For people who are sensitive to fungus (mold & mildew), exposure to even a tiny amount causes discomfort, headache, irritation of the eyes and nose, sneezing and wheezing, skin rash, and nausea. The more of the stuff you breathe, the more allergic you become.
According to a 1999 Mayo Clinic study, nearly all chronic sinus infections are a result of mold. The terms mold and mildew are often used interchangeably. Molds and mildews are types of fungi that grow on the surfaces of objects and in deteriorated materials. Mold and dust mites flourlish in moist, humid environments that have a constant moisture supply. Molds reproduce by spores and mold begins to grow when the spores land on damp indoor surfaces. They are visible to the naked eye only when they start forming colonies.
Anyone with a stuffy nose or other nasal trouble (allergic or not) is at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems if exposed to mold. Once these people develop a respiratory problem caused by mold, they are sensitive to molds forever. Even if you're perfectly healthy, you aren't safe from the fusty fungi. Anyone who consistently breathes mold spores can develop a sensitivity.
Another health problem brought about by mold is hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This disease causes the air sacs of the lungs to become inflamed when certain mold spores are inhaled by individuals who are sensitive or allergic to the spores. Mold spores can deposit on the lining of the nose and cause hay fever style symptoms. They can also reach the lungs, causing breathing difficulties for those with asthma.
How your health is affected by mold is dependant on the amount of exposure and your susceptibility. But why put that to the test. Properly conditioning your crawl space eliminates the worry and provides a clean living environment.
