Prolonged exposure causes an individual to become more sensitive over time, and can result in increasingly intense reactions in the future.- Most mold reactions are of an allergic nature, similar to pollen allergies. This reaction results in watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and potentially a rash if dermal exposure is involved.
- A smaller percentage of the population is at risk from toxic reactions to mold, especially young children, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems. Not all molds can produce toxins, and even those that can are not always producing them. Those that do, however, produce some of the most potent toxins known to man. These can result in nerve damage, bleeding, memory loss and other serious side effects.
- The final potential side effect from mold exposure is infection in the lungs, sinuses, or open wounds. Several species of Aspergillus can grow in human lung tissue and form what is known as a fungal ball infection. While actual mold infections are not common, they are very difficult to treat and can be fatal if left unchecked. As with toxic effect, young children, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems are most at risk.
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