•  Increase text size
•  Decrease text size
•  Print this page
• Share

Mold

Description

Molds are microscopic organisms that play an important role in the breakdown of plant and animal matter. Outdoors, molds can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoor molds can grow on virtually any surface, as long as moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present. When molds are disturbed, they release tiny cells called spores into the surrounding air. Exposure to these spores can produce symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion, eye irritation and blurred vision, sore throat, chronic cough, and skin rash. After contact with certain molds, Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may have difficulty breathing and people who are immunocompromised may be at increased risk for lung infection. A study conducted by NIEHS-funded scientists shows that mold exposure during the first year of life may increase the risk of childhood asthma.

Health Studies & Clinical Trials

• The HEAL Study (http://heal.niehs.nih.gov/)

What NIEHS is Doing on Mold

• Child Development and Environmental Toxins  (633KB)
• Final Guidelines for the Protection and Training of Workers Engaged In Maintenance and Remediation Work Associated with Mold, NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program
• Mold Exposure in First Year of Life May Lead to Asthma Development
• Stress Protein Plays a Role in the Evolution of Drug Resistance in Fungi
• Study Identifies Role of Mold in Asthma Development (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2011/september/science-asthma/index.cfm)

General Information

For Educators

• EHP Student Edition Lesson: In Katrina's Wake  (563KB)
• EHP Student Edition Lesson: The Case of The Contaminated Maize  (97KB)

Related Topics

• Asthma (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/asthma/index.cfm) (http://www.niehs.nih.govhttp://edit:9992/Rhythmyx/assembler/render?sys_authtype=0&sys_variantid=925&sys_revision=5&sys_contentid=9164&sys_context=0)
• Children's Health
• Hurricane Awareness
• Lung Disease

Back to top