Editing Mold (section)

==Health effects==
{{Main|Mold health issues}}
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Molds are [[Wiktionary:ubiquitous#Adjective|ubiquitous]], and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust; however, when mold spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Gent|first1=Janneane F|last2=Ren|first2=Ping|last3=Belanger|first3=Kathleen|last4=Triche|first4=Elizabeth|last5=Bracken|first5=Michael B|last6=Holford|first6=Theodore R|last7=Leaderer|first7=Brian P|date=December 2002|title=Levels of household mold associated with respiratory symptoms in the first year of life in a cohort at risk for asthma.|journal=Environmental Health Perspectives|volume=110|issue=12|pages=A781–6|doi=10.1289/ehp.021100781|pmid=12460818|pmc=1241132|issn=0091-6765}}</ref>

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Some studies claim that exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and, in some cases, death.<ref name="Toxicol Ind Health">{{Cite journal
| pmid = 19854819
| year = 2009
| last1 = Empting
| first1 = L. D.
| title = Neurologic and neuropsychiatric syndrome features of mold and mycotoxin exposure
| journal = Toxicology and Industrial Health
| volume = 25
| issue = 9–10
| pages = 577–81
| doi = 10.1177/0748233709348393
| bibcode = 2009ToxIH..25..577E
| s2cid = 27769836
}}</ref> Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily home exposure, may be particularly harmful. Research on the health impacts of mold has not been conclusive.<ref>{{cite book|last=Money|first=Nicholas|title=Carpet Monsters and Killer Spores: A Natural History of Toxic Mold|url=https://archive.org/details/monsterskillersp00mone|url-access=limited|year=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford, UK|isbn=978-0-19-517227-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/monsterskillersp00mone/page/n190 178]}}</ref> The term "toxic mold" refers to molds that produce mycotoxins, such as ''[[Stachybotrys chartarum]]'', and not to all molds in general.<ref name=niosh>[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/mold.html Indoor Environmental Quality: Dampness and Mold in Buildings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507222501/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/mold.html |date=2020-05-07 }}. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. August 1, 2008.</ref>
[[File:Mold from a grapefruit.jpg|thumb|Mold on a grapefruit under the microscope]]
Mold in the home can usually be found in damp, dark or steamy areas, e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, cluttered storage areas, recently flooded areas, basement areas, plumbing spaces, areas with poor ventilation and outdoors in humid environments. Symptoms caused by mold allergy are: watery, itchy eyes; a chronic cough; headaches or migraines; difficulty breathing; rashes; tiredness; sinus problems; nasal blockage and frequent sneezing.

Molds can also pose a hazard to human and animal health when they are consumed following the growth of certain mold species in stored food. Some species produce toxic secondary metabolites, collectively termed [[mycotoxin]]s, including [[aflatoxin]]s, [[ochratoxin]]s, [[fumonisin]]s, [[trichothecene]]s, [[citrinin]], and [[patulin]]. These toxic properties may be used for the benefit of humans when the toxicity is directed against other organisms; for example, [[penicillin]] adversely affects the growth of Gram-positive bacteria (e.g. [[Clostridium]] species), certain [[spirochetes]] and certain [[fungi]].<ref>Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, Blood and Studdert, 1999</ref>