Pubdate: Sun, 28 Nov 2004 Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2004, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.canoe.com/NewsStand/TorontoSun/home.html Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457 Author: Alan Cairns Note: Follow this series at http://www.mapinc.org/source/Toronto+Sun Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake