What symptoms do molds commonly cause?
Mold can cause illness in several ways: Irritation: Exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, nose, and upper breathing passages. Symptoms of irritation include burning eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, and post-nasal drip. Allergy: Many people become allergic to mold and develop hay fever or asthma symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, chest tightness, cough and wheezing. Toxins: Some molds create chemicals, called toxins that can cause illness. While much remains unknown about mold toxins, it appears that some molds produce toxins that can have effects on the skin, the respiratory system, the immune system, and the nervous system. Infection: Some molds can also cause infection, such as chronic sinus infections. Other types of mold-induced infection are much less common, and occur mainly among people with weakened immune systems. Examples of individuals with weakened immune systems include those with HIV infection, those receiving chemotherapy, and the elderly
