MOLD-101
Mold is from the family of fungi - one of the five
"kingdoms of life." Fungi are plant-like organisms that lack
chlorophyll. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms and
yeast for bread and wine making would be an example of these) while some
can cause problems that can injure plants and people. There are
over 100,000 species of fungi. Since molds do not have
chlorophyll, they must absorb food from other sources - cellulose or
other organic matter. They need most of the environmental
conditions that we enjoy... except they must have "water" to grow and
expand their colony. Without water, there would be no mold
growth... but, mold can be dormant for many years and even as long as a
few thousand years as found in the pyramids in Egypt. Once these
ancient mold spores were exposed to moisture, they immediately began to
grow, and once growing, they produce a seed-like matter called "spores."
These spores are microscopic in size, meaning the human eye cannot see
them. They easily travel throughout the air - both indoors and
out.When mold spores
land on damp organic locations indoors, they can begin to grow and digest the
organic matter in order to survive. Mold can grow on any "damp or wet"
organic matter such as; wood,
paper, carpet, and foods to name a few. When excessive moisture or water
accumulates indoors, mold growth and/or bacterial growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture
problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed for longer than 24 to 48-hours. There are no
permanent ways to
eliminate [all] mold and mold spores from an indoor environment; the only way to
fully and safely control
indoor mold growth is to control the moisture levels. Ideal indoor
moisture (relative humidity) levels should be from 35% to 48% as
this just dry enough to stop the growth of mold and... Dust Mites!
The key to mold control is moisture control.
It
is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent
mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of
the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash
mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent
materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be
replaced.
TOXIC
MOLD EXPOSURE
What are molds?
Molds are microscopic
fungi that need plant and animal matter in order to grow. It is estimated
that there are greater than 100,000 different species of fungi that exist
across the world. These thinly spun threaded organisms produce spores that
then allow them to spread themselves to different locations. Spores can be
spread in the air, through water, or even among insects.
Are molds bad for
humans?
Toxic mold exposure can be dangerous and even
fatal for susceptible individuals. However, the majority of molds pose
little or no health risks to humans. Household molds exist in colors such
as red, green, blue-green, brown and black. In fact, there are only two
types of household molds that are toxic---Stachybotrys and
Memnoniella.
What are some of the
common indoor molds?
-
Cladosporium
-
Penicillium
-
Alternaria
-
Aspergillus
What does household
toxic mold grow on?
Toxic mold is often found in damp, moist, or wet
places in or around a house or building. Stachybotrys typically
grows in damp environments on materials that are high in cellulose and low
in nitrogen content. Examples include wallpaper, cardboard, ceiling tile,
cellulose insulation, and wood. If the black mold is growing on materials
that do not contain cellulose, it is probably not Stachybotrys.
What makes
Stachybotrys toxic?
Stachybotrys mold spores produce a poisonous
substance called mycotoxin. Specifically, these are known as
trichothecenes. When these spores are inhaled and ingested by a human,
they can cause many unpleasant, and even very serious, symptoms and
conditions.
How can mold affect people?
Sensitized individuals
(people who are prone to the effects of toxic mold exposure) may exhibit
symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing.
Individuals with serious allergies to molds may show signs of fever and
shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive
lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Can Stachybotris
cause disease?
Stachybotrys is thought to be responsible for
a potentially fatal condition called acute idiopathic pulmonary
hemorrhage. This has only occurred in infants and individuals with
impaired immune systems. However, the spores can also cause problems for
asthma sufferers, as well as allergies and certain kinds of lung diseases.
Stachybotrys is also thought to be at least partially responsible
for causing adverse health effects such as headaches, lung infections,
fevers, abdominal pains, diarrhea and skin rashes.
Where are molds found?
Molds are found in
virtually every ecological niche and are found outside in nature and in
homes and buildings. They are most prevalent in areas that have moist or
wet climates. They are often found indoors in humid spaces such as
basements or showers. Some authorities believe as many as 50 percent of
all homes may have some level of Stachybotrys infestation.
What can be done to
lower toxic mold exposure?
Individuals who are prone to the effects of mold should stay away from
problem areas---humid, wet conditions.
-
Indoor humidity
levels should be kept below 40%.
-
Air conditioning
and/or a dehumidifier should be used during humid months.
-
Adequate ventilation
should be maintained.
-
Add mold inhibitors
to paints before application.
-
Bathrooms should be
cleaned with anti mold products.
-
Moist indoor areas
(bathrooms, basements, etc.) should not be carpeted.
-
Remove or replace
previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
How do I know if I
have a mold problem?
The presence of large mold manifestation can usually
be seen or smelled. Smaller infestations may require professional
cleaning or testing in order to detect. More on these topics will be
added in the near future. As we test and sampling results return, we
will keep you advised.
Thank You
Nick
Martello, CIE, CMA, CMRC
Director, IAQMS.COM
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