• infants and children
• elderly
• anyone with reduced immune defense (people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, liver disease, etc.)
• pregnant women individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma.
  
  People with these special concerns should consult a physician if they are having health problems.
  

What symptoms are common?
Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination) include:

• respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty in breathing
• nasal and sinus congestion
• eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
• dry, hacking cough sore throat nose and throat irritation shortness of breath
• skin irritation
• central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
• aches and pains possible fever
  
  

Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Reactions vary in a person's sensitivities to mold, both as to amount and type needed to cause reactions. In addition, certain types of mold can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, that the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead mold spores. materials permeated with mold need to be removed, even after they are disinfected with cleaning solutions. Allergic and toxic effects can remain in dead spoors. Exposure to mycotoxins may present a greater hazard than that of allergenic or irritative molds. Mycotoxins have been found in homes, agricultural settings, food and office buildings.
Of the thousands of organisms represented here as "molds", there are a few that are known to have more serious effects on humans, and include: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Fusarium.