Can Breathing In Mold Hurt You?

Can Breathing In Mold Hurt You?

Yes…well, No…OK, MAYBE! Mold is one of those things that I think everyone just “knows” is not a good thing to have around. And if we are talking about on our food or in our homes, it certainly is a bad thing to have hangging around. But, if you go take a walk outside on a nice spring day, you’re likly going to be breathing in some mold spores with that “nice spring air”. Tiny microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere and are a natural and good part of our outdoor environment. Breathing in these low levels of mold spores in the outside air most often will not have any significant health affects. Not all mold spores are the same. Some produce Mycotoxins that are harmeful to humans and animals. Just like with allergies, some people may be more sensitive than others to mold spores. People with allergies, or compromised immune systems may nottice a quicker and more significant reaction to mold exposures. The EPA has no “safe” exposure level for mold spores. While symptoms may vary from person to person, significant and sometimes dangerous adverse health affects have occurred in individuals exposed to toxic mold spores. Prolongged exposure to Mycotoxins can cause seriours adverse health conditions. So in short, breathing in mold may or may not hurt you, depending on the situation, but its never a good idea to let mold grow inside your home.