Certain strains of mold are dangerous or even lethal to vulnerable groups of humans, including, but not limited to, infants, asthmatic and sensitized individuals. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. How dangerous and serious the reactions are varies according to factors such as how susceptible the person is, whether or not the molds produce important mycotoxins, how much and what type of mold is involved, and how long the person is exposed.
While molds can be dangerous in nature, the vast majority of mold types are harmless for humans. Molds must contain dangerous mold spores and typically have to be ingested by a person several times before they start to create problems like asthma, allergies, or toxic reactions. Several years ago, the world renown Mayo Clinic established the link between mold and chronic sinus infections. More serious than these reactions are memory problems and attention deficit that are associated with Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys atras. Another dangerous strain is Aspergillus that scientists fear may play a part in a small number of cases of cancer. Several researchers have posited that molds can cause differing degrees of brain damage.

Stachybotrys chartarum?

Over the past several years, there have been a number of young infants (most under 6 months old), in the eastern neighborhoods of Cleveland, who have been coughing up blood due to bleeding in their lungs. Some infants have died and more infants continue to to get ill. This bleeding, a disorder called Pulmonary Hemorrhage appears to be caused by something in their home environments, most likely toxins produced by an unusual fungus called Stachybotrys chartarum or similar fungi.
Pulmonary Hemosiderosis is a bleeding in the lungs. Symptoms include severe bleeding can cause coughing up blood or nose bleeds. This is particularly concerning in infants under 6 months old. Chronic, low grade bleeding can cause chronic cough and congestion with anemia. The Bleeding is most likely, toxins made by an unusual fungus or mold Stachybotrys. When infants breathe in the toxins, the blood vessels in their lungs may become fragile. The weak vessels may be bothered by cigarette smoke or stresses from other illnesses and start to bleed. You cannot see the toxins in the air rather they are carried in the microscopic fungal spores.

Mild Reactions to Toxic Mold

· Eye Irritation
· Runny nose
· Sneezing
· Sore throat
· Shortness of breath
· Congestion
· Fever
· Coughing
· Wheezing
· General Fatigue
· Aches and pains
· Headaches
· Dry, hacking cough
· Skin irritation

The following information is from the Washington State Board of Health.

Infectious Reactions

This type of reaction is most prevalent in susceptible groups of people who have weak immune systems from disease or previous drug use, or are genetically prone to infectious conditions. One such pathogen that has caused health risks is Aspergillus fumigatus (also known as A. fumigatus). This pathogen can cause aspergilloses, nosocomial infections, and allergic fungal sinusitis. Aspergillus Flavus is another source of noscomial infections.

Allergic Reactions

By far, allergic reactions are the most common health reaction by atopic individuals to mold exposure. (Atopic refers to individuals who are susceptible to developing allergies when they expose their respiratory system to the allergens.) Allergic fungal sinusitis is perhaps the most common allergic reaction. Individuals typically need to be sensitized to allergens (exposed several times) before they will exhibit allergic reactions.
The type of allergic reaction exhibited can be anything from a very slight and transitory response to a very severe and chronic reaction. Unfortunately, it is often not possible to test whether a mold has caused an allergic reaction because of the lack of available allergy tests.

Irritation to the Mucous Membranes

This reaction to strains of toxic mold occurs to susceptible populations and can be quite dangerous in certain instances. Mold can cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the eyes or respiratory system as a reaction to VOCs. VOCs, or volatile compounds, are chemical byproducts of mold given off as the mold feeds on the organic host material. Enough of these volatile compounds in the air can act as an irritant to the mucous membranes of the eyes or respiratory system.
Other reactions to the byproducts of mold include changes in sensation, swelling of mucous membranes, constriction of respiratory smooth muscle, and dilation of surface blood vessels may be reactions to trigeminal nerve stimulation. Reactions also include breath holding, discomfort, or sensations like itching, burning, and skin crawling. Eye irritation - burning, watering, reddening, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Exposure can result in decreased attention, disorientation, diminished reflex time, and dizziness. Higher levels of VOC exposure to mucous membrane irritants can affect the central nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, attention deficit, and a reduced ability to concentrate.

Serious Reactions to Toxic Mold

Toxic mold can cause many serious responses in certain populations of people. Toxic reactions affect many different body systems. These reactions are caused by the different mycotoxins produced by strains of mold. The real danger seems to be when people are hit by numerous mycotoxins whose effects then compound the toxic effects for humans. Some of the different systems and reactions include:
Cutaneous System
· Rashes
· Burning sensation
· Sloughing of skin
· Photosensitization
Digestive System
· Diarrhea
· Vomiting
· Intestinal hemorrhage
· Liver effects (including necrosis and fibrosis)
· Mucous membrane irritation
Immune System
· Changes or suppression of immune system
Nervous System
· Tremors
· Lack of coordination
· Depression
· Headache
· Mood changes
Reproductive System
· Infertility
· Changes in reproductive cycles
Respiratory System
· Wheezing
· Problems breathing
· Bleeding from lungs
Urinary System
· Nephrotoxicity
Vascular System
· Hemorrhage into body tissues, or from lung
· Higher level of vascular fragility