MOLD FACTS

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WHAT ARE MOLDS AND MYCOTOXINS?

 

  • We all know that molds are everywhere, but when an abundance of molds are indoors, given the right conditions they can cause serious health consequences.

  • Molds are defined as microscopic forms of fungi.

  • Mycotoxins are toxins produced by certain molds which are poisonous to animals and man.

  • There are over 100,000 species of molds. 

  • About three dozen cause health problems in humans.

  •  EPA, FEMA and CDC government agencies agree that mold starts to grow and spread 24 to 48 hours after water damage.

We have known for a long time about the health effects of molds:

 

History of Molds

Molds are mentioned in Leviticus in the Bible (Chapter 14) • Molds were used by the Spartans in their war against Athens in 430 B.C. • There were 65 mold epidemics worldwide between 1591 and 1889 • 1920’s: Fatal kidney disease caused by mold in Denmark and the Balkans • 1930’s: Stachybotrycosis:30% of horses in Russia from eating moldy hay • 1944: Alimentary Toxic Aleukia epidemic in Russia from eating moldy bread; 10% of the population was affected and it was often fatal • 1952: Aflatoxicosis: killed poultry that ate moldy corn (Aspergillus)

 

Biological Warfare • Used in Southeast Asia from 1974-1981

   

Indoor molds and the mycotoxins they produce have affected people from all walks of life and ages.   They do not discriminate; even some well-known celebrities have been affected. Even if you can’t see or smell them in your school, workplace, or residence these mycotoxins are capable of affecting you, your family, your co-workers, classmates, or loved ones’ health.

 

WHAT’S THE CONTROVERSY?

First, there are two schools of thoughts in the medical community:

One group believes that molds cause allergic responses only (i.e. asthma, fungal sinusitis) and the other group has “scientific” evidence showing that inhalation to mycotoxins causes adverse health effects and not just allergic responses only, but the controversy continues.

Second, we do not have any federal laws governing indoor air quality for molds.  

Finally, we have two bills pending, which are stalled in the U.S. Congress.