Molds and possible symptoms
The following adverse health effects have been linked to mold exposure:
skin rashes loss of hearing fatigue loss of eyesight depression bloody noses unexplained irritability arthritic-like aches flu-like symptoms chronic headaches trouble breathing “crawly” skin feeling coughing |
epileptic-like seizures sinus congestion upper respiratory distress nausea dizziness sneezing or stuffiness irritation of the eyes irritation of the nose irritation of the throat runny nose restlessness loss of memory equilibrium or balance loss chronic colds |
The following is a list of specific molds and possible symptoms:
Alternaria spp. Have emerged as opportunistic pathogens particularly in patients with immunosuppression, such as bone marrow transplant patients. They are one of the causative agents of phaeohyphomycosis. Cases of onychomycosis, sinusitis, ulcerated cutaneous infections, and keratitis, as well as visceral infections and osteomyelitis due to Alternaria have been reported. In immunocompetent patients, Alternaria colonizes the paranasal sinuses, leading to chronic hypertrophic. In immunocompromised patients the colonization may end with development of invasive disease.
Aspergillus spp. Almost any organ or system of the human body may be involved. Onychomycosis, sinusitis, cerebral aspergillosis, meningitis, endocarditis, myocarditis, pulmonary aspergillosis, osteomyelitis, otomycosis, endophthalmitis, cutaneous aspergillosis, hepatosplenis, aspergillosis, as well as, Apergillus fumgemia, and disseminated aspergillosis may develop. Nosocomial occurrence of aspergillosis due to catheters and other devices is also likely. Construction in hospital environments constitutes a major risk for development of aspergillosis particularly in neutropenic patients. Aspergillus spp. May also be local colonizers in previously developed lung cavities due to tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, bronchietases, pneumoniosis, ankylosing spondylitis or neoplasms, presenting as a distinct clinical entity, called aspergilloma. Aspergilloma may also occur in kidneys. Some Aspergillus antigens are fungal allergens and may initiate allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis particularly in atopic hosts. Some Aspergillus spp. Produce various mycotoxins. These mycotoxins, by chronic ingestion, have proven to possess carcinogenic potential particularly in animals. Among these mycotoxins, aflatoxin is well-known and may induce hepatocellular carcinoma. It is mostly produced by Aspergillus flavus and contaminates foodstuff, such as peanuts. Aspergillus spp. can cause infections in man.
Cladosporium spp. are causative agents of skin lesions, keratitis, onychomycosis, sinusitis and pulmonary infections.
Mucor spp. are among the fungi causing the group of infections referred to as zygomycosis. Although the term mucormycosis has often been used for this syndrome, zygomycosis is now the preferred term for this angio-invasive disease. Zygomycosis includes mucocutaneous and rhincerebral infections, as well as, septic arthritis, dialysis-associated peritonitis, renal infections, gastritis and pulmonary infections. Diabetic ketoacidosis and immunosuppression are the most frequent predisposing factors. Desferoxamine treatment, renal failure, extensive burns, and intravenous drug use may also predispose to development of zygomycosis. Vascular invasion that causes necrosis of the infected tissue, and perineural invasion and the most frustrating features of these infections. Of note, due to its relatively limited activity, itraconazole prophylaxis in immunosuppressed patients may select the fungi in phylum zygomycota as the cause of infections.
Penicillium spp. Rare agent of infection, cases of keratitis, peritonitis and systemic disease reported for species other than P. marneffei. P. marneffei is the major pathogen in the genus. It is the etiologic agent of penicilliosis marneffeii, a systemic disease in immunocompromised hosts.
Chaetomium sp. Is a dermatiaceous filamentous fungus found in soil, air, and plant debris. As well as being a contaminant, Chaetomium spp. are also encountered as causative agents of infections in humans. Some species are thermophilic and neurotropic in nature. Chaetomium spp. are among the fungi causing infections wholly referred to as phaeohyphomycosis. Fatal deep mycoses due to Chaetomium atrobrunneum have been reported in immunocompromised host. Brain abcess. Peritonitis, cutaneous lesions and onychomycosis may also develop die to Chaetomium.
Stachybotrys sp. (Black Toxic Mold) Is a filamentous fungus occasionally isolated as a contaminant from nature and indoor environments. The geographic distribution of Stachybotrys is wide. It has been isolated from contaminated building materials, insulator foams, indoor air, and water damaged buildings. Stachybotrys produces tricothecene mycotoxins known as satratoxins. These toxins may lead to pathological changes in animal and human tissue. Stachybotrys has been associated with lung diseases, brain damage, and has even been listed as a cause death.
Warren C. Zalfen Jr.
Licensed Home Inspector
LSBHI License # 10229
Louisiana Mold Remediation Contractor
LSLBC # 250013
CMICI Certified Mold Inspector
CMICI Certified Mold Contractor
7940F Wrenwood Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: (225) 927-6152
Fax: (225) 927-6992
E-Mail: 
wzalfenjr@juno.com
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