Molds can cause many health ailments. The most common symptom associated with exposure to elevated levels of fungal spores or mold is Allergies. Other symptoms are; asthma, edema, bronchiospasms, pulmonary emphysema, candida vaginitis, thrush, infections in the human skin, nails, eyes, nose, sinuses, tongue, throat, esophagus, and the entire digestive tract and fungal related ear infections. Molds can also be acutely toxic to the liver, brain, kidneys, lungs and heart.

Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with biological pollutants. Symptoms often include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness, lethargy and fatigue, fever and digestive problems. Dust mite residues have been identified as an important trigger for asthma attacks.

Some symptoms might include a runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and respiratory complaints. Symptoms often resemble those of allergies and asthma.

Secondhand smoke exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult non-smokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is also linked to nasal sinus cancer. Some research suggests an association between secondhand smoke and cancers of the cervix, breast, and bladder. However, more research is needed in order to confirm a link to these cancers.

No immediate symptoms. Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Lung cancer would usually occur years (5-25) after exposure.

Electrolysis like many minor procedures in medicine does have a short healing phase. During this time, there maybe some transient redness or swelling and occasionally some pinpoint scabbing. Your electrologist will advise you regarding what can be expected during the healing phase.

Yes, the malnourishment and purging associated with Anorexia often cause other significant health problems. People with Anorexia are often diagnosed with anemia, cardiovascular (heart and blood circulation) problems such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), tooth decay from repeated vomiting, poor kidney functioning, and osteoporosis (a decrease in the size and strength of bone).

There are three exposure routes for asbestos fibers: (1) inhalation via the respiratory system (2) ingestion via the mouth associated with asbestos fibers in drinking water and (3) skin contact. Asbestos has been known to cause a number of disabling and fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural plaques. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos; therefore, all exposure to asbestos should be avoided.

In order to be exposed to PAHs at the school, you must come into direct contact with the contaminated soil (for example, touching the soil, eating soil particles on hands or food, or breathing airborne soil particles). Several PAHs have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and in people after long periods of exposure at high levels. Studies in animals have also shown that PAHs can cause harmful effects on skin, body fluids, and the immune system.

We are exposed to mould and mould spores throughout our day in our natural environment. This does not mean that if you find mould that you should not take basic precautions such as gloves and a mask, but the concern is greater for people with compromised or suppressed immune systems where exposure can lead to problems with allergic reactions or infection. The type and concentration of mould and the method of exposure will have an effect.

While many types of mold growths can cause an allergic reaction, stachybotrys has been blamed for much more severe health issues. The most well known case attempted to draw a correlation between stachybotrys and pulmonary hemosiderosis in a small number of infants.

No one knows the answer to this question for several reasons. Individuals are very different with respect to the amount of mold exposure they can tolerate. Children under the age of one year may be more susceptible to the effects of some molds than older individuals. Measuring or estimating “exposure” levels is very difficult.

The mold glossary (located at the end of the "Mold FAQ" section) has pictures of mold, types of mold, mold exposure, and effects of mold, in a general informational format. References and acknowledgments are provided so the viewer can also locate additional and more detailed information about mold from various sources.

Asbestos diseases may be placed in two categories. Cancerous and noncancerous. Asbestos is a potent carcinogen. The primary forms of cancer of the lung which have been linked to asbestos exposure are: Mesothelioma usually starts in the pleura of the lung, which is an outside lining of the lungs. To see where the pleura is, click here. There is also a form of mesothelioma called peritoneal mesothelioma, which is not a cancer of the lung, but the peritoneum, which is the area below the lung.

Stay indoors when the pollen count is high and on windy days when dust and pollen are easily scattered. Keep indoor plants to a minimum and never overwater if allergic to mold. Wet soil encourages mold growth.

People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections.

The answer to this question is the subject of ongoing scientific and policy debate. We do know very high levels of dioxin in blood (hundreds to thousands of times higher than people normally experience) increase the likelihood of developing chloracne, a temporary skin condition which can be severe in some cases. Scientists convened by WHO reviewed the animal toxicity data on dioxin in a recent report (Food Additives Contam., 17: 223-240, 2000).