold is similar to being allergic to tree pollen, grass, or weeds. The symptoms may include coughing, having a running nose, irritated eyes and sometimes they may produce a rash. In some rare cases, fungi may spread the spore into the lungs and grow, which may lead to lung disease. If you suspect that you may have inhaled fungi, and your coughing up little brown speckles, you must consult your physician so he give you a diagnosis and treatment.
The second is pathogenic mold. The word pathogenic means, originating or producing disease. A person that is healthy will less than likely suffer from this type of mold inhalation. Pathogenic mold will produce an infection. People that are more likely to become affected by pathogenic mold are those who may have a weak immune system, like the elderly or infants. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is cased by a high doses of pathogenic mold that has infected your immune system. hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an infection in the lungs cased by fungi, bacterial, or any inorganic matter. The symptoms include shortness of breath, chills, coughing, fever, and body aches. Your doctor will you a diagnosis, and he may prescribe medication.
Lastly, mycotoxins allergenic which is the worst of the three, mycotoxins are capable of causing disease and death, but the fatality rate is considered moderate. Mycotoxins can enter your body through skin contact, eyes or the respiratory and digestive tracts. There are no known treatments for mycotoxins, but you can remove them by washing your skin, and rinsing your eyes out with saline. It is highly recommended to contact your physician if you feel that you may have been in contact with toxigenic mold.
