Mold spores are so small that they evade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract. Although thousands of molds exist, only a few dozen are significant allergens. They aggravate or cause allergies and asthma, particularly, in children. One of five Americans suffers from allergies. The other common effects of exposure to molds include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, flu like symptoms, chronic sinus infections, rashes, nosebleeds, fever, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, inability to concentrate, fatigue, and respiratory infections.
Some pathogenic molds effect the central nervous system or suppress the immune system.
The growth of molds in your house should prevented to minimize the exposure to yourself and your family. You cannot eliminate all mold spores in the air, but, at the very least, you must reduce the exposure to allergens below the threshold at which your family experiences reactions. Some molds produce extremely potent toxins called mycotoxins. Some are carcinogenic and cause, for example, kidney cancer. Some schools and many private homes had to be evacuated.