Facts About
Mold
What is mold and where
is it found?
Mold (fungi) is present everywhere—indoors and outdoors. There
are more than 100,000 species of mold. At least 1,000 species of mold
are common in the U.S. Some of the most commonly found are species of Cladosporium, Penicillium,
and Aspergillus. Mold is most likely to grow where there is water or
dampness, as in bathrooms and basements.
How can mold affect
your health?
Most types of mold that are routinely encountered are not hazardous to healthy
individuals. However, too much exposure to mold may cause or worsen
conditions like asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. The most common
symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestion, runny nose, eye irritation,
and aggravation of asthma. Depending on the amount of exposure and a
person's individual vulnerability, more serious health effects, like fevers
and breathing problems, can occur but are unusual.
How can you be exposed
to mold?
When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores (reproductive bodies
similar to seeds) can be released into the air. Exposure can occur if
people inhale the spores, directly handle moldy materials, or accidentally
ingest it. Also, mold can sometimes produce chemicals called mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins may cause illness in people who are sensitive to them or if they
are exposed to large amounts in the air. Large exposures are typically
associated with certain occupations (e.g., agricultural work).
How does mold grow?
All molds need water to grow. Mold can grow almost anywhere there is
water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Most often molds are confined
to areas near the source of water. Removing the source of moisture,
such as through repairs or dehumidification, is critical to preventing mold
growth.
What is Stachybotrys
chartarum?
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a type of mold
that has been associated with health effects in people. It is a greenish-black
mold that can grow on materials with a high cellulose content, like drywall
sheetrock, dropped ceiling tiles, and wood, that become chronically moist
or water-damaged, due to excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or
flooding.
How can you tell if
Stachybotrys chartarum is present in your home?
Many molds are black in appearance but are not Stachybotrys.
For example, the black mold commonly found between bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys.
Stachybotrys can be positively identified only by specially trained professionals
(e.g., mycologists) through a microscopic exam.
How can Stachybotrys
chartarum affect your health?
Typically, indoor air levels of Stachybotrys are low; however, as with other
types of mold, at higher levels, health effects can occur. These include
allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms), dermatitis (rashes), sinusitis, conjunctivitis,
and aggravation of asthma. Some related symptoms are more general, like
inability to concentrate and fatigue. Usually, symptoms disappear after
the contamination is removed. There has been some evidence linking Stachybotrys
with pulmonary hemosiderosis in infants who are generally less than six months
old. Pulmonary hemosiderosis is an uncommon condition that results from
bleeding in the lungs. In studied cases of pulmonary hemosiderosis,
the exposure to Stachybotrys came from highly contaminated dwellings, where
the infants were continually exposed over a long period of time.
What should you do
if mold is present in your home or apartment?
Although any visible mold can be sampled by an environmental consultant and/or
analyzed by a laboratory specializing in microbiology, these tests can be
very expensive—from hundreds to thousands of dollars. There is no simple
and cheap way to sample the air in your home to find out what types of mold
are present and whether they are airborne. Even if you have your home
tested, it is difficult to say at what levels health effects would occur.
Therefore, it is more important get rid of the mold rather than find out more
about it. The most effective way to treat mold is to correct
underlying water damage and clean the affected area.
How should mold be
cleaned?
Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Persons cleaning mold
should be free of symptoms and allergies. Small areas of mold should
be cleaned using a detergent/soapy solution or an appropriate household cleaner.
Gloves should be worn during cleaning. The cleaned area should then
be thoroughly dried. Dispose of any sponges or rags used to clean mold.
If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may indicate an underlying problem
such as a leak. Any underlying water problems must be fixed to successfully
eliminate mold problems. If mold contamination is extensive, a professional
abatement company may need to be consulted.
Will my health or
my child's health be affected, and should we see a physician?
If you believe that you or your children have symptoms that you suspect are
caused by exposure to mold, you should see a physician. Keep in mind
that many symptoms associated with mold exposure may also be caused by many
other illnesses. You should tell your physician about the symptoms and
about when, how, and for how long you think you or your children were exposed.
Whom can I call if
I suspect I have a mold problem or if I want more information?
For more information about the health effects of mold exposure and the safe
removal of mold, please call the Indiana State Department of Health’s Office
of Indoor and Radiologic Health, at 317-233-7147.
March 2001
Fact
Sheet adopted from the New York City Department of health and reproduced with
permission
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