Death from Mold

This is a blow-by-blow description of what toxic molds can do to you. This is what a mold inspector hears from their clients, co workers and my own personal experiences.

The first time America became aware of toxic mold was when several Shriners, one cook and several wait staff died mysteriously. The Center for Disease Control took over the investigation. Eventually they discovered the reason was mold in the hotels duct systems. The first unfortunate person to die had loaded up his plate with food at the buffet line and was dead before he got to his table. Everyone thought he had a stroke. When the ambulance arrived to pick up the fallen man close to forty people where sick. I remember Walter Cronkites somber voice announcing that tragically another victim had succumbed to the mystery illness. This went on for weeks. Afterward many buildings throughout the country where closed down for repairs.

There are several ways to die from exposure to mold toxins. Inhaling the mold spores into your lungs. Many victims are dead in about ten days. Some species of mold have spores so small they can enter into the deepest parts of your lungs. The cells lining the air passages swell up and in some cases fluid leaks into the airways as well. It does not take long to suffocate once the infection gets to that point. I have had this condition myself. The first day after exposure to the spores I felt fine. On the second morning I was a little congested but not that bad. On the third morning I knew I was in serious trouble. My lungs where filled with a thick mucus. Simply walking to the kitchen left me gasping for air. I keep a supply of medicines on hand that clear up congestion. Mold inspectors get lung problems all the time you learn how to get rid of it. I steamed the medicine and breathed in as much as I could. I repeatedly rubbed the medicine on my chest and around my lungs. On the first morning I would breath in the medicine every two hours. Towards

the evening I would breath the medicine in every four hours. The next day I continued breathing in the medicine about every three or four hours. On the third day I breathed in the medicine before going to work and once or twice after work. It took me close to a week to recover from the effects. The condition is sometimes called farmers lung.

Intestinal infections are another usually slower way to die. The spores start growing in your intestines. The type of infection is named after the group of molds that are thought to be responsible. Zygomycosis is just one of these mold named infections. The intestines are affected in a similar fashion as your lungs. The difference is the intestines eventually rupture and that can take many years.

Why am I telling you all this gruesome stuff? As a warning to be very careful when dealing with mold. The examples I have given are just a small sample of the effects of molds. Molds produce some of the most toxic chemicals known to mankind. Always wear a respirator when working around mold. I don't mean those cheap paper filters either. Get a mask that seals tightly to your face. Wear goggles since many species can grow in your eyes. Many people have died when working with mulch and fertilizer so wear a filter when you are working in the garden or any moldy environment.