MOLDS
Many mold
strains grow in buildings. Growth
occurs both inside and outside of commercial and residential buildings. Because of the current emphasis on energy conservation,
complaints for problems such as mold have increased.
Unfortunately, many modern building materials, such as sheetrock and
plywood, are also excellent growth media for molds under damp conditions.
Who should be concerned about
mold as a health issue?
Mold
is a health issues for all persons in homes and work places.
Mold has been associated with increased infections and allergies.
However, not everyone will be affected by the mold in buildings. Of concern are special populations such as children, elderly
and those with chronic health problems.
What
are the symptoms of exposure to mold?
Exposure
to molds can cause a number of symptoms, including cough, sore throat, itchy
skin and rash, visual problems, and gastrointestinal complaints.
More severe problems such as hypertension and depression may also occur.
Many of these symptoms may be attributable to allergic symptoms that
initially present. Often symptoms
are persistent, meaning they do not resolve themselves in a reasonable amount of
time. See your doctor if your
symptoms persist.
What lung diseases are caused by molds?
Many lung diseases can be caused by
molds. Asthma and allergies can be
made worse by the presence of mold. Other
specific lung diseases can occur depending on the type of mold found in the
home. These include diseases such
as Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis, Coccidiomycosis, and Cryptococosis.
Aspergillus can also result from exposure to molds.
Bacterial and fungal infections may occur and can mimic the above
diseases.
How should sampling for mold be carried out?
Surface of airborne
sampling for mold should be done by professionals who are experienced in this
area. Unfortunately, there are no
reference levels which makes it difficult to determine what level in the home
requires remediation. It is
important to realize that all homes will have sources of molds in them, but it may not be causing disease.
Your doctor, in cooperation with an environmental toxicologist and the
sampling professionals, should be able to determine a safe level depending on
your health status and other norms for a particular mold species.
How is mold remediation carried out?
The success of remediation depends upon
both excluding excessive moisture and also restoring dry, clean surfaces along
building materials and within air handling systems. The goals of remediation should be clearly articulated before
the project is begun and all parties should have a clear idea of expectation.
It is also important to remember that some categories of anti-fungal
chemicals (mercury and lead have been used in the past) possess their own
toxicities.
