Several components and products of mold may cause disease. Mold grows as a mass of microscopic filaments, fragments of which may cause adverse health effects. In addition, the spores that mold releases to reproduce, along with certain components of mold’s cell walls, may also cause adverse health effects. Mold products-for example, allergens, volatile Several components and products of mold may cause disease. Mold grows as a mass of microscopic filaments, fragments of which may cause adverse health effects. In addition, the spores that mold releases to reproduce, along with certain components of mold’s cell walls, may also cause adverse health effects. Mold products-for example, allergens, volatile gases that often create a musty odor, and toxins released by certain types of mold under certain conditions-can also cause disease. An example of a toxin-producing mold is
Stachybotrys chartarum, which produces multiple toxins that may suppress the functioning of immune cells.
Indoor Mold: Better Coordination of Research on Health Effects and More Consistent Guidance Would Improve Federal Efforts
United States Government Accountability Office