They are neither plant nor animal. They grow and live on dead matter. No, they are not zombies, but mold, a diverse group of microorganisms in the kingdom fungi.
Despite their dastardly rap, mold organisms are not all that bad: By decomposing organic matter, they help perform recycling for our ecosystem, says Weston resident, Dr. Philip Hemmers, a doctor of osteopathic medicine with Norwalk Hospital. That, however, doesnt mean you want to share your home with mold.
Mold, which reproduce in moist areas, create microscopic spores that then find wet or moist areas in which to grow. Unchecked, growth which is fueled by dead organic material, plus moisture and air -- will spread to neighboring habitable materials. Mold will grow on rotting wood, grass and compost piles. But it also thrives in bathrooms, basements, carpeting and wood inside the walls.
Although some mold produce mycotoxins, says Dr. Hemmers, Most are not directly harmful to the majority of people. They will only cause infection in people with a compromised immune system -- HIVAIDS, for example. However, they can cause adverse health effects in other ways.
Dr. Hemmers lists some of molds manifestations, the primary one being allergies, which is an over-reaction of the immune system. He says, Instead of fighting harmful bacteria or viruses, our immune system can produce antibodies to fight harmless environmental molds. When exposed, the immune system will activate causing inflammation and symptoms. These allergies, he says, can develop at any time in life and are triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental overexposure.
Sensitivity, says Dr. Hemmer, is another factor determining a persons reaction to mold. Molds release chemicals called mvoc's (microbial volatile organic compounds), which can cause ill-defined health effects. Common allergic symptoms, says Dr. Hemmer, include sneezing, congestion, headaches and breathing difficulty. Some people can experience difficulty concentrating.
Although mold spores are originally invisible to the human eye, when mold starts growing it usually becomes visible, and is easy to spot if you know what you're looking for. Molds appear as a discoloration in black, green, gray, brown and other colors. But they might not even be recognized until structural damage has occurred or health problems have been noticed.
What should you do when youve detected mold and have developed an intolerance for it? Dr. Hemmer suggests vanquishing mold in your home as a first defense against it. Beyond that, he says, over the counter antihistamines can be helpful, and longer term allergen desensitization (shots) might be the answer.
Or, you can always consider moving to Arizona. Then again, youll have to worry about sunscreen.
Have you had to deal with mold -- or mold allergies? Let me know here.
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