Although the word mold seems to only have negative associations these

days, mold in itself is actually a vital part of nature. Mold itself is an “umbrella term” that envelopes every species of a certain type of fungi. There are at least 3,000 different species of mold – nobody has been able to pin down an exact number – and while it’s true mold can be hazardous, the cycle of life needs mold to turn, because molds help break down organic matter, making it easier for other organisms to then recycle that matter.

But there are some molds that can be dangerous – even fatal – to humans. These molds types, known as toxic molds, are penicillium, aspergillus, stachybotrys, paecilomyces, and fusarium mold. These molds can cause everything from allergies to mucous membrane irritation, infections to mushroom poisoning, and even humidifier fever.

Mycotoxins are basically poisonous substances produced by fungi. These toxins are responsible for the illnesses that molds give people – when someone inhales or somehow ingests fungal spores, it allows the toxins to infiltrate the body and begin attacking it.

• The Health Affects Of Toxic Mold

Toxic mold affects everyone differently, so oftentimes toxic mold symptoms are written off as something else at first. Toxic mold can cause respiratory problems such as wheezing, nasal congestion, sore throats, chronic fatigue, fevers or skin irritation. In addition to those symptoms, they can cause severe allergic reactions as well as a disease known as Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome. Toxic mold can even cause Aspergillosis, a deadly lung infection that causes fevers, coughs and chest pain.

• Toxic Mold Locations

If you’re living a house and wondering if there is toxic mold in the building, you’ll need to know where the mold likes to hide. Fungi like moist, damp places because those conditions allow mold to flourish. Bathrooms with poor ventilation are popular hiding spots. If you have any leaky water pipes, check to make sure there isn’t any there. If your roof leaks, check the areas it leaks over. Even clothes dryer fans that are located underneath a house are prime places for toxic mold to hide. And if your house was recently flooded, chances are you’re going to develop mold no matter what.

• Be Very Careful

If you suspect for even a second that your home is infected with toxic mold, don’t waste any time: get your home tested! If you wait too long and it turns out your home is infected, you are putting your life at risk.