While we have long known the impact of mold exposure can have on our lungs, eyes, and skin  a recent study has showed that mold exposure can also impact our brains. Many healthcare professionals have postulated that mold could impact brain function this is the first animal study to demonstrate a direct correlation between mold inhalation and brain dysfunction.

Researchers at the City University of New York recently presented their findings at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience conference. In their study they exposed groups of mice to low doses of both toxic (which they label IN) and non-toxic mold spores (labeled EX) and compared their behavior and brain structure to mice that were not exposed to either mold.

What they found is highlighted in their study abstract:

Inhalation of both spore types caused striking deficits in contextual memory. Inhalation of EX spores also caused deficits in spatial memory. Inhalation of EX spores significantly increased anxiety, while inhalation of IN spores significantly increased fear of an auditory cue previously paired with a mild footshock. These changes in behavior were correlated with measures of increased brain inflammation.

And:

Our data suggest that respiratory exposure to any mold, not just the particularly toxic ones like Stachybotrys, may be capable of causing brain inflammation, cognitive deficits, and emotional problems.

While it is estimated that nearly 40% of buildings in the US have mold problems this new information brings urgency to the need to thoroughly evaluating any potential mold problems in your home or place of work. If you think you have a mold problem, contact the experts at Atlantic Corp. for professional mold inspection, testing, and mold removal.