Can Sinus Infections Caused By Toxic Mold and Allergens

When was the last time you went into a building and knew something was wrong with the Indoor Air Quality? Remember how you smelled the strange odor and did not like it. But within fifteen minutes you could not smell it any longer and figured it was just a passing smell. The next day after being in the building your sinus were all stuffed up and you put it off as your Allergies just acting up again. Again you went back into the building because you work there and had no choice. The following week, you had a full blown Sinus Infection.

This is a common story that we hear from a lot of our clients who have been exposed to mold and allergens. I can tell you from my own experience from dealing with Microbial Contamination for over 15 years, it has also happened to me many times. During investigations for Indoor Air Quality, I forget to wear a HEPA Rated Respirator and am exposed to Allergens in the air. They can be Mold, Fiberglass, Skin Cells, Bacteria or dirt that is airborne and floating in the areas we are investigating. Once or twice a year, I get sinusitis from working in these environments. It goes with the job and must be expected when you are an Environmental Investigator.

Recently, we investigated an office building and there were several people complaining about getting sick while they were at work. They always got better after leaving the area. We took Microbial Samples along with allergen sampling also as part of the protocol of the investigation. Guess what the problem was? No, it was not toxic mold because the Microbial Spore counts were low. What was high in the air samples was Skin Cells and Fiberglass in the air. It was a simple fix, the A/C System was cleaned and repaired. It was found that the fiberglass Return to the Air Conditioner was breaking down and becoming friable, then it became airborne. All the problems ceased in the office space after the A/C System was fixed. Remember, it isn't always mold.

In conclusion, sinus infections can be caused by repeated exposure to Toxic Mold and Allergens such as fiberglass. I say this because it is my own personal experience from doing Environmental Investigations over the last 15 years. I am sure there are other causes of Sinusitis such as bacteria, chemicals and other toxins also. If you have acute or chronic sinus infection, you are advised to see a doctor immediately. If left undiagnosed and untreated, complications could occur which may lead to severe medical problems.

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