To find a Certified Mould Inspector or Remediator in your area, or to be trained & certified as a mould inspection, testing, remediation, and prevention expert, please visit: Mould Professional.

For in depth information about the health effects of exposure to toxic mould and how to diagnose and treat mould illnesses, read our new book Mould Health Guide.
 

Asthma and Mould
Inhaling mould spores is a factor in causing asthma in children.

         For millions of Americans, taking a breath is a major task. The culprit, asthma, affects more than 17 million Americans, including five million children. Asthma is a chronic disease in which air flow in and out of the lungs is impeded by swelling, constriction, and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, as was well as excess mucus production within those tubes. The airways of all people constrict when exposed to certain irritants like pollen, pollutants or some drugs. People without asthma can usually make the airways relax again quickly just by taking deep breaths. People with asthma cannot do that.

        Patients my find their condition triggered or worsened by several factors, which can be allergic or non-allergic in nature. Allergic asthma means that asthma symptoms become more intense, perhaps even result in an "asthma attack," when the individual is exposed to allergens to which their immune system is sensitive. The inflamed airways of asthmatics are sometimes described as "twitchy", and inhaling pollens, moulds, animal dander or other allergens can cause the airways to become even more inflamed, produce mucus and constrict. Most asthma in children is allergic in nature.

       With non-allergic asthma, sufferers' symptoms worsen when they are around certain irritants, such as viruses, weather changes, air pollution, strong odors, anxiety, or other triggers Those irritants do not a cause a reaction in the immune system as allergens do. Still they can exacerbate symptoms for asthmatics. Courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology [U.S.A. Today, "All About Allergies and Asthma," March 16,2001]

To have your home and/or workplace inspected and tested for asthma-causing and asthma-worsening mould infestation, please hire a Certified Mould Inspector.