Mold Travels Through Walls

3x higher spore levels found in homes with asthmatic kids

healthy living magazine mold travels through walls

Asthma rates in children and adults are increasingly linked with exposure to toxic mold says a 2014 study from Environmental Research that finds spores from fungi (molds) ranging from 2 to 100 microns in diameter and containing many allergens worsen asthma and allergies.

However, while these larger bodies can be filtered by the body, researchers observed fungi and fungal spores produce allergenic fragments smaller than 1 micron and these pass easily through our defenses..

Mold not visible

Microscopic spore fragments have immune-damaging effects that worsen asthma and allergies. While whole mold spores are large enough to be filtered by the nose and throat before they enter deep into the lungs, particles smaller than 1 micron enter deep within the respiratory tissues and become systemic irritants and toxins often entering the bloodstream and traveling to other bodily organs.

These submicron particles are also small enough to travel through walls, floors and ceilings particularly during dampness and flooding.

Read: War of Molds

submicron particles penetrate walls

South Korean researchers discovered average airborne spore levels measured in submicron particles were nearly 3 times as great (66.1 vs 23.0 picograms per cubic meter of air) in the homes of 15 asthmatic children as compared with homes of 14 non-asthmatics.

Homes with higher relative humidity had a significantly higher average level of airborne submicron particles. Fungal allergens and mycotoxins travel in the environment by attaching to particles smaller than 1 micron in diameter, thus gaining entryway into the body.

A 2005 study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reported that trichothecene mycotoxins were present on small (<1 micron) spore-free fungal fragments from Stachybotrys chartarum.

mold damage

In PLOS ONE a research team examined 16 published studies and found exposure to water-damaged homes was associated with a 33% higher risk of asthma while exposure to visible mold was associated with a 29% increase.

A study of 13,335 children (4 to 6 years old) in Shanghai reported in the journal Indoor Air that home exposure to visible mold damage was associated with 32% higher risk of asthma, 42% higher risk of wheeze, 43% higher risk of dry cough and 36% higher risk of rhinitis (nasal congestion).

indoor molds

Of the many different types of molds that are found in homes, the following are the most common ones:

1) Alternaria: This type of mold is found in homes in the US but is the most common type of contaminant across the globe. It is also found on plants and soil and is a type of allergenic mold. Alternaria causes allergies and, if inhaled, could result in hay fever, asthmatic reactions and other allergies.

2) Mucor: This type of mold is found in soil and animal droppings, also commonly present in household dust. Mucor can cause lung infections in people who have weak immune systems.

3) Penicillium: This type of mold is found in the soil, in food, indoor dust and decaying food materials. The mold that forms on bread is an example of penicillium. It is an allergenic mold, known to be toxic

4) Aspergillus: This is an allergen and can cause hay fever, asthmatic reactions and lung infections. It usually does not affect people with strong immune systems but it does produce some harmful toxins that can even be fatal for those with weak or compromised immune systems.

Read: Invincible Fungus

what to do

Antifungal drugs like diflucan might be one approach—but talk with your doctor about the use of microbial supplements. The 30 Day Microbial Cleanse with prepackaged daily nutrients can keep things easy.

Among ingredients in the antimicrobial cleanse are olive leaf, deodorized garlic, apple cider vinegar, caprylic and undecylenic acid combined with grapefruit seed extract and neem (UGN). Each is recognized for possessing anti-fungal, -bacterial, -viral and -parasitic properties. Deodorized garlic’s diallyl sulfides rev up immune activity against fungi, yeasts and viruses.

Olive leaf with d-lenolate has been studied for its antimicrobial properties and is consumed worldwide as a cleansing tea. Caprylic and UGN contain organic fatty acids used for centuries as antimicrobial agents in the manufacture of soaps. In the last 50 years, they have found use as yeast and mold inhibitors in food and as topical and systemic antifungals.

Besides these, the fiber portion of the 30 Day Microbial Cleanse prevents a Herxheimer reaction arising from an overload of lifeless fungi and their toxins

Obviously, addressing mold problems should involve air filtration and removal of the offending sources, but the systemic overload must also be dealt a blow. Everybody is different and there is no set time as to how long it will take to completely get the fungus out of your system including the lungs. But often four to six months are sufficient.