Symptoms of Mold Exposure in Young Children
Mold exposure in young children primarily causes respiratory symptoms including allergic illness, wheezing, coughing, and hay fever, as well as potential upper and lower airway symptoms and increased risk of respiratory infections. 1
Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Respiratory Symptoms
Upper respiratory symptoms:
Lower respiratory symptoms:
Allergic Reactions
- Allergic rhinitis
- Worsening of existing asthma symptoms in sensitized children
- Development of allergic sensitization to molds (occurs in approximately 5% of individuals over their lifetime) 3
Skin Symptoms
- Rashes
- Skin irritation 2
General Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Symptoms affecting the central nervous system 4
Severe or Uncommon Reactions
- In infants with acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage (AIPH), symptoms may include:
Risk Factors and Considerations
High-Risk Environments
- Homes with visible mold growth
- Damp buildings with water damage
- Areas with flooding that wasn't promptly cleaned (within 24 hours)
- Homes with high indoor humidity (above 50%) 1, 5
Vulnerable Populations
- Children with pre-existing allergies or asthma are at higher risk for symptom exacerbation
- Infants may be particularly vulnerable to severe reactions in cases of excessive exposure 4
- Children with compromised immune systems face greater risks 3
Diagnostic Considerations
When to Suspect Mold Exposure
- Chronic or recurrent respiratory symptoms
- Symptoms that worsen in damp environments or specific rooms of the home
- Visible mold growth or water damage in the home
- Musty odors in the living environment 1
Important Caveats
- There are no uniformly accepted, valid tests to assess human exposure to mold 1, 5
- No validated method exists to test humans for toxigenic mold exposure 1
- Mold allergies are not dominant allergens - outdoor molds are generally more important than indoor ones 3
- Sensitization to molds appears to play a minor role in pre-school children with newly diagnosed asthma in northern climates 6
Prevention and Management
- Control moisture by maintaining indoor humidity below 50% using dehumidifiers 5
- Ensure proper ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens 1
- Address water damage within 24 hours to prevent mold growth 1, 5
- Remove visible mold growth using appropriate cleaning methods 1
- Consider air filtration with HEPA filters for children with allergies 1
- Avoid carpeting in bathrooms and basements 1
Remember that while mold exposure can cause significant symptoms in some children, the causal relationship between specific molds and certain health effects (particularly AIPH) has not been firmly established in all cases 1. However, the association between living in damp homes with mold growth and adverse respiratory symptoms in children has been demonstrated in approximately 30 investigations worldwide 4.