Health Problems Related To Wallemia Mold
Wallemia Mold
Wallemia Mold and other types of mold can cause health problems in people, especially individuals with Asthma, Allergies or a Compromised Immune System. The health problems caused by this particular strain of mold tend to be relatively mild compared to Stachybotrys or Chaetomium. Wallemia Mold is rare in S. Florida, but when found, it has already started to take over a home due to its ability to grow in low levels of humidty without a water event. This is a problem because we generally have a humidity levels above 70% most of the year. If it is in your attic, it must be cleaned up due to the fact, it will beging to consume the sheeting of the roof the same way that Dry Rot Algae consumes wood.
Serious complications from this mold are rare unless you have a Compromised Immune System. The usual types of health problems caused by this strain of mold include possible allergic reactions and hay fever-like symptoms. This can also possible be a runny nose, along with sinus congestion, headaches, coughing and sneezing. In rare cases, this mold species can result in skin rashes.
If the mold spores lands in an open wound, there is a possibilty of an infection occuring. This can be very serious if the infection enters the enters the bloodstream. Wallemia releases MVOC’s as it is growing. Some strains of Wallemia produce the mycotoxins walleminol and walleminon and may cause subcutaneous infections and allergic reactions (farmer’s lung disease) in humans.
If you’re having health problems you think might be caused by exposure to mold, see your doctor as soon as you can. Let your doctor know you suspect exposure to mold is causing your symptoms. Treatment may include antihistamines, antifungal medications, antibiotics, and other medications based on your symptoms. Usually outpatient treatment will be sufficient but in the event of serious infections, hospitalization may be required.
After you have seen your Doctor, you’ll need to have the mold removed from your home in order to get well. As long as you continue to be exposed to mold, your symptoms will continue and may even get worse.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at our website: www.safe-homes.com. If you need immediate assistance, call us at (954) 531-6476.
References: Polona Zalar, G. Sybren de Hoog, Hans-Josef Schroers, John Michael Frank and Nina Gunde-Cimerman (2005). Taxonomy and phylogeny of the xerophilic genus Wallemia (Wallemiomycetes and Wallemiales, cl. et ord. nov.). Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (2005) 87:311–328. http://blog.mycology.cornell.edu/2007/03/20/the-fungus-in-my-maple-syrup/ Picture: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
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