Mold, Fungi and the Health Effects Mold is a form of fungi that permeates our world; it can be found both indoors and outdoors during any season of the year. There are several thousands of species of mold, each generating and releasing microscopic spores that spread easily through air-, water-, or insect-borne agents. These live spore cells then act as seeds, breeding new mold colonies under the appropriate conditions, which often include areas characterized by water damage, high humidity, warmth, and/or dampness. Environments such as these are common in bathroom showers, kitchens, closets, and damp basements, as well as any other interior space exposed to standing moisture accumulation or elevated humidity.
While small quantities of indoor mold growth (such as the slimy mildew that grows on the shower curtain of an unventilated bathroom) are usually not of major concern, larger concentrations of mold can have harmful and lasting effects on a person’s health. Some molds, rightfully identified as toxic molds, produce dangerous substances that prove harmful, and in the most severe cases, fatal to its victims.
Specifically, those who are most likely to experience negative health consequences due to mold exposure are individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities, such as allergies, asthma, or sinusitis, as well as infants and children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with suppressed immune systems. The very young and very elderly are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of toxic mold exposure, a phenomenon attributable to their fragile immune systems. The vulnerability of an undeveloped, aged, or weakened immune system deprives the body of the strong line of defense necessary for protection against outside assailants, in this case toxic mold spores.
While mold fungi and the health effects on young, elderly, and immunocompromised hosts are not fully established and still a topic of scientific research, it is well-known that exposure to molds can cause fungal infections and short-term allergic reactions such as sneezing, nasal and sinus congestion, eye irritation, or wheezing. Other symptoms triggered by toxic mold include chronic bronchitis, skin rashes and hives, and diminished lung capacity and difficulty breathing. In more acute cases, symptoms range from nose bleeds and dizziness to loss of memory and hearing, pulmonary hemorrhaging, brain damage, and even death.
As the effects of toxic mold exposure become more widespread and identifiable, public awareness and concern for the matter have increased. If one even suspects the presence of mold in the home, often detectable through evidence of water damage, an offensive musty smell, or visible mold growth, it is essential to address the matter promptly. While small amounts of mold can be dealt with and removed with a thorough cleansing and drying by the homeowner, more extensive growth should be managed by a professional mold remover.
A certified professional experienced in mold inspection, evaluation, and remediation should be consulted when dealing with widespread cases of mold infiltration. It is important to attend to cases of this magnitude as soon as possible, especially when at-risk individuals are in close physical proximity and consistently exposed to the growth. A qualified professional will begin the inspection with an evaluation of the home’s structural building materials, indications and history of moisture damage, and constituents of the ventilation system. Once the mold and its source has been located, the detection professional may determine that a sampling is in order, a decision dependent on whether the specific mold type must be identified, which is often necessary in cases involving health considerations or litigation.
Once these preliminary steps have occurred, identifying the moisture supply sustaining the mold colony is the most vital and important step in alleviating the situation; failure to resolve this problem will result in continued fungal growth. From there, the mold will be contained in an effort to avoid further household contamination, and the toxic materials will be removed in order to prevent further infestation. The professional will thoroughly clean the surface in question, dry the area completely, rid the air of mold spores by using an air filtration machine, and repair any damage caused during the removal process. Finally, all individuals exposed to the mold should seek precautionary medical attention so as to rule out any resulting health concerns.
Toxic mold fungi and the health effects on young, elderly, and immunocompromised hosts is an understandably weighty topic. With health effects ranging from mild to irreparably damaging and even life-threatening, it is no wonder that mold inspection and removal has become a prevalent topic in today’s news. Homeowners must be aware of the harmful effects of toxic mold exposure, the red flags associated with indoor mold infiltration, and the benefits associated with hiring a qualified mold removal professional to keep their homes safe and mold-free. Testing for Toxic Molds in
Commercial Buildings The concern about mold in general has been increasing over the last few years as the public learns about potential serious health conditions arising as well as the symptoms involved, even allergic reactions. As a result many companies now make it mandatory to have scheduled testing for toxic mold in commercial buildings. Molds are everywhere and they can grow on many organic substances. All they really need is moisture and oxygen. Some molds even grow on wood, paper, foods, and insulation. If too much moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials then mold will likely grow there. Although there are ways to prevent mold growth it’s still impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in any indoor environment. Though impossible to completely eliminate it can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. You can only see the mold spores they reproduce usually by magnification. Mold spores are known to waft in air continually. Mold spores survive by landing on a spot and digesting whatever they are growing on and because of this they gradually destroy anything they grow on.
There are extensive types of molds. As many types of molds there are, they all have the potential to cause health effects to humans. Molds can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in worse scenarios. This alone gives reason enough to have testing for toxic molds in commercial buildings. Some molds produce certain toxins and sometimes irritants. These types of health issues are an important reason to be careful in preventing mold growth and to make sure you clean up any indoor mold growth present.
There are very important steps to testing commercial buildings for toxic molds. One of the most important if not the first step, is to consult an experienced certified mold inspector as appropriate, to conduct the entire process of testing. Then you would select a remediation manager for the job. Following this try to determine how big the mold problem is, and be sure to notice any materials that have been damaged. After that communicate with all occupants of the building about the ongoing mold-correction process. You should then begin to identify the source or cause of the water or moisture problems that have arisen. When that step is done you should plan remediation and adapt guidelines to fit the situation. Another important step in the process is to select personal protective equipment (PPE) that is adequate for the job at hand. The wrong type of equipment may not protect you and could result in health risks. After you have your protective equipment you should select some containment equipment for the remediation of toxic mold in your commercial building. After this is done be sure to select remediation personnel or a team to help you throughout the project. After all this is a lot to do alone. At this point you would choose between outside expertise and in-house expertise and then start to remediate. After all of that has been done, begin to fix any water or moisture problem since this is a major contributor for the mold to grow. Be sure to clean and dry moldy materials. If you can not fully clean moldy items be sure to discard them. Also, be sure to dry non-moldy items within 48 hours to prevent contaminating the already “clean” items. After all drying is done be sure to check for return of moisture and mold problems. If for some reason some hidden mold is discovered you should reevaluate your plan and conduct further testing for toxic mold in your commercial building.
Not all mold growth is blatantly obvious. Some times mold grows on or in hidden surfaces. A few examples of this could be the back side of some dry wall or wallpaper. Also, it can be behind paneling or the top of ceiling tiles. Even the undersides of carpets and pads aren’t safe and there are many more places as well. Hidden mold can exist at leaking or condensing pipes or on walls behind furniture, because of the condensation that may form and darker environment. Some air handling units may accumulate mold as well.
Since mold needs water for it to begin growing you must prevent moisture problems in your buildings. Moisture problems arise from many causes. Humidity being uncontrolled in a building is a potential reason for this. Some moisture problems occur from construction practices over the years. This is why it is so important to have regular testing for toxic molds in commercial buildings. These changes and alterations over the years have resulted in buildings not having proper ventilation, which can easily cause a buildup of moisture. Using drywall in any type of building may not allow adequate moisture to escape as easily as it should. |
| Is Mold Growth Out of Control In
Your Home or Workplace? It's a question that few homeowners or business owners like to think about--but which most should: Is mold growth out of control in your home or workplace?
Mold claims have surged since the 1990s, with more than 10,000 lawsuits occurring at one time, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an industry organization based in NY. Unfortunately, neither home insurers nor small business insurers are making the financial burden of mold any easier. Due to millions of mold related claims and huge jury verdicts, many insurance companies have greatly reduced or eliminated coverage for mold remediation in many states.
There are roughly 1,000 different strains of mold, with Strachybotrys chartarum (also known as black toxic mold) causing the most problems. When an area of your home retains too much moisture for too long without drying out, mold overgrowth can occur. It’s not the small isolated patches of mold growing around your home, like in the bathtub, that can usually cause a problem, but rather mold that covers a large area. For those with an allergy to mold, this overgrowth can lead to a stuffed or runny nose, throat irritation, watery and itchy eyes, coughing or wheezing and in some cases skin irritation. Also, for those with compromised or immature immune systems, such as infants and children, seniors, cancer or HIV patients and people with chronic lung infections such as obstructive lung disease, serious health complications can arise including major lung infection.
Here's the sum total of the matter: If you have an excessive amount of mold in your home or business, you're not only jeopardizing the health of people inside the structure, but the stability of the structure itself. Mold can enter the structure through vents, windows, open doorways, air and heating systems, as well as getting carried inside by attaching to shoes, clothing, pets and bags. As the mold grows, especially black mold, it will feast on rotting wallboard, decaying wood, cellulose insulation, caulk, ceiling tiles, and more. The result is a severe weakening of walls, floors, ceilings and possibly the structure.
Mold growth often looks like spots and can be many different colors. If you don’t see any mold but smell a musty odor in your home or have been experiencing a chronic or stuffy nose, sore throat or other symptoms, it is important to do some mold investigating. It is necessary for a homeowner to know how to spot mold contamination and understand the basics of cleanup in order to get the most effective remediation. Also, for more extensive jobs, it’s important to know how to find a qualified mold remediation professional.
Here is some helpful advice: If your home or business has been struck by flooding, you'll want to examine it for mold inside the ventilation, or heating and air ducts. Make sure you do this before you turn them on again so that you don't risk spreading a mold contamination throughout the entire building. Check for any signs of mold around windows and beneath carpets. Remove cover plates for TV and internet connections and phone. Use a flashlight to look for mold around walls and wallpaper. Once you have spotted the source of mold or moisture, use plastic sheeting to contain and prevent the mold spores from spreading. If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, you should hire a professional mold remediator, especially if you or a family member are allergic or if contaminated water is involved. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with soap and water, commercial products or a bleach solution (no more than 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water)
Mold Prevention Tips: Keep the humidity in your home between 40% and 60% at all times. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner during humid months and in damp spaces such as a basement. Ventilate shower, laundry and cooking areas. Use exhaust fans to vent your bathrooms and kitchen outside. Make sure that your clothes dryer vents outside your home. Fix any leaks in your roof, plumbing and walls to eliminate a moist environment for mold to feast on. After a flood, thoroughly clean and dry out your home. Do not use carpets in rooms or areas that have a lot of moisture, like basements and bathrooms. When cleaning your bathrooms, use mold killing products.
Add a mold inhibitor to paint prior to painting in your home.
Even if you are not one of the fortunate homeowners to have mold remediation coverage, no matter what type of mold is present in your home it should be removed. Because the effect of mold can vary greatly, the best practice for your home and health of your family is always to remove the mold and work to prevent its future growth. Toxic Mold; Where Does It Come From? Toxic mold can be a big health risk if this mold contaminates and starts growing in your home. But where do toxic molds come from, and what causes them? Molds are fungi, just like mushrooms and yeasts, but they are so small they can only be seen through a microscope. Mold can grow on almost anything, as long as the surface is organic and the mold has a damp environment and oxygen. Most of the materials that are used to build and furnish your home can allow mold to grow. Mold releases spores, which float through the air and land on surfaces, where the spores start to colonize and grow. As the spores grow new mold, they digest any surface that they are on. In the outdoors, mold is very useful, otherwise decaying organic matter would not break down. Things like fallen leaves, limbs, and trees would slowly clutter the earth until we were covered in them. Mold breaks these materials down, and provides a vital function in nature. The problem occurs when mold, especially toxic mold, grows inside your house.
Toxic mold is mold that produces poisons called mycotoxins, and exposure to these poisons can cause many health problems in humans, especially if they are sensitive to these substances. Most common molds do not pose a serious health risk for most people, but this is not true of toxic molds. One of the most well known toxic mold is Stachybotrys mold, but this is only one of many molds that are considered toxic. There are other toxic molds, including Penicillin and Aspergillis to name some common ones. Toxic mold is the result of the correct conditions in your home and toxic mold spores that are present in the air. Because mold needs moisture and dampness to survive, there are many causes of toxic molds. A leak in your roof, which allows water to seep into wall cavities and provide moisture, can cause the perfect conditions for Stachybotrys and other toxic molds to grow. The same is true of leaking or broken water pipes. Flooding can affect more than just the visibly flooded areas, because water may have leaked into hidden areas in your home, providing a moist environment that is perfect for many mold types.
Toxic mold can have many causes, and the first step to preventing and eliminating these mold growths is to fix or repair the source of water and moisture that the mold needs. If there is any damage or holes in the roof, or even shingles that are loose, fix these and stop water from entering the structure of your home. Inspect all the pipes and plumbing in your home, making sure that all connections are tight so no drips or leaks can occur, and make sure that all the plumbing is in good shape and does not need any repairs or maintenance. Have your heating and cooling system inspected and cleaned. Moisture can build up in the ducts, and this can allow mold to grow. Keep the humidity level in your home low, or at least below fifty percent when possible. Dehumidifiers can help with this. High humidity levels allow moisture to condense inside walls and ducts, and can cause a toxic mold contamination.
Mold growth can happen if the air in your home is not allowed to flow freely, or if your home is completely airtight. Air flow through your home helps eliminate and dry out any dampness and moisture in the air, so that mold can not survive and thrive. Your dryer can be another culprit for toxic mold contamination. If you do not have the dryer properly vented, this can allow moisture to build up in your home and allow mold to grow. Toxic mold can be caused by many things, and all of them contribute to the collection of moisture. Preventing any moisture and water from entering your home or collecting within it, will stop most toxic molds from growing and making your family sick. Because mold is present almost all of the time outside, it is almost impossible to keep mold spores from entering your home. This is the cause of toxic mold contamination, because without the mold spores, toxic mold levels will not occur. Since you can not prevent spores from being present in your home, the only way to prevent toxic mold contamination is to prevent any water or moisture from building up in your home. By doing this, you will stop most mold spores present, from living and growing in your home, and from having serious or even deadly health effects for you and your family. |
