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Molds are found everywhere we live. They are a natural component of outdoor and indoor air. Mold performs a natural function of breaking down biological materials. The mold spores can enter a house through a variety of means and once inside the home, they need abundant moisture, a food source and a certain temperature range to grow. Mold grows best in warm, damp and humid conditions. It spreads and reproduces by making spores. These spores can survive even dry conditions that do not support normal mold growth and then reactivate when the conditions for growth improve.

Molds produce volatile organic compounds (mVOC's) as byproducts of their metabolism. These mVOC's are off gassed during periods of active metabolism and are the source of the musty smell associated with mold. MVOC's can have adverse effects on humans.

In addition to mVOCs, certain molds can also produce toxins commonly referred to as mycotoxins. These compounds are less volatile than the mVOCs, but are considered dangerous to humans in high doses. Whether the mold produces mVOC's or mycotoxins, all molds should be considered potentially dangerous. Therefore, when any mold growth is discovered, it should be investigated, cleaned and/or removed from the indoor environment.

Common indoor molds are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. At background levels, molds are generally harmless, but in excessive amounts all molds represent a potential health risks. There are at least two molds that are widely considered by experts to be more problematic and capable of causing increased health risks to humans - Stachybotrys and Memnoniella.

The most commonly associated toxic mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. This has often been synonymously referred to as "black mold" and is the fungus associated with "toxic mold syndrome".

Some of the most common symptoms from exposure to mold are:

	Headaches
	Worsening of allergies
	Fevers
	Nasal and sinus congestion
	Burning and watering eyes
	Coughing
	Sore throat
	Flu-like symptoms
	Skin rashes/irritation
	Respiratory problems

If you have experienced any of these ailments, or other health issues that you believe arise out of the use of your Sleep Number® bed, we encourage you to contact our office.

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