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Ten
Things You Should Know About Mold
1.
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures
include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the
indoor
environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold
and eliminate
sources of moisture.
4.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
a.
venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to
the
outside;
b. using air conditioners and de-humidifiers;
c.
increasing ventilation;
d. and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and
cleaning
6.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within
24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry
completely. Absorbent
materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold
surfaces (i.e.,
windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual
moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by
drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks
or frequent
condensation).
10. Molds can be found
almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance,
providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood,
paper, carpet, and
foods.
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Toxic Mold
News Video
US
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
recommends that all homes be inspected by
a licensed inspector prior to purchase.
Buying
a new condo or co-op?... order a healthy home inspection
if you or anyone you love is sensitive to poor air quality.
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Facts
on Toxic Mold;
Center for Disease Control
Q
1.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?
A.
The hazards presented by molds that may contain mycotoxins should be considered
the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There is always a
little mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces. There are very few
case reports that toxic molds (those containing certain mycotoxins) inside homes
can cause unique or rare, health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and
a causal link between the presence
of the toxic mold and these conditions has not been proven. A common-sense
approach should be used for any mold contamination existing inside buildings and
homes. The common health concerns from olds include hay-fever like allergic
symptoms. Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may experience difficulty breathing.
Individuals with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection from
molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical
clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
For the most part,
one should take routine measures to prevent mold growth in the home.
Q
2. How common is mold, including Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its
synonyn Stachybotrys atra) in buildings?
A.
Molds are very common in
buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. The
most common indoor molds
are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. We do not have
accurate information about how often Stachybotrys chartarum is
found in
buildings and homes. While it is less common than other mold species it is not
rare.
Q
3. How do molds get in the indoor environment
and how do they grow?
A.
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 attach 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. Many building materials provide
suitable nutrients
that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials,
including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood
products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other
materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall,
carpet, fabric, and
upholstery, commonly support mold growth.
Q
4. What is Stachybotrys chartarum (stachybotrys atra)?
A.
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym
Stachybotrys atra) is a
greenish-black mold. It can grow
on material with a high cellulose and low
nitrogen content,
such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint.
Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage,
excessive humidity,
water leaks, condensation, water
infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is
required
for its growth. It is not necessary, however, to determine
what type of
mold you may have. All molds should be
treated the same with respect to
potential health risks and removal.
Q
5. Are there any circumstances where people should
vacate a home or other
building because of mold?
A.
These decisions have to be made individually. If you
believe you are ill because
of exposure to mold in a
building, you should consult your physician to determine the appropriate action to
be taken.
Q
6. Who are the people who are most at risk for health
problems associated with
exposure to mold?
A.
People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds.
People with immune
suppression or underlying lung
disease are more susceptible to fungal
infections.
Q
7. How do you know if you have a mold problem?
A.
Large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled.
Q
8. Does Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra)
cause acute idiopathic
pulmonary hemorrhage among infants?
A.
To date, a possible association between acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage
among infants and Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) has not been
proved. Further studies are needed to determine what causes acute idiopathic
hemorrhage.
Q
9. What if my child has acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage?
A.
Parents should ensure that their children get proper medical treatment.
Q
10. What are the potential health effects of mold in buildings and homes?
A.
Mold exposure does not always present a health problem
indoors. However some
people are sensitive to molds.
These people may experience symptoms such as
nasal
stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing when exposed to molds. Some people
may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may occur among
workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as
farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and
shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive
lung disease, may develop
mold infections in their lungs.
Q
11. How do you get the molds out of buildings, including
homes, schools, and
places of employment?
A.
In most cases mold can be removed by a thorough
cleaning with bleach and water.
If you have an extensive
amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the
cleanup on your own, you may want to contact a professional who has experience
in cleaning mold in buildings and homes.
Q
12. What should people to do if they determine they have Stachybotrys chartarum
(Stachybotrys atra) in their buildings or homes?
A.
Mold growing in homes and buildings, whether it is
Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys
atra) or other molds, indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture.
This is the first problem that needs to be addressed. Mold can be cleaned off
surfaces with a weak bleach solution. Mold under carpets typically requires that
the carpets be removed. Once mold starts to grow in insulation or wallboard the
only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. We do not
believe that one needs to take any different precautions with Stachybotrys
chartarum (Stachybotrys atra), than with other molds. In areas where flooding
has occurred, prompt cleaning of walls and other flood-damaged items with water
mixed with chlorine bleach, diluted 10 parts water to 1 part bleach, is
necessary to prevent mold growth. Never mix bleach with ammonia. Moldy items
should be discarded.
Q
13. How do you keep mold out of buildings and homes?
A.
As part of routine building maintenance, buildings should be inspected for
evidence of water damage and visible mold. The conditions causing mold (such as
water leaks, condensation, infiltration, or flooding) should be corrected to
prevent mold from growing.
Specific
Recommendations:
Keep
humidity level in house below 50%.
Use
air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
Be
sure home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust
fans in kitchen and
bathrooms (make sure the vent directly to the exterior.)
Use
mold inhibitors which can be added to paints.
Clean
bathroom with mold killing products.
Do
not carpet bathrooms.
Remove
and replace flooded carpets.
Summary:Stachybotrys
chartarum (Stachybotrys atra)
and other molds may cause health symptoms that are
nonspecific. At present there is no test that proves an
association between
Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms
should see their physician. However, if
Stachybotrys chartarum (stachybotrys atra) or other molds are
found in a
building, prudent practice recommends that
they be removed. Use the simplest and
most expedient
method that properly and safely removes mold
MOLD,
MOISTURE,& YOUR HOME
Mold
Basics
Why
is mold growing in my home?
Molds
are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in
nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead
trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by
means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float
through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold
spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and
none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Can
mold cause health problems?
Molds
are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot
and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems.
Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions),
irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in
sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms,
such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).
Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to
mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose,
throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms
other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result
of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.
This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential
health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information
consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or
local health department.
How
do I get rid of mold?
It
is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors, some mold spores
will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will
not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should
be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold
growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If
you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the
mold
problem will come back.
Who
Should Do the Cleanup?
Who
should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration
is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10
square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can
handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below.
-
If
there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more
than 10 square
feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide: Mold
Remediation
in Schools and Commercial Buildings.
If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service
provider) to do the
cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold.
Check references and
ask the contractor to follow the recommendations of the EPA, the
guidelines of the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or
other guidelines
from professional or government organizations.
If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC)
system may be
contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem,
for instance, or there
is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA's guide Should
You Have the Air
Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking
further action. Do not run the HVAC system
if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could
spread mold throughout
the building.
If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other
contaminated water, then
call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings
damaged by
contaminated water.
If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before
starting cleanup.
Tips
and techniques
The
tips and techniques presented in this section will help you clean up your mold
problem. Professional cleaners or remediators may use methods not
covered in this publication. 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.
-
Fix
plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items
completely.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have
to be thrown
away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces
and crevices of
porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove
completely.
Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.
Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces.
Clean up the mold and dry the
surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
If you are unsure about
how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists
in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug
cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books.
Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with
professional organizations.
-
Avoid
breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your
exposure to airborne mold,
you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware
stores and from 
companies that advertise on the Internet. (They cost about $12 to $25.)
Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the
front, others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable
cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering. In
order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so
carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Please
note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
requires that respirators fit properly (fit testing) when used in an
occupational setting; consult OSHA for more information (800-321-OSHA).
Wear
gloves.
Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm
are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent,
ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a
disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong
cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber,
neoprene, nitrile,
polyurethane, or PVC. Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your
bare hands.
Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have
ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid
getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.
How
Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished?
You
must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem before the cleanup or
remediation can be considered finished.
-
You
should have completed mold removal. Visible mold and moldy odors
should not be present. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic
damage. You
should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup and it should show
no signs of water damage or mold growth.
People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without
health complaints or physical symptoms.
Ultimately, this is a
judgment call; there is no easy answer. If you have concerns or questions call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse IAQ
INFO at (800) 438-4318.
Moisture
and Mold Prevention and Control Tips
-
Moisture
control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur
indoors -
ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours
after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that
water does not
enter or collect around the foundation.
Keep
air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and
flowing
properly.
Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60
percent (ideally
between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can
be measured with a
moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument
available at many
hardware stores.
If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes
ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.
Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
 Actions
that will help to reduce humidity:
-
Vent
appliances that produce moisture, such
as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where
possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters
produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the
outside.)
Use
air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers
when needed.
Run the bathroom fan or open the window
when showering. Use exhaust fans or open
windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.
Actions
that will help prevent condensation:
-
Reduce
the humidity (see above).
Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when
practical.
Use fans as needed.
Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
Increase
air temperature.
Testing
or Sampling for Mold
Is
sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is
present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits
have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a
building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling
may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or
remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who
have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols,
sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should
follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene
Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.
Suspicion
of hidden mold
You
may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the
source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are
reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back
side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the
underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold
include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes),
the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside
ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or
insufficient insulation).
Investigating
hidden mold problems
Investigating
hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the
investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For
example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if
there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you
may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.
Cleanup
and Biocides
Biocides
are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or
biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is
not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be
instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for
example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it
is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of
mold spores will remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem
has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always
ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine
bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain
ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.
Please
note:
Dead mold may
still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to
simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.
Free
Consultation
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