THE EFFECTS
OF MOULD ON
THE MENTAL
& PHYSICAL
HEALTH OF
CHILDREN
A poor quality indoor
environment presents dismal
consequences for children,
especially in the early years
of their lives. Since children’s
immune system develops from
birth to adolescence, they
require natural stimulation from
antigens and inflammatory
agents in order to develop
properly. Therefore, inhaling
antigens and irritants present
in a poor quality indoor
environment may cause unusual
reactions and disturbances in
their development.
According to Etzel and
Rylander (1999), fifteen
scientists from eight countries
participated in a workshop held
on Children’s Health and Indoor
Mould Exposure. They found
that exposure to mould may
create a health risk to children,
resulting in the following:
• Episodic and/or persistent
upper respiratory
symptoms, such as rhinitis,
blocked nose, sneezing,
eye irritation, and
hoarseness.
• Lower respiratory tract
symptoms, such as dry
or productive cough, and
wheezing.
• Increased incidences of
infections.
excessive fatigue, and
joint pains.
• Food intolerance to mould
in cheese, wine, beer, and
mushrooms.
• Nose bleeding and
hemoptysis, which are
unusual symptoms
reported in high-exposure
conditions and particularly
in connection with the
exposure of infants to
certain toxigenic fungi.
• Skin symptoms, such
as itching and redness,
that can be present both
in exposed areas of the
body (suggesting contact
dermatitis) or in areas
protected by clothing
(suggesting other
mechanisms.)
•
Systemic symptoms,
such as headache, fever,
74 SL-YOU | It’s All About Business
www.slyoumag.com | February - April 2020