Mold can be an invasive cohabiter in your home. The spores released by molds are part of their reproduction—spores act like tiny seeds that are light enough to travel up to 20 miles in the wind. When inhaled by an individual with allergies or asthma, these little spores wreck havoc, but even a individual with no previous health concerns may be affected by mold. What types of mold are currently sharing your residence?—here is a list of common molds that pose a health hazard:

• Cladosporium - A significant mold allergen, found across the United States, both indoors and outdoors. Causes skin sensitization and affects the upper and lower respiratory tact. It is shown to be a common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate hypersensitivity). Certain strains are also considered toxic.
• Alternaria - A major allergy-causing mold. When found indoors, this mold is often growing in carpets, textiles and other horizontal surfaces (such as window frames).
• Helminthosporium – A widespread fungus that is often found on celery. Mutated forms are difficult to kill. The fungi produce large spores that would be expected to be deposited in the upper respiratory tract.
• Epicoccum – This variety is similar to Helminthosporium. It is commonly spread through the air, soil and on food and its spores are very often found in indoor air.
• Penicillium - A common indoor mold often found in musty basements. Can cause mucorosis in already ill individuals, and will adversely affect the health of individual living in a home where the air has a concentration of their spores.
• Aspergillus - A hardy, indoor mold that can live in dry conditions and flourishes in the autumn and winter in the northern hemisphere. About 20 of its species have been reported to cause fungal infections in individuals with lowered immune systems. Can cause several different allergic-related diseases and cause permanent lung damage (fibrosis).
• Mucor - An indoor mold and the black mold we see on breads. This is a skin and bronchial allergen and has even been reported to enter the body through wounds, causing other serious health concerns.

For allergy sufferers, the trigger for mold allergies is harder to avoid than some of the other common irritants—i.e. relief from pollen can be found indoors, pets can be shut out of certain parts of the house to avoid contact with dander, etc. The most difficult part of catching mold before it reaches an infestation stage is that usually it grows unseen. Mold takes refuge inside walls, under carpets and in air ducts. No one is guaranteed to be immune to mold—spores can affect perfectly healthy individuals and cause very serious health problems for allergic and non-allergic individuals alike. This is because of the toxins or mycotoxins they carry.

Mycotoxins are reported to cause illnesses ranging from chronic sinusitis to cancer. Long exposure to mycotoxins can harm the brain, reducing mental capacity, which in turn manifests itself as learning disabilities or cognitive deficiencies.

From all of the research that I have done from writing articles like this one, I have found that the repeated recommendation to avoid mold infestation is to dehumidify air and install an air purifier with UV light technology. Ultra Violet light is the most effective way to neutralize microorganisms in the air. This includes spores as well as bacteria and viruses like flu and streptococcus.

For more information on mold, I found Mold-Help.org to be one of the most comprehensive resources. To neutralize airborne spores Air Oasis and Biozone make air purifiers for your home that work using UV technology. The ideal solution for eliminating spores through out your house is one of the purifiers that can be installed in your existing ductwork.