Indoor Mold & Children's Health

by Jennifer DeDonato

Overview

Indoor mold can mean poor health for children.

2925da04-fcdc-4b8c-b30b-c8162beaf883334500

Mold is a fungus that can grow in homes when moisture is present. Mold can cause a number of health problems in children, including respiratory complications or flu-like ailments.
Asthma

Children with prolonged exposure to mold can develop asthma, which is an inflammation of the lungs that can restrict airways. Asthma cannot be "cured," and mold can exacerbate the condition in children.

Respiratory

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) determined in a 2004 report that mold can cause upper respiratory tract infections in otherwise healthy children.
Immunity

Mold can have a negative effect on immature immune systems. The June 1999 edition of "Environmental Health Perspectives" states that the exposure to allergens and toxins from mold can interfere with the natural development of children's immunity.
Flu-llke Symptoms

Mold can cause symptoms similar to flu conditions, such as sneezing, coughing, irritation or swelling around the eyes, headaches and sore throat.
Schools

Approximately 7,500 public schools in the United States have a mold problem, according to the air quality testing firm Air Quality Sciences. This is of great concern for parents, who cannot control the school environment and are increasing their demands for school officials to clean up the mold.

Overview