From the Guidelines
Exposure to mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause numerous health problems ranging from mild to severe, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Mold exposure commonly causes respiratory issues including coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals, as noted in a study published in Pediatrics 1. It may also cause eye irritation, skin rashes, headaches, and fatigue. For those with compromised immune systems or mold allergies, reactions can be more severe. VOC exposure similarly affects respiratory health, causing irritation of the airways, headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Long-term VOC exposure has been linked to damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene are known carcinogens, as discussed in a study on cough and occupational and environmental considerations 1. People with chemical sensitivities may experience symptoms at lower concentrations than others. Both mold and VOCs can contribute to Sick Building Syndrome, where occupants experience acute health effects linked to time spent in a particular building. Key health problems associated with mold and VOC exposure include:
- Respiratory issues: coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and asthma attacks
- Allergic reactions: eye irritation, skin rashes, headaches, and fatigue
- Damage to organs: liver, kidneys, and central nervous system
- Cancer: some VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene are known carcinogens Treatment typically involves removing the source of exposure, improving ventilation, and addressing specific symptoms with appropriate medications like antihistamines for allergic reactions or inhalers for respiratory symptoms, as suggested by a study on the spectrum of noninfectious health effects from molds 1.
From the Research
Health Problems Associated with Mold and VOCs
- Respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or Sick Building Syndrome have been linked to exposure to VOCs 2
- Exposure to mold in damp indoor environments can lead to various respiratory health complaints, including:
- Asthma development and exacerbation
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Cough
- Wheeze
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Nasal and throat symptoms
- Respiratory infections 3
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been implicated in the development and exacerbation of asthma and allergic disorders, although the evidence is inconsistent and of poor quality 4
- Indoor mold exposure has been associated with the development and exacerbations of asthma in children, and with the incidence and exacerbations of occupational asthma in adults 5
- Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely linked, and treatment of allergic rhinitis has been shown to improve asthma symptoms, with allergen-specific immunotherapy offering long-term control and potential prevention of asthma development 6
Specific Health Effects of Mold Exposure
- Visible mold and mold odor have been associated with the development and exacerbations of asthma in children 5
- Exposure to mold in a work building has been linked to the incidence and exacerbations of occupational asthma 5
- Systematic reviews and longitudinal studies provide sufficient evidence of an association between mold exposure and allergic rhinitis 5
Specific Health Effects of VOC Exposure
- Aromatics (such as benzenes, toluenes, and xylenes) and formaldehyde have been studied in relation to the development and exacerbations of asthma and allergy, although the evidence is inconsistent 4
- Domestic VOC exposure has been implicated in the risk of developing and/or exacerbating asthma and allergic disorders, although the evidence is of poor quality and inconsistent 4