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A: Exposure to airborne mold appears to be a common cause of asthma. The increase in the severity of asthmatic symptoms with time could indicate that the causal agent for your husband's asthma is associated with your house. Supporting evidence is your development of respiratory problems as well.
You describe a large water leak by the chimney as well as surface sampling results that are quite high. Such a water leak would be a major risk factor for mold infestation of building materials as confirmed by surface testing.
Both Aspergillus and Penicillium are commonly found growing in and on water-damaged building materials. Exposure to airborne Penicillium spores has been shown to be epidemiologically associated with the development of asthma in children, and it or Aspergillus may be the primary cause of asthma in this case.
Chaetomium is a species that readily grows on paper and paper products (such as the face paper on gypsum board). It produces large spores that are less likely to enter the respiratory tract to cause asthma compared to Aspergillus or Penicillium.
In this case no air sampling results are available. Such testing can indicate the magnitude of exposure and health risk. However, indoor air quality scientists have concluded that the presence of visible mold is a more reliable indicator of mold associated respiratory disease and airborne concentrations. This is primarily because airborne mold concentrations vary so widely over the course of time. Such ups and downs reduce the reliability of statistical analyses that support epidemiological investigations.
Muscle spasms and soreness have not been associated with mold exposures; nor has confusion and memory loss. If such relationships did exist they would be secondary to other symptoms produced as a result of exposure to mold.
No you're not crazy. Such building-related health problems are very common; you're not suffering alone. I recommend you request that your landlord remediate the water damage and mold problem. If not, you should seek alternative housing at your earliest convenience.
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