Mold...Things You Should Know
- Allergic
reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints are potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure.
- You have to control indoor moisture to eliminate mold and mold spores.
- Molds can be found anywhere; they
grow on virtually any substance where moisture is present. Dry water damaged areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Never install carpeting where there is a moisture problem.
- Add insulation to prevent possible condensation
on cold surfaces.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent or bleach and dry completely. Absorbant materials
like ceiling tiles or carpet that are moldy have to be replaced.
- Vent bathrooms, dryers and other moisture generating
sources to the outside. Use de-humidifiers and exhaust fans when cooking or using a dishwasher.
- Fix all water leaks
to prevent mold growth.
To check pollen and mold levels in your area visit www.weather.com . It's always a good idea to keep a journal so that you can correlate health issues with what is going on in the
immediate environment.
Resources for asthma information and control are:
Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
The HHV-6 virus is NOT the virus that causes cold sores,
genital herpes, chicken pox, shingles, or infectious mononucleosis. It is the cause of roseola (exanthem subitum). The
virus was discovered in 1986 in the USA at the National Cancer Institute. It infects human white blood cells, specifically
T lymphocytes.
Symptoms of this illness include fever and a distinct rash. Usually children are infected with HHV-6
before age two and many display mild or no symptoms. Some infected infants may develop serious disease including
brain infection (seizures), bone marrow infection (decreased production of white blood cells and platelets).
Transmission
of this virus is thought to occur as a result of exposure to saliva. Once the initial infection has been made the HHV-6 viral
DNA remains latent or dormant within the nuclei of the cells. HHV-6 is one of the eight known members of the human herpesvirus
family. Approximately 95% of the world's population is positive for antibodies to HHV-6 which indicates an immune response
to an infection by the virus.
Immunizations
To date there is no documented proof that immunizations cause autism, however that being said, it is questionable
if in fact these injections don't serve as a trigger for some kids causing them to demonstrate autistic symptoms. Research
continues with a focus on this subject. Studies have been done in England, Sweden, Denmark and the US.
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella german measles) is given
to children between the ages of 15 months and the second injection is given between 2-6 years of age. It appears that
there is a greater risk if the MMR is given before the age of 3 years old, according to the studies.
It was also reported that the causes of autism appear to be both genetic
and environmental. Other conculsions of those at higher risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD):
- autism is 75% higher in both twins if they are identical
- the incidence of autism in non-identical twins is 3% for both
- siblings have 2-6% risk
of developing autism
- risk is higher with certain medical conditions
Examples: Fragile X Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Congenital
Rubella Syndrome
- there is a
high risk of autism if harmful substances were ingested during the pregnancy
The other concerns were the neurodevelopmental effects from the mercury found in Thimerosal used
in some vaccines before 1999. Thimerosal is no longer used in immunization vaccines, however, it is used in the flu
vaccine.
A study conducted in Sweden
by Gillberg and Heijbel, involved 55 known cases of autism, and evidence of association between the MMR vaccine and autism.
The sudy compared autism from two communities in Sweden. The results indicated no difference in the prevalence rates
between children born after the introduction of the MMR vaccine in Sweden and those born before the vaccine was used.
The National Immunization Program (NIP) and the Developmental Disabilities
Branch of the CDC are conducting a study to examine whether the timing of vaccines administered before the age of 2 years
differs with children with autism as compared with the control children.
More Autism Facts
- 1 in 150 births
- 1 to 1.5 million Americans are affected
- fastest
growing developmental disability
- 10 - 17 % annual growth
- growth comparison during
the 1990's:
U.S. population increase:13%
Disabilities increase:16%
Autism increase:172%
- $90 billion annual cost
- 90% of costs are in adult
services
- Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
- In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200 - $400 billion
