Effect Of Mold Exposure On A Newborn
Mold Exposure and effect on newborn
Mold inhalation can be deadly for the lungs and respiratory system of any individual, but newborns are more susceptible to the symptoms caused by the mold.
I know you must be having these questions in mind:
What happens if a baby is exposed to mold?
Can babies get sick from mold?
Is black mold harmful to babies?
Can mold kill babies?
It is also confirmed by many empirical studies that mold exposure has many adverse effects on infants as they are in formative process and their body is developing.
The Science Behind Mold and Babies
Babies immune systems are still growing so they are much more susceptible illnesses. A baby is an easy target! In fact, Vicki Lankarge, author of What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Mold (And What to Do About It), reported 45 infant exposure cases in Ohio since 1994 and 16 of these infants died. That’s a 36% mortality rate. Why is this stuff so dangerous to babies? Well, when a baby breathes in mycotoxins(a toxic substance produced by a fungus), the blood vessels in the baby’s lungs are weakened, pulmonary hemorrhaging is possible, and even a possibility of bleeding inside of the baby’s lungs.
Side note: If a baby has consistent exposure to both mold and cigarettes, the chances of pulmonary hemorrhaging increases even more.
Geographic Location
Mold can grow in any environment, even in dryer climates. All it takes is unnoticed water seepage anywhere within or near a building for mold infestation to take hold indoors, according to the Weather Channel. Mold that causes toxic effects, such as Stachybotrys atra, has been found largely in Canada in all GTA especially in toronto, reports suggest. Toxigenic mold is found in all types of buildings, including businesses, schools and daycares.
More than 270 species of mould have been identified in Canadian homes
Health Canada considers indoor mould growth to be a significant health hazard. … Damp conditions and mould growth in homes increases the risk of respiratory allergy symptoms and exacerbate asthma in mold-sensitive individuals. It is important to know how to identify, address and prevent moisture and mould in your home — canada.ca
It is also found out that infants growing in vicinity of mold can develop asthma by the age of 7.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, mould can cause coughing and bleeding in the lungs of infants and young children.
Long-term Effects
Molds that release mycotoxins into the air can cause serious damage to the central nervous system and lungs,
Pulmonary Hemorrhage
With repeated exposure to powerful toxins from mold, infants are sometimes seriously affected, and in some cases, long-term exposure leads to death.
Respiratory Problems
It’s not uncommon for kids to develop croup, pneumonia, or bronchitis if there is mold growth due to water damage in the home.
- Croup — An inflammation or blockage of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Children will start to experience shortness of breath.
- Pneumonia — An inflammation of the lung tissue. Those afflicted will experience fever, chills, cough, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing.
- Bronchitis — An inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Your baby could experience dry coughing, noisy breathing, and vomiting. They’ll also eat less and can become more irritable.
Allergic Reactions
We’ve mentioned sneezing, coughing, and runny nose. But it does not stop there.
Your baby could experience rashes. Skin irritation is not out of the question, especially if the baby comes into direct contact with the mold in question
Early exposure to mold plays an important role in the development of respiratory diseases and these individuals are more prone to allergies and other problems associated with lungs.
As mold growth is linked to humidity and moisture. That’s why basements and bathrooms are major spot of their growth as there is limited airflow.
Mold can grow anywhere from dry walls to concrete, or other building materials as plywood.
Why mold is dangerous?
Mold releases microscopic spores in the air and these spores can be inhaled by lungs.
Once the spores enter the body, they start causing fungal infection, itchy and watery eyes, runny rose, sore throat etc.
Many long-term effects are also linked with mold growth as bronchitis, asthma etc.
Household molds cause illness but the prognosis is slow as when one is confusing allergic reaction because of mold spores, they might neglect the long-term effects and might suffer from toxic mold causing major illness.
People with weak immune system can be from any age group elderly, children, toddlers or infants if inhale the spores this can also be life threatening for them.
As according to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA infants are most sensitive to all kinds of mold and in most of the cases if exposed to the spores can suffer long term serious illnesses.
Some mold generates MVOCs also known as “microbial volatile organic compounds” which are formed in result to fungal metabolism which make people ill especially children and infants.
These compounds are discharged into the air, directly and are known to cause several respiratory problems and other illnesses.
To avoid this, it is important to prevent mold growth anywhere in the house by keeping an eye and regular checking the house regularly and wiping up the damp areas of the house Immediately.
This can also be done by taking proper care of bathtubs, and everything that is involved in the showering process. The key to protecting your bathroom from mold is to keep everything dry.
Paying close attention to the shower curtains, mats and other cloth pieces. It is important to take care of grouts in the bathroom to prevent mold growth.
If there is basement, mold growth can be prevented by installation of dehumidifiers, indoor air quality testing machines, maintaining proper air flow and ventilation in the house.
It is important to consult the professionals to check the house if mold is present in the cracks of the tiles as these can be tricky to avoid any hazardous and life-threatening problem.
Get Professional assistance on time — Mold Investigation & Remediation CAN solve problems
After getting out of the home, you should schedule an appointment with a team of mold removal experts. Ask for a free mold inspection in toronto, let the experts know that you need a mold remediation, if you’re 100% sure that you have active growth in your home. You can also try your hand on getting rid of mold by opting for DIY mould removal in toronto . I would also advise that everyone living in the home to go see a doctor.
Scholarly resources (Ref’s)
