Resources
- The Minnesota Indoor Air Quality Consortium Homepage
- http://www.dehs.umn.edu/homeiaq/
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html
- University of Minnesota College of Human Ecology
- http://www.che.umn.edu/news/kaleid-S’03/mold.html
- Exposure to Mold During Book Remediation By Dyron Hamlin
- http://www.utexas.edu/research/ti2e/sympo/moldypres_files/frame.htm
I heard about toxic molds that grow in homes and other buildings. Should I be concerned about a serious health risk to me and my family?
The hazards presented by molds that may contain mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in house. There is always a little mold everywhere – in the air on many surfaces. There are very few case reports that toxic (those containing certain mycotoxins) inside homes can cause or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between presence of the toxic mold and these conditions has not been proven. A common-sense approach should be used for any mold existing inside buildings and homes. The common health from molds include hay fever-like allergic symptoms. Certain with chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive disorder, asthma) may experience difficulty breathing. with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment For the most part, one should take routine measurres to prevent mold growth in the home.
How common is mold, including Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) in buildings?
Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. The most common indoor molds Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. We do have accurate information about how often Stachybotrys is found in buildings and homes. While it is less common than mold species, it is not rare.
How do molds get in the indoor environment and how do they grow?
Molds naturally grow in the indoor environment. Mold spores may also enter your house through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside also themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors.
When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.
What is Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra)?
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for growth. It is not necessary, however, to determine what type mold you may have. All molds should be treated the same with to potential health risks and removal.
Are there any circumstances where people should vacate a home or other building because of mold?
These decisions have to be made individually. If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in a building, you should your physician to determine the appropriate action to take.
Who are the people who are most at risk for health problems associated with exposure to mold?
People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more to fungal infections.
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
Large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled.
Is Ozone/Ozone Generators a good/effective way to get rid of mold in a building/home?
Generally we do not recommend the use of ozone, nor does the EPA or many independent agencies such as Consumers Union. The reason for this is because Ozone can be very dangerous, and many tests have found that ozone does not kill mold/fungi until it reaches levels that are harmful for humans. Even at that level there is not a guarantee this will kill the mold spores or make them so that humans are not allergic to them.
Information from this page was retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/stachy.htm.
Fungal Characteristics Table
Below is a table of information about common mold types, including indoor sources and potential health effects associated with molds This table contains only general health information; if you concerned about the effects of mold on your health, please a qualified physician who specializes in the treatment of mold-health issues, allergies, or asthma. Key to Abbreviations used for Health Effects: A = Potentially Allergenic
This table is based on a table from “Bioaerosols, Assessment, and Control;” ACCGHI, 1999. |