FAQs
Mold
Mold spores are much smaller than pollen grains, thus allowing them to bypass normal filtration through the nose. Inhalation into the lungs is a common cause of asthma attacks in people who are allergic to molds.
Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects for some individuals such as, nasal stuffiness, coughing, wheezing, throat, eye, and/or skin irritation
Symptoms are different for everyone but in some cases mold can make individuals ill, especially if they suffer from other allergies or asthma. You don’t have to be allergic to mold for it to cause irritation to your nose, throat, eyes, skin and/or lungs.
Mold, if undetected and removed, can cause a variety of illnesses, and in some cases can be potentially deadly, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Asbestos
Asbestos refers to a group of six different types of naturally occurring minerals. Asbestos minerals are made up of fine, durable fibers which are resistant to heat, fire and many chemicals. However, any exposure to the group of minerals can lead to pleural mesothelioma and other diseases such as lung cancer or asbestosis.
Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled and carried into lower regions of the lungs. This can cause fibrotic lung disease (asbestosis) and changes in the lining of the chest cavity (pleura). These diseases can lead to reduced respiratory function and even cause death. Long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers also increases the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Enlargement of the heart can also occur as an indirect effect from the increased resistance of blood flow through the lungs.
Yes, Asbestos is still used in some building materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles and dry wall, as well as automotive brake pads, gaskets and clutches. Asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, flooring or ceiling tiles that are old and flaky can cause Asbestos fibers to be airborne and breathable.
According to the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), asbestos exposure is a concern for the following workplaces and processes:
- Mining of asbestos occurring from natural mineral deposits
- Processing of asbestos minerals (millers)
- Manufacture of asbestos-containing products
- Construction industry – disturbing asbestos-containing materials during building renovations or demolitions
- Mechanics – vehicle brake and clutch repairs
- Insulation workers and heating trades
- Sheet metal workers, plumbers and pipe fitters
- Workers responsible for disposing of asbestos waste, and waste workers
- Cement workers
- Custodial workers – contact with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials in building
Allergens
Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and molds can all cause allergies. Unlike seasonal allergies such as hay fever, indoor allergies may last all year long.
It’s important to vacuum once or twice weekly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. Wearing a mask while cleaning can also help reduce or relieve allergy symptoms. Use a damp cloth or mop when cleaning. In the home, wash bed sheets weekly in hot water without using scented detergents.
Testing can involve eliminating certain allergens from your environment and then re-introducing them to see if a reaction occurs. Skin testing is widely used in finding the cause of allergens
Household dust is a mixture of natural substances including dried food particles, mold spores, pollen, fabric fibers, animal dander, and insect parts, especially those of dust mites and cockroaches that can cause allergies.