| |
Molds
& The Health Problems They Cause
Purpose
We have put together this reference manual for health care
personnel to give them an easy source of information on mold and
its effects on people. Most healthcare personnel do not have the
extensive microbiology and pathology background that a physician
has. Therefore, they need a simple to use reference guide that
can give them the concise answers that they might need while
treating environmentally induced illnesses.
Layout
The following pages are in alphabetical order to make it easy to
access the proper information in rapid manner. Some books lay
out the molds according to which grouping they belong based on
reproductive or gross physical traits. This manual isn't a text
on the inner workings of molds. We are going for speed.
What This Manual ISN'T
This manual will not tell you HOW to identify various
molds. Most molds look alike on the test medium. Therefore you
can't identify them by looking.
This manual will not go into WHY various molds do what
they do. There are tens of thousands of molds in the USA that
can affect someone's health. Each can cause different problems.
This is why you see so many different signs and symptoms
attributed to mold. People even scoff because "Mold can't cause
that many different problems". They are right. One mold can't
cause that many problems. But many molds can cause many
problems.
This manual will not tell you WHAT to use to kill mold.
Each mold is different. Each has its own needs. So one thing
will not kill ALL molds. Deciding how to kill specific
molds will take the years of expertise that only a true
professional can provide. It is not a job to take lightly or by
the inexperienced.
This manual will not discuss treatment of mold infections. That
is a doctor's job and the doctor is most knowledgeable on this
subject. Each health professional has a place in the big
picture. The environmental specialist can treat the external
causes but only the physician can treat the internal effects.
If you have any questions that aren't answered by this
manual, please feel free to give us a call ... 865-558-9772.
Mold
Reference quick link table:
TOP - A B C
E F G
M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Absidia
Effects on Human Health:
Skin Infections
Eye Infections
Nasal Infections
Eroding Tissues
DEATH
Symptoms Include:
Redness of the Eye
Skin Rash
Swelling Around Eye
Sinus Drainage
Difficulty Breathing through the Nose
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Zygomycosis may spread into tissues surrounding the eye
causing severe skull infections and swelling. Thrombosis and
necrosis of blood vessels leads to death in 2-10 days after
onset.
Keratomycosis of the cornea may lead to blindness.
Absidia is an opportunist that is highly infective in
children and others with depressed immune systems.
Particularly susceptible to zygomycosis are the
undernourished, people with acidosis, diabetes, and people on:
corticosteroids, antibiotics or antileukemic drugs.
Skin infections are an additional problem that can be
caused by this opportunistic mold. If it finds a break in the
skin, it can grow out of control and lead to major health
problems.
Acremonium
Effects on Human Health:
Eyes Infections
Can cause fungus balls, known as mycetoma, to form in the
lungs.
Arthritis-like Infections
Meningitis
General Systemic Diseases
Symptoms Include:
Swelling of the Eye Region
Lesions of the Hard Palate
Pain in Joints
Disorientation (Brain Fog)
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Skin Contact
Clinical
Information
An important agent of opportunistic infections in
debilitated patients.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are attributed to this
mold at certain stages of its existence.
Acremonium doesn't respond well to antibiotics and may have
long-term symptoms.
This opportunistic mold can cause skin infections if it
finds a break in the skin. It infects children most often. If
this mold gets into the blood stream, it has a history of
causing meningitis. Some of its chemical byproducts can also
lead to arthritis and bone joint inflammations.
Alternaria
Effects on Human Health:
Severe Allergies
Lung Infections
Massive Nasal Infections
Skin Infections
Ear Infections
Symptoms Include:
Chronic Illness
Sleep Loss
Headaches
Sinus Drainage
Flu-like Symptoms
Asthmatic Symptoms
Wheezing
Sore Throats
Disorientation (Brain Fog)
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Suppresses the white blood cells as they pass through the
lungs. This can alter a person's ability to fight off
opportunistic infections.
This mold is highly infective in children.
Alternaria causes severe nasal infections that may require
surgery to correct.
A highly allergic mold responsible for extreme
hypersensitivities.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are attributed to this
mold at certain times of its existence.
Prolonged use of medications to fight the effects of this
mold further reduce the immune system.
This mold can cause skin infections if it finds a break in
the skin. It can also enter the ear and cause ear infections.
These are most often found in children.
If inhaled, the spores of this mold will cause infections
to begin in the soft wet linings of the nose and sinuses. If
these spores are inhaled deep enough, lung infections can occur.
These respiratory infections are difficult to control once they
begin.
Apophysomyces
Effects on Human Health:
Eye infection
Nasal Infection
General Infections
Allergic Reactions
Symptoms Include:
Swelling Around the Eyes
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Erosive Lesions Around the Face
Death
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Contact
Clinical
Information
Zygomycosis may spread into tissues surrounding the eye
causing severe skull infections and swelling. Thrombosis and
necrosis of blood vessels leads to death in 2-10 days after
onset.
Keratomycosis of the cornea may lead to blindness.
Particularly susceptible to zygomycosis are the
undernourished, people with acidosis, diabetes, and people on:
corticosteroids, antibiotics or antileukemic drugs.
Early fungal sinusitis needs to be eliminated from the
differential diagnosis because of the speed with which this mold
can spread.
Aspergillus
Effects on Human Health:
Sinus Infections
Ear & Skin Infections
Causes Impotence
Pneumonia
Respiratory Infections
Neurological Effects
Symptoms Include:
Vomiting
Headaches
Asthmatic Symptoms
Flu-like Symptoms
Allergic Symptoms
Hypersensitivities
Coughing
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Illness
Dizziness
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
An important agent of opportunistic infections in
debilitated patients.
Can cause inflammatory diseases in lungs and other organs.
Can cause fungus balls, known as mycetoma, to form in the
lungs.
Causes infections of the anterior and posterior chambers of
the eye and can lead to blindness.
Contains the toxins Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin which are
carcinogenic.
This mold is one of the biggest disease causing molds on
Earth. Breathing in its spores can cause major lung infections.
If it gets into the blood stream major blood vessel diseases can
result. Death is not an uncommon occurrence with this mold,
especially among people with weakened immune systems such as
people with AIDS and people undergoing chemotherapy. This mold
also produces toxins such as Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin that
have been proven to cause cancer.
One of the strangest side affects of this mold is "seeing
things" such as rats when there are no rats present. This is due
to the presence of toxins, which can mix up nerves and cause
improper signals to be sent to the brain.
Aspergillus is usually found where there has been a water
problem.
Aureobasidium
Effects on Human Health:
Severe leg and foot infections
Allergic Reactions
Symptoms Include:
Swelling of the Extremities
Discoloration of the Skin
Erosion of the Skin
Method
of Transmission:
Contact
Clinical
Information
This mold takes long times to treat and can cause a lot of
distress in the meantime.
This mold has been associated with cheloid blastomycosis.
When presented with a skin break, this mold produces severe
leg and foot infections. These infections can be crippling and
long lasting, requiring years to recover.
TOP - A B C
E F G
M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Bipolaris
Effects on Human Health:
Skin Infections
Nose Infections
General Body Infections
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing
Coughing
Rash
General Weakness
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Contact
Clinical
Information
If Bipolaris gets into the bloodstream it can lead to
endocarditis.
Respiratory infections are a potential source of entry into
the bloodstream.
Peritonitis is a huge potential problem from this mold.
The most common reaction to Bipolaris is skin infections.
It affects the skin through open wounds. The mold spores attack
the wound, making it impossible to cure with antibiotics.
Bipolaris is also linked to severe immune disorders. The
toxins that are released from this mold put continual stress on
the immune system making it difficult to fight off illness.
It has been linked with meningitis.
Blastomyces
Effects on Human Health:
Lung Infections
Skin Infections
Bone Infections
Nose Infections
Mouth Infections
Blood Infections (rare)
Symptoms Include:
Cough
Spitting up Blood
Skin Ulcers with Abscesses
Ulcers in the Mouth
Ulcers in the Nose
Weakness
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Respiratory problems must be differentiated from
tuberculosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and
paracoccidioidomycosis.
Generally this problem is found East of the Mississippi
River but cases are fairly common around San Francisco.
This mold loves moist areas and attacks a wide variety of
body systems. Because of its love for moisture and heat, the
lungs are very vulnerable to this mold. It has been linked to a
wide range of skin infections. If it gets into the blood stream
the toxins of Blastomyces will settle in bones, which will
require long and painful therapy.
TOP - A B C
E F G
M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Candida
Effects on Human Health:
Vaginal Infections
Bronchitis
Pulmonary Infections
Meningitis
Fungal Infections
Symptoms Include:
High Fever
Allergic Symptoms
Flu-like Symptoms
Fungal Nail Growth
Eye Infections
Ear Aches
Skin Rashes
Lesions of the Throat
Lesions of the Mouth
Chronic Fatigue
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Personal Contact
Clinical
Information
Distribution of the diseases caused by Candida are
worldwide and can affect any age group.
Most serious reactions occur in individuals with weakened
immune systems.
Secondary infections are common if a person already has
tuberculosis, malignancy, or viral infections like the flu.
Candida can cause lesions in the mouth, vagina, bronchi and
spread to these places to produce septicemia, endocarditis, or
meningitis.
Candida is a common pathogen and prefers to attack women.
It affects mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina and weakens
the body when its byproducts get into the blood stream. It can
also cause eroosive skin and nail infections, which are hard to
heal.
This mold also accounts for many cases of people with
symptoms like those of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Candida is usually found in bathrooms, kitchens, and
laundry areas in larger quantities. It likes moist areas; under
sinks, around the dishwasher, behind the refrigerator, etc.
Opening cabinet doors under the sink and leaving the washer and
dryer doors open at night will help keep these places dry.
Chaetomium
Effect
on Human Health:
Skin Infections
Severe Allergic Complications
Systemic Infections
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Redness and swelling
Method
of Transmission:
Contact
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Systemic or cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis
Associated with autoimmune conditions like MS and Lupus
Chaetomium is an opportunistic mold. It looks for open
wounds and cuts and causes infections. It likes to take
advantage of weak spots in the body and poor immune systems.
It can be found in wet dry wall.
Chrysosporium
Effect
on Human Health:
Skin Infections
Severe Allergic Complications
Systemic Infections
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Redness and swelling
Method
of Transmission:
Contact
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Chrysosporium is an opportunistic mold. It looks for open
wounds and cuts and causes infections. It likes to take
advantage of weak spots in the body and poor immune systems.
It can be found in wet dry wall, paper products, and
cardboard. This mold likes to live in garages with stacked
cardboard boxes.
Cladosporum
Effects on Human Health:
Eye Infections
Skin Infections
Scarring of Skin
Chronic Fatigue
Severe Allergic Reactions
Symptoms Include:
Itching
Rash
Fatigue
Redness of the Eyes
Swelling about the Eyes
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Eczema is associated with his mold. When the patient is
separated from this mold the Eczema diminishes.
Keratomycosis can be severe and require long treatment
Cladosporum is an opportunistic mold that looks for breaks
in the skin and leads to infections. It looks for weak places in
the ears and eyes.
It is primarily found in attics and crawlspaces or other
areas that have poor ventilation.
Curvularia
Effect
On Human Health:
Lung Infections
Heart Infections
Nose Infections
Skin Infections
Eye Infections
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing
Coughing
General Weakness
DEATH
Draining Lesions of the Skin
Swelling around the Eyes
Partial Loss of Vision
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Contact
Clinical
Information
If Curvularia gets into the bloodstream it can lead to
endocarditis
Curvularia particularly likes to infect the nasal septum.
Zygomycosis may spread into tissues surrounding the eye
causing severe skull infections and swelling. Thrombosis and
necrosis of blood vessels leads to death in 2-10 days after
onset.
Keratomycosis of the cornea may lead to blindness.
Particularly susceptible to zygomycosis are the
undernourished, people with acidosis, diabetes, and people on:
corticosteroids, antibiotics or antileukemic drugs.
Mycetomas, or fungal balls, result if this mold gets inside
the body. If it gets into the blood stream, a condition of the
heart, called Endocarditis, can occur.
Like other molds, this one can cause lung and nose
infections. These result in sneezing, coughing, and general
weakness.
Curvularia is found in areas with poor ventilation, much
like attics and crawlspaces.
TOP - A B
C E F G
M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Epicoccum
Effect
On Human Health:
Severe Allergic Complications
Systemic Infections
Lung Infections
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing
Coughing
Wheezing
Runny Nose
Dizziness
Redness and Swelling
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Contact with Skin
Clinical
Information
Epicoccum is an opportunistic mold. It looks for open
wounds and cuts and causes infections. It likes to take
advantage of weak spots in the body and poor immune systems.
It can be found in areas with very high humidity.
TOP - A B
C E F G
M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Fusarium
Effect
On Human Health:
Severe Skin Infections
Skin Ulcers
Bone Infections
Can cause fungus balls, known as mycetoma, to form in the
lungs.
Meningitis
Symptoms Include:
Severe Rashes
Soreness
Sleep Loss
Headaches
Hypersensitivities
Chronic Illness
Flu-like Symptoms
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne Inhalation
Contact with Skin
Clinical
Information
Fusarium causes extremely dangerous skin infections. The
symptoms are similar in appearance to Strep A, "the flesh
eating", bacteria. Many experts compare the symptoms to that of
leprosy.
Ulcerations or infections of the face, hands, and body are
very graphic. Once infected most persons stay bedridden for a
considerable period.
Further debilitates the already suppressed immune system.
Preliminary analysis reveals that Fusarium has been linked
to impotence.
This opportunistic mold can get inside cuts and can cause
severe skin infections leading to skin ulcers. This can also
cause ear infections, and bone infections if allowed inside the
body.
Fusarium usually grows outdoors. If found indoors, it feeds
on plants and needs moisture to grow.
TOP - A B
C E F G
M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Geotrichium
Effect
On Human Health:
Skin Infections
Severe Allergic Complications
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Redness and Swelling
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Geotrichium is an opportunistic mold. It looks for open
wounds and cuts and causes infections.
Geotrichium is found where there are food products. Its
primary location is in the kitchen area.
TOP - A B
C E F
G M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Microsporum
Effects on Human Health:
Skin Infections
Lung Infections
Scalp Infections
Symptoms Include:
Rash
Cough
Loss of Hair in Patches
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
From Contaminated Soil
From Infected Cats and Dogs
Clinical
Information
Tinea capitis and tinea corporis can become epidemic among
kids.
In immune suppressed individuals Microsporum can become
invasive and create life threatening problems.
Mycetoma have been reported in immune suppressed
individuals.
Like most molds, Microsporum looks for open wounds and
breaks in lining and settles into infections. It is common with
Athlete's foot. Once it settles, rashes and severe irritations
are very common.
Microsporum lives in moist areas and feeds off of plants.
Mucor
Effects on Human Health:
Ear Infections
Eye Infection
Nasal Infection
General Infections
Allergic Reactions
Symptoms Include:
Swelling Around the Eyes
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Erosive Lesions Around the Face
Death
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Contact
Clinical
Information
Zygomycosis may spread into tissues surrounding the eye
causing severe skull infections and swelling. Thrombosis and
necrosis of blood vessels leads to death in 2-10 days after
onset.
Keratomycosis of the cornea may lead to blindness.
Particularly susceptible to zygomycosis are the
undernourished, people with acidosis, diabetes, and people on:
corticosteroids, antibiotics or antileukemic drugs.
Mucor causes severe ear infections, especially amoungst
children.
Ear infections in children can be extremely destructive.
Even loss of hearing may result.
Mucor needs a constant water source to live and reproduce.
TOP - A B
C E F
G M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Paecilomyces
Effects on Human Health:
Lung Infections
Blood Vessel Infections
Nail Infections
Ear and Eye Infections
Allergic Bronchial Asthma
Skin Infections
Heart Infections (endocarditis)
Symptoms Include:
Difficulty Breathing
Skin Rashes
Swelling
Disorientation (Brain Fog)
Fatigue
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Early treatment intervention is critical since this mold
disseminates rapidly.
Endophthalmitis and endocarditis onset is rapid in persons
with a weakened immune system.
The toxins in this mold cause Endocarditis (heart
infection), lung, and skin infections.
There is not a specific cause for this mold.
Penicillium
Effects on Human Health:
Pulmonary Infections
Urinary-tract Infections
Otomycosis
Hypersensitivities
Contains Ochratoxin A (a carcinogen)
Symptoms Include:
Sore Throat
Sneezing
Asthmatic Symptoms
Flu-like Symptoms
Allergic Symptoms
Sleep Loss
Sinus Drainage
Ear Infections
Headaches
Disorientation (Brain Fog)
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Further debilitates the immune system of already suppressed
person.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are attributed to this
mold at certain stages of its existence.
Penicillium infections are a class of secondary infections
which can be fatal to persons with severe compromised immune
system.
Persons who develop chemical sensitivities or MCS almost
always are allergic to molds at an early stage of their lives.
This mold is known to cause ear infections in children and
adults. There is also a high incidence of skin rashes and
infections.
This mold contains the toxin Orchratoxin-A which has been
proven to cause cancer.
Penicillium is a mold that lives in areas of poor
ventilation.
Physarum
Effect
On Human Health:
Allergic Complications
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Redness and Swelling
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Physarum is not a mold that affects many people. If there
is a pre-disposition to an allergic reaction, it will lead to
typical allergy symptoms.
TOP - A B
C E F
G M P R
S T U -
BOTTOM
Rhizopus
Effect
on Human Health:
Severe Ear Infections
Skin Infections
Severe Allergic Complications
Lung Infections
Symptoms Include:
Ear Aches
Congestion
Sore Throat
Wheezing
Skin Rashes
Abrasions
Shortness of Breath
Mucus in Lungs
Method
of Transmission
Airborne
Contact with Skin
Clinical
Information
This mold is feces dependant and thrives on or near natural
fertilizers or organic fertilizers. Rhizopus also thrives in
crawlspaces where rodent excrement is found.
This mold which is responsible for food spoilage has a
severe affect on those with debilitated immune systems such as
children, the elderly and post-op patients.
Lowers and suppresses the whit blood cells in the lungs
which leads to opportunistic infections.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are attributed to this
mold at certain stages of its existence.
This mold, which is normally found growing on animal feces,
can get into our food supply to reproduce. It also causes a wide
variety of ear infections.
TOP - A B
C E F
G M P
R S T U -
BOTTOM
Saksenaea
Effect
on Human Health:
Severe Ear Infections
Skin Infections
Severe Allergic Complications
Bone Infections
Symptoms Include:
Swelling Around the Eyes
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Erosive Lesions Around the Face
Death
Method
of Transmission:
Contact
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Zygomycosis may spread into tissues surrounding the eye
causing severe skull infections and swelling. Thrombosis and
necrosis of blood vessels leads to death in 2-10 days after
onset.
Keratomycosis of the cornea may lead to blindness.
Particularly susceptible to zygomycosis are the
undernourished, people with acidosis, diabetes, and people on:
corticosteroids, antibiotics or antileukemic drugs.
Scopulariopsis
Effect
On Human Health:
Skin Infections
Lung Infections
Bone Infections
Nose Infections
Mouth Infections
Symptoms Include:
Coughing
Ulcers in the mouth and nose
Weakness
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
This mold loves moist areas and attacks a wide variety of
body systems. Because of its special love for moisture and heat,
the lungs are very vulnerable to this mold. It has also been
linked to a wide range of skin infections. If it gets into the
blood stream the toxins of Scopulariopsis will settle in bones,
which will require long and painful therapy.
Stachybotrys
Effect
on Human Health:
Severe Lung Infections
Skin Infections
Severe Allergic Complications
Symptoms Include:
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Coughing up blood
Death
Method
of Transmission:
Contact
Airborne
Clinical
Information
When lung infection comes into contact with second hand
cigarette smoke, hemaciderosis occurs, especially in small
children
Stachybotrys is what is commonly known as "Black Mold". It
gives off a chemical that causes a break in the lining of the
lungs, which leads to blood accumulating in the lungs.
There needs to be a current, constant water source for it
to maintain. Stachybotrys lives around saturated wood.
TOP - A B
C E F
G M P
R S T U -
BOTTOM
Trichoderma
Effect
on Human Health:
Hair Infections
Skin Infections
Symptoms Include:
Rash
Sneezing
Hair Loss
Method
of Transmission:
Contact
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Trichoderma is an opportunistic mold that looks for breaks
in the skin and scalp.
It is primarily found in cluttered areas, much like storage
areas and garage space.
TOP - A B
C E F
G M P
R S T U -
BOTTOM
Ulocladium
Effect
on Human Health:
Allergic Complications
Symptoms Include:
Snezzing
Runny Nose
Redness and Swelling
Method
of Transmission:
Airborne
Clinical
Information
Ulocladium is not a mold that affects many people. If there
is a pre-disposition to an allergic reaction, it will lead to
typical allergy symptoms.
TOP
|
