Talk:Mold health issues

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[edit] Contradiction about allergies?

There is a great deal of confusion arising from a shorthand notion that spores are the vectors of mycotoxins. Spores are not the only carriers of mycotoxins. But a lot of people refer to spores since it is easier to do so; easier to explain.

Furthermore, some people do develop allergic reactions to spores. Perhaps this should be pointed out. Note that the mycotoxins are the real killers, so it is important to differentiate between these and spores.

So the statement:"The numerous spores released by mold do not themselves cause significant harm in humans" is correct. Some people can develop first level sneezing and allergic reactions.

A previous statement, now edited out, said: "Some molds are particularly serious in this respect, because their spores are important causes of allergies (they are allergens); also, the spores of some fungi like Stachybotrys release potent toxins into the lungs when inhaled; Stachybotrys spores can cause very severe symptoms and lung lesions in children." It is the mycotoxins, not the spores.

Q: what size are spores compared to pollens?

Q: Does mold cause brain damage? I get mixed results when I search at Google.

Is it an accident that the See Also section is fashioned into a pyramid? -- Bob Holness —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.70.152.142 (talk) 19:49, 14 May 2008 (UTC)