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Mold exposure increases risk of respiratory disease
Thursday, 03 December 2015
Special to GUIDON

People are concerned about the effect of mold on their health. What are the real risks to our health from mold?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization and Health Canada all agree that living or working in a building with mold may result in increased risk of
respiratory disease.

What does that really mean for you and your Family? Primarily, it means that molds produce allergens.

Mold's symptoms
Most people have no reaction when exposed to molds. The most common health effects for individuals who are sensitive (or allergic) to molds is an allergic reaction similar to one they would have to pollen or animals.

Flu-like symptoms and skin rash may also occur, and mold can aggravate an already existing condition, like asthma.

In very rare cases, fungal infections from mold, found inside, may occur in people with serious immune diseases or a compromised immune system.

Most symptoms are temporary and eliminated by simply correcting the mold problem.

Despite several documents that provide us guidance on exposure, there are no accepted national standards for mold exposure. This is probably because everyone can react differently when exposed to mold.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine linked indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, (cough, and wheeze) in otherwise healthy people. People with asthma are more susceptible to this reaction. The IOM also found limited evidence
linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

Black or toxic black mold
"Black mold" or "toxic black mold" is usually associated with a type of greenish-black mold called Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly associated with heavy water damage.

Not all molds that appear to be black are Stachybotrys.

The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar to those caused by other common molds. Such exposures seldom, if ever, occur in buildings.

According to the CDC, the term "toxic mold" is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce mycotoxins, the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous.

There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. (More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm).

In the indoor environment, molds are an unwelcome visitor. They can cause structural damage by decomposing wood, drywall, carpeting and other organic building materials, and this is in addition to possible health problems.

How does mold get into a house or building? Most, if not all, of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. Mold needs moisture to grow and becomes a problem only where there is water damage, high humidity or dampness.

Indoor moisture sources

Some common sources of indoor moisture that cause mold problems include flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, air conditioner problems, damp basements or crawl spaces or any moisture condensation on cold surfaces.

Bathroom showers and steam from cooking may also create problems if not well ventilated.

What should you do if you find mold in your home? There are many information guides from different agencies on what to do if you should find mold. The first and most important issue is to find out what is supplying the mold with moisture to grow.

The primary mold-control method recommended in almost every guide is "Control the Moisture, Control the Mold." In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary, and the money spent on testing could be better spent on cleanup.

Remember, there are no federal or state regulations regarding indoor mold growth or individual exposure limits for homes or offices.

Clean-up methods will be the same no matter what mold species are identified.


Mold cleanup guidelines
These tips will help you clean up your mold problem. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. If using bleach, be sure to dilute at one-part bleach to 20 parts water, and take precautions to avoid breathing the fumes or getting on skin or in eyes.

Do not mix bleach with other cleaners.

Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away, if they become moldy.

Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold, and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces won't solve the problem, and the paint is likely to peel.

Below is an air-quality checklist, so you can see if your home may be at risk for mold. Remember, "Control the Moisture, Control the Mold." Be aware of areas in your home that are unseen, such as under sinks, attics or basements where leaks may go
unnoticed.

Above all else, keep things dry, so you won't have to battle mold this winter.

Indoor mold air-quality checklist
-- Is there excessive moisture in the home showing up as condensation on windows, moisture residue in bathrooms, and are dryer vents not venting outside?

-- Is there any staining of ceilings or walls?

-- During rainy days, are there any signs of leakage into the home?

-- Are there any signs of water damage, due to leaking pipes?

-- Have there been any problems with leaking pipes in the past?

-- Are there any mildew-type odors in the house?

-- Are the furnace or window air units' filters changed or cleaned regularly?

-- Are humidifiers used in the home (adds moisture)?

-- Are there any visible signs of mold growth?

-- Are any of the occupants diagnosed with allergies to molds or mildew?

-- Does the shower/bathroom have an exhaust fan?

(Editor's note: Article provided by Ralph Armistead, Industrial Hygiene Program manager, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.)





Monday, Dec 14, 2015




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