Is There a Link Between Cystic Fibrosis and Mold?

Mold—some strains are harmless, but others can be extremely hazardous, especially for people with existing lung conditions. The health risks from mold exposure are worst for people with illnesses like asthma or cystic fibrosis. Here’s why some types of mold are so dangerous.

The Link Between Cystic Fibrosis and Mold

Certain species of mold, like aspergillus fumigatus and stachybotrys chartarum (aka black mold), are toxic to humans. If toxic mold spores get inside your body, they can cause serious health problems. Sometimes, they can even be deadly.

Cystic fibrosis isn’t an extremely common disease, but it does affect around 35,000 people in the United States. It’s a genetic disorder that makes the body produce too much mucus. This can lead to blocked airways and lung damage, as well as an increased chance of infections, because bacteria and other pathogens (like mold spores) get trapped in the mucus.

If you or someone in your family has cystic fibrosis, you need to be highly cautious of mold. People with cystic fibrosis are very vulnerable to lung infections from mold, and exposure to a toxic mold like aspergillus could have dire consequences.

Health Risks from Toxic Mold

Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus that can cause bronchiectasis in people with cystic fibrosis or severe asthma. Bronchiectasis damages the airways into the lungs, widening them and leaving pockets where mucus can build up.

If you have symptoms of bronchiectasis, your doctor will order an aspergillosis precipitin test. This test will show whether you are allergic to aspergillus mold. If the test is positive, you may want to schedule a mold inspection to check for signs of an infestation in your home.

Don’t ever try to deal with a mold infestation on your own. Trying to kill or remove mold might only stir up the spores, increasing your exposure and spreading mold to other parts of your home. Only a mold removal professional has the training and equipment to effectively neutralize toxic mold.

Mold Testing and Removal in Santa Clara

Lab testing can tell you if there is harmful mold in your home, and dry fog mold remediation can help you get rid of it for good. Protect your health and your family—schedule a free inspection from the experts at My Pure Environment today. Give us a call at 408-549-8926, and start breathing easier.

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/3/2023.