In 1999, the Mayo Clinic has observed that sinusitis can primarily be attributed to mold exposure. Many cases of asthma are reportedly caused by exposure to mold and mildew as well. These fungi that appear both outdoors and indoors release airborne allergens that causes a variety of ailments in varying degrees of seriousness. Commonly, surface molds produce mild to moderate ill effects while the most notorious ones, the toxic molds, could lead to more severe health concerns. One such mold is known as the stachybotrys.
Like all molds, the stachybotrys, releases mold spores in order to reproduce. Along with mold spores, toxic chemicals called mycotoxins and VOC or volatile organic compounds are released into the air. In fact, mold spores are actually vessels for these toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals are released into the air when the mold spores attach themselves to damp places such as waste bins and rotten logs outdoors. Indoors, these spores like to attach themselves to damp and dark places such as the back of walls, shower tiles, damp and dark basements, attics, cellars, laundry rooms, and other places that are humid.
Objects, especially ones that are left wet for more than a day, such as carpets and rags, could also become mold sites. Mold spores that have attached themselves on fabric and feed on fabric are called mildew.
Constant inhalation of these mold spores has been known to produce allergic reactions even in the most non-allergic of persons. At best these reactions are limited to slight skin irritation, cough, and sneezing. However, different people incur different allergic reactions to mold exposure.
Cases of lung infections and lung bleeding have been reportedly caused by exposure to mold and mildew both indoors and outdoors but most especially indoors where air is confined. Memory loss and the deterioration of the immune system, which may render the body vulnerable to other more serious diseases, are other consequences of frequent encounters with mold and mildew.
Mold is a naturally occurring substance in nature. It would be hard to eliminate mold outdoors and would be detrimental to natural decomposition processes. Indoors, however, there is a way that mold and mildew can be reduced and eventually, eliminated. Technological advancement has led to the manufacturing of ozone generators. The use of ozone generators will help eliminate mold and mildew indoors. Ozone generators release ozone that counteracts mold and mildew through oxidation. Ozone is able to eliminate mold and mildew when it saturates the amount of mold and mildew in an area. Experts recommend ozone generators be used on their highest setting to effectively eliminate mold and mildew. Even concentrations of mold and mildew in an area, lets say, a corner of the house, can be eliminated using an ozone generator. Ozone generators that are able to release at least 800mg of ozone per hour will eliminate mold and mildew. FM-1 and the PRO-4 ozone generators, so far, are the best units out there to eliminate mold and mildew. These could release 2000mg of ozone per hour. Make sure you follow the manufactures directions, which include not using the machine in spaces while they are occupied by people or pets.
