AIRBORNE SPORES RESPONSIBLE FOR A HOSTS OF ILLS

MOULDS ARE microscopic multi-cell organisms of the fungi family which
occur naturally on earth. There are more than 100,000 known mould species.

Their role in nature is to break down organic matter.

Moulds reproduce through the airborne dispersal of millions of tiny
spores which float through the air until they find a wet or damp
surface on which to settle.

House moulds are typically found growing in the damp spots of
bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements, or near windows with high
condensation.

Structures used as grow houses tend to house large amounts of mould
because of the high and constant humidity levels needed to grow
marijuana plants.

Moulds pose a multitude of health risks and are potentially deadly to
the frail and vulnerable, experts say.

Airborne spores can cause allergic reactions, such as headaches,
nosebleeds, coughs, sore throats, shortness of breath and skin rashes
and can bring on asthma attacks.

Reactions vary from person to person.

Health risks are also posed by mycotoxins and neurotoxins released as
the mould eats its way through porous building materials such as
drywall, wood, paper and insulation.

The toxins are carried on the mould spores and when inhaled by humans
obstruct the body's ability to absorb protein, which in turn inhibits
basic cell function and weakens the immune system.

Dr. Andrew Campbell, a mould expert who runs the Medical Center for
Immune and Toxic Disorders in Spring, Texas, said mycotoxins can cause
chronic fatigue, short-term memory loss, sleep disturbance and
disorientation.

They could also be deadly to people with undeveloped or weakened
immune systems; for example, newborns, organ transplant, cancer and
AIDS patients.

He said tricothecene mycotoxins are so poisonous that concentrated
forms are used in biological weapons.

Such mycotoxins were present in the so-called "yellow rain" which
American forces used to kill 10,000 in Vietnam.

Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein loaded tricothecenes in scud
missile warheads and fired them against rebel Kurds and the Iranians
during the 1980s.