MOLD HEALTH PROBLEMS
What are molds? What are the common mold health problem symptoms? And
other Frequently Asked Questions about effects of molds to one's health.
What is mold? Molds are forms of fungi that are found everywhere -- both indoors and
outdoors all year round. Outdoors, molds live in the soil, on plants and
on dead or decaying matter. Another common term for mold is mildew. Mold
growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions, although it can grow
during cold weather also. There are many thousands of species of mold and
they can be in any color, including white, orange, green, brown, or
black. Many times, mold can be detected by a musty odor. Most fungi,
including molds, produce microscopic cells called "spores" that spread
easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold
growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions. All of us are
exposed to fungal spores daily in the air we breathe, both outside and
inside.
How does mold get into a house or
building? Most if not all of the mold found indoors comes from
outdoor sources. It seems likely to grow and become a problem only where
there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. All molds need
moisture to grow. Common sources of indoor moisture that can cause mold
problems include flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, damp basement or crawl
spaces, or anywhere moist air condenses on cold surfaces. Bathroom
showers and steam from cooking may also create problems if not well
ventilated.
How can I prevent mold growth? Controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor
mold growth. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is very
important. Ventilate or use exhaust fans (to the outdoors) to remove
moisture where it accumulates: bathrooms; kitchens; and laundry areas. Be
sure the clothes dryer vents to outside the house. Repair water leaks
promptly, and either dry out and clean or replace any water-damaged
materials. Materials that stay wet for longer than 48 hours are likely to
produce mold growth. Lowering the humidity in the home also helps prevent
condensation problems. To lower humidity during humid weather, air
conditioners and dehumidifiers may be used. Proper exterior wall
insulation helps prevent condensation inside the home during cold weather
that could cause mold growth.
Can mold be toxic? Some molds can
produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Airborne mycotoxins have not
been shown to cause health problems to occupants in residential or
commercial buildings. The health effects of breathing mycotoxins are not
well understood and are currently under study.
High or chronic airborne exposures, typically associated with certain
occupations like agricultural work, have been associated with illnesses,
although these are rare. More is known about eating mycotoxins (from
humans and animals consuming moldy foods or feed) and the resulting health
effects than is known about breathing mycotoxins.
What is "black mold"? The news
media often refer to "black mold" or "toxic black mold." It has usually
been associated with the mold Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of
greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. Known
health effects are similar to other common molds. It has been
inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people.
While there are only a few molds that are truly black, many can appear
black. Not all mold that appears to be black is Stachybotrys.
Why are we concerned about mold?
Small amounts of mold growth in workplaces or homes (such as mildew on a
shower curtain) or workplaces are not a major concern, but no mold should
be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When molds are present in
large quantities, they may cause nuisance odors and health problems for
some people. Mold can damage building materials, finishes and home
furnishings. Some molds can cause structural damage to wood.
How do molds affect people? Most
people will have no reaction at all when exposed to molds. Allergic
reactions, similar to common pollen or animal allergies, are the most
common health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. Flu-like
symptoms and skin rash may occur. Molds may also aggravate asthma.
Fungal infections from building-associated molds may occur in people with
serious immune disease but this is very rare. Most symptoms are temporary
and eliminated by correcting the mold problem in the home.
Who is affected by exposure to mold?
For those who are affected by mold exposure, there can be a wide variation
in how they react. People who may be affected more severely and quickly
than others include:
-
infants and children
-
elderly people
-
pregnant women
-
individuals with respiratory conditions or
allergies and asthma
-
persons with weakened immune systems (for
example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, or organ or
bone marrow transplant recipients, autoimmune diseases.)
Those with special health concerns should consult their doctor if they
are concerned about mold exposure. The symptoms that may seem to occur f
from mold exposure can also be due to other causes such as bacterial or
viral infections, or other allergies.
What should I do
if I see or smell mold in my home? The most important step in solving a mold problem is to
identify and fix the moisture sources that caused the mold growth. For
small mold problems, use detergent and water to wash mold off hard
surfaces and dry completely. Porous or absorbent materials (such as
ceiling tiles, wallboard and carpeting) that become moldy should be
replaced. If you do not see mold growth, but notice a musty odor, mold
may be growing behind water-damaged materials, such as walls, carpeting or
wallpaper. Persons cleaning mold should wear gloves, eye protection and a
dust mask or respirator to protect against breathing airborne spores (an
N95 dust mask or respirator may be purchased in hardware stores). If you
have health concerns, you should consult your doctor before doing any mold
cleanup.
Should I test my home for mold?
Probably not. It should not be your first step. Your first step should
be to inspect your home for any evidence of water damage and any visible
mold growth. Testing for mold is expensive, and you should have a clear
reason for doing so. In most cases, it is not economically practical or
useful to test for mold growth on surfaces or for airborne spores in the
home. Testing also tells you little about where mold is located and how
to clean it up. In addition, there are no standards for "acceptable"
levels of mold in buildings, so when testing is done, it is usually to
compare the levels and types of mold spores found inside the home with
those found outside the home. If you know you have a mold problem, it is
more important to spend time and resources to get rid of the mold and
solve the moisture problem causing the moldy conditions rather than to
test for the mold problem.
Who do I call to deal with extensive mold
growth in a building? A professional experienced in mold
cleanup may need to be hired to address extensive mold growth in a
building. It is important to correct large mold problems as soon as
possible by first fixing the source of the moisture problem, then cleaning
the surfaces, and finally by drying the area completely. If you use
outside contractors or professionals, make sure they have experience
cleaning up mold, check their references, and have them follow the
recommendations and guidelines given in the information resources below.
How am I exposed to indoor molds?
Mold is found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is
common to find mold spores in the air of homes and growing on damp
surfaces. Much of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources.
Therefore, everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without
evident harm. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they enter
the air and are inhaled in large number. People can also be exposed to
mold through skin contact and eating.
How much mold can make me sick?
It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mold
spores can cause health problems. For other people, it may take many more.
The basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the
excess moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mold.
Who is at greater risk when
exposed to mold? Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone
inside buildings. It is important to quickly identify and correct any
moisture sources before health problems develop. The following individuals
appear to be at higher risk for adverse health effects of molds:
-
Infants and children
-
elderly
-
immune compromised patients (people
with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, liver disease, etc.)
-
pregnant women
-
individuals with existing respiratory
conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and
asthma.
People with these special concerns
should consult a physician if they are having health problems.
What symptoms are common?
Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold exposure.
Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination) include:
-
respiratory problems, such as
wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
-
nasal and sinus congestion
-
eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry
vision, light sensitivity
-
dry, hacking cough
-
sore throat
-
nose and throat irritation
-
shortness of breath
-
skin irritation
-
central nervous system problems
(constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
-
aches and pains
-
possible fever
Are some molds more hazardous
than others? Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to
mold, both as to amount and type needed to cause reactions. In addition,
certain types of molds can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, that
the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms.
Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead mold spores. Materials
permeated with mold need to be removed, even after they are disinfected
with cleaning solutions. Allergic and toxic effects can remain in dead
spores. Exposure to mycotoxins may present a greater hazard than that of
allergenic or irritating molds. Mycotoxins have been found in homes,
agricultural settings, food, and office buildings.
SOURCES:
www.aiha.org/governmentaffairs
[from Minn. & Cal. Health
Depts.]
www.moldinspector.com
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