The presence of certain mold and mold spores in a building can result in adverse health effects ranging from mild to severe. Some molds can deteriorate the structure of a residence. Health effects may include, but are not limited to; asthma, allergy symptoms, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, blurry vision, sinus congestion, sore throat, dry cough, aches, and pains, skin irritation, headaches, memory loss, and fever. As humans vary greatly in their chemical make-up, so does the individual’s reaction to mold exposure. For some people, a small number of spores from certain molds can cause ill effects, in others, it may take many more before effects are noticed.
According to the American Air Quality Council, the following is a synopsis of an EPA statement regarding the effects of hazardous and toxic substances; the effects of hazardous materials on an individual are subject to the duration and intensity of the exposure as well as the individual’s health and personal habits. Whether or not symptoms develop in people exposed to fungi depends on the nature of the fungal material, the amount of exposure, and the susceptibility of exposed persons. Susceptibility varies with the genetic predisposition (e.g. allergic reactions do not always occur in all individuals), age, state of health, and concurrent exposures.
For these reasons, and because measurements of exposure are not standardized, and biological markers of exposure to fungi are largely unknown, it is not possible to determine “safe” or “unsafe” levels of exposure for people in general. To date, the EPA, CDC, or Massachusetts Department of Public Health have not established any PEL (permissible exposure limit) for mold.
Call Us Today (781) 828-1972 to get the most comprehensive home inspection in the Eastern MA or Northern RI area. Metro Boston Property Inspections has been perfecting the art of Home Inspections since 1998. We’ve kept up as the industry has continued to evolve with new standards and more advanced technology, but one thing has remained consistent: our dedication to providing the best Home Inspection solutions.
