More About Mold 1

Mold and Mildew | Moisture, Mold & Mildew

| Mold & Insurance | More About Mold Continued

A Proud Member of the Emergency Restoration Network

Color Tech Restoration

303-674-8990 Evergreen

303-257-8056 Cell

E-mail: eric@247waterdamage.info

Web: www.ColorTechRestoration.com

303-674-8990

(Evergreen)

970-367-5241

(Mountains)

303-274-8123

(Denver)

1-866-674-8990

(Toll Free)

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

More About Mold

Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors, and outdoors. Mold spores are tiny, lightweight, and easily detached by airflow, vacuuming, walking on a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor environments, they grow in air-conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of household plants, etc. They produce and release millions of spores, which are small enough to stay airborne threatening to invade the human respiratory system. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. In order for mold to grow, it needs food sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt), a source of moisture, and a place to grow.

Different Types of Mold

Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous in low amounts, but they can cause allergenic or asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can be abated safely with the assistance of gloves and a disposable particulate-removing respirator. Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects range from short-term irritation to immunosuppression to cancer and even death. If any toxic molds are identified, it is suggested that you seek advice from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold. Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmunity disorders. If any pathogenic molds are identified, it is suggested you seed the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold. Hyphae & hyphal elements refer to single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they may not be traceable to a specific mold species, the fragments themselves may be responsible for allergic reactions in some people and may indicate previous or current growth event. Smut spores are agricultural spores from outside sources. Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that may not be easily identified as per specific species, but may still represent f mold problem in the home.

How do you come in contact with mold?

Mold spores are found in all homes and offices, and grow rapidly from excess humidity. The following are some sources of indoor moisture that may cause mold problems in a home or office: flooding, leaky roofs, humidifiers, damp basements or crawl spaces, constant plumbing leaks, house plants, steam from cooking, shower/bath steam and leaks, wet clothes, bathroom towels, pets, sweaty sneakers indoors, dirty HVAC systems, spilled liquids on carpeted surfaces and clothes dryers vented indoors.

What can mold do to you?

Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone but the following individuals are at a higher risk for adverse health effects: infants, children, elderly, immune compromised patients, pregnant women, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions. When inhaled, even in small amounts, mold can cause a wide range of health problems including respiratory problems (wheezing), nasal and sinus congestion, watery and red eyes, nose and throat irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains, fevers, and in some cases even death.

Causes of Indoor mold Growth

High moisture is the major contributor to indoor microbiological activity (mold growth) . This is due to nutrients for spore germination and growth being readily available in most household constituents. These household constituents can be dirt, dust, wood, paper, adhesives, acoustical fiber, paint textiles, stored material, carpets, floors, and much more.
Why Test for Mold?

Mold, the hitchhiker, is being aggressively spread throughout the world by humans’ traveling and living patterns. We have created millions of square feet of pristine living conditions for molds and we pick up mold spores and bring them home with us every day. All houses will harbor molds and some houses are friendlier to molds than others. All houses need to be monitored for mold growth as part of the maintenance procedures for the house. When any mold or mildew is present, more will come. Only through inspection and testing can it be determined if molds are present and if the subject property is showing signs of mold and mildew friendliness.

Inspecting for Mold

Mold is Here to Stay

Mold is a competitive species for real estate, molds live and prosper in the same environment as we do. The houses we live in are wonderful environments for mold. All houses need regular inspections for mold along with other periodic preventative maintenance inspections. Before fungi can colonize, four requirements must be met: air, livable temperature, moisture, and food. Humidity and water leaks are the cause of most mold infestations. Leaks being the easiest to spot are the first indications that mold may be present, however unusual activities may upset the humidity averages in the house and mechanical spaces and allow mold to establish itself.

The Most Common Mold...Known as Black Mold Stachybotrys Chartarum is a greenish-black fungus found worldwide that grows particularly well in high-cellulose material, such as straw, hay, wet leaves, dry wall, carpet, wall paper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation, etc. The fungus (mold), before drying, is wet and slightly slimy to touch. There are about 15 species of Stachybotrys, with a world-wide distribution. The toxic mold grows in areas where the relative humidity is above 55%. This type of fungus does not grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles. It is not found in the green mold on bread or the black mold on the shower tiles. INTRODUCTION The toxic mold environmental risk may be one of the next major real estate “due diligence” concerns, especially in property development areas where major flooding has occurred. The problem is that this not only includes known residential and commercial flood areas incidents, but also numerous minor water releases due to plumbing failures, conductive condensation, house water leaks and accidents. The toxic mold concern could also be a problem where fires occurred at residential properties. The second major concern is that one might not be able to permanently eliminate the entire toxic mold from the structure. There also remains a great propensity for future reoccurrence. The health risk/hazard could be back again. Therefore, we must recommend that great care be exercised to remove and dispose of all products, which have been contaminated by the toxic mold contaminated. This recommendation is supported by the Department of Health Administrations in many states. The third concern is that States’ Health Departments will consider ambiguous and genetic disposition as a response to the publics’ inquiries. There will be some people, especially children, that will exhibit more adverse reactions, including death, lung tissue damage, and memory loss, than other persons exposed to the toxic mold. This may depend on the chemical sensitivity, genetic disposition, predisposing health history (such as allergies, asthma, smoking, etc.). For some, the exposure to the toxic mold spores may just be a “health risk” and to others, it may be a real “health hazard” (potential life-threatening and loss of “quality of life”.) Whether a potential liability concern is a risk or hazard will be paramount in defining the critical level of due diligence and disclosure response by responsible parties. There are already several major lawsuits concerning toxic mold exposure in residential and commercial buildings throughout the United States. Currently, most health organizations consider exposure to Stachybotrys mold as a health hazard. Also, keep in mind that most responses leading to testing, investigations, and abatement of the Stachybotrys toxic mold are due directly to occupant complaints or documented detrimental health effects. Stachybotrys mold may evolve to a point where it is regarded with the same cautions, response and liability concerns as those attributed to lead-base paint and asbestos. Health hazards and risks associated with concern to exposure to Stachybotrys are currently considered as short-term effects. Exposure to radon gas in houses is considered a long-term health risk and is not considered a short-term hazard.

· Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin that causes animal and human mycotoxicosis. This type of mold is thought to be a possible cause of the “sick building syndrome”. In May 1997, the Journal of the American Medical Association carried a news article titled “Floods carry potential for toxic mold disease”. Children’s exposure to air-borne Stachybotrys spores is thought most likely to cause pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the lungs). Please be aware that there is no threshold dangerous spore exposure level by the U.S. EPA or any other health administrations. There are ongoing new epidemiology studies being conducted. There is reference information related to a 1994 incident in Cleveland, Ohio where 45 cases of pulmonary hemorrhage in young infants occurred. Sixteen of the infants died. In addition, many state’s department of health administrations as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) list the following as symptoms associated with exposure to Stachybotrys mold spores:

· 1) Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing

· 2) Nasal and sinus congestion

· 3) Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity

· 4) Dry, hacking cough

· 5) Sore throat

· 6) Nose and throat irritation

· 7) Shortness of breath

· 8) Chronic fatigue

· 9) Skin irritation

· 10) Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)

· 11) Aches and pains

· 12) Possible fever

· 13) Diarrhea

· 14) Possible hemosiderosis

· 15) Immune suppression

VISUAL DETECTION AND HOMEOWNER DISCLOSURES 1) The Stachybotrys fungi cannot be identified by a routine visual inspection. Remember all black mold is not necessarily Stachybotrys. It could be non-toxic black mold. The only method to determine the type of mold present is by sample analysis by an accredited laboratory. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the mold is only a toxic risk or hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores. Wet mold is not an indoor air quality health risk, but there is a significant potential for the mold to dry and released into the air. 2) There may be visual appearance of black mold in a visible water damage area, but be aware that there may be areas of water damage and mold that can be hidden (behind dry wall, under organic thread carpets). 3) The home inspector may notice or note water damage areas, but the majority of home inspectors are not aware of the water-damage environment and toxic mold relationship or concern. 4) Perhaps a question should be added on the homeowner disclosure which related to any water damage, water leaks, or flooding in the house or around the structure 5) Historical records of flooding in that geographic area may be used. 6) The standard ERC inspection form should perhaps contain an addendum, which would note any evidence of water, mold or mildew in or around the structure.

The Toxic Effects Of Fungal Exposure Once one is tested and diagnosed with mycotoxicosis, one should begin to try to assess the extent of the fungal infection and how impaired, if any, one may be. This is exceptionally important as most physicians are inexperienced in dealing with this illness, and finding out as much as one can would possibly most helpful in describing symptoms and effective treatments. Fungi have long been known to affect human well being in various ways, including disease of essential crop plants, decay of stored foods with possible concomitant production of mycotoxins, superficial and systemic infection of human tissues, and disease associated with immune stimulation such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and toxic pneumonitis. The spores of a large number of important fungi are less than 5 µm aerodynamic diameter, and therefore are able to enter the lungs. They also may contain significant amounts of mycotoxins. Diseases associated with inhalation of fungal spores can include toxic pneumonitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, tremors, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney failure, and cancer. Exposure to molds has become a significant health risk to an increasing number of workers in various occupations throughout the nations. Fungal antigens are able to cause occupational asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and organic dust toxic syndrome(ODTS). In recent years, an increasing incidence of mold-induced diseases has been encountered in moldy contaminated water-damaged buildings. This has occurred both in homes and workplaces. Symptomatic persons occupying moisture problem buildings may develop asthma, rhinitis, ODTS and HP. The Symptoms of Fungal Exposure Mold toxicity is often the end result with constant exposure to mold of a toxic substance. A common misconception among allergists who are untrained in this type of toxicity levels in humans, which is technically not their area of expertise unless they have trained specifically in environmental medicine with their background in immunology, is to do general allergen testing. Most tests usually come back unequivocal, a 2+ or less. This induces some physicians to order allergy shots, regardless. These shots are absolutely worthless to a person who has been heavily exposed to these mycotoxins as they are already in a state of toxicity. If anything, this could exacerbate the problem. Because many doctors are not trained in this field, they may try to "guess" at a diagnosis. In laymen's terms, some molds produce mycotoxins. These substances although unseen by the naked eye, are ingested and enter the body through the skin and airways. Once inside the body, mold has it requirements to colonize and live. In doing this, it compromises the immune system and damages everyday processes of the body. Mold and yeast are interchangeable only in their dimorphic state, which is often a big misconception, although both are fungi. The following are a list of the most common symptoms of fungal exposure (bear in mind, most people never fit all of this criteria). Most people with mycotoxicosis meet at least ten (recent symptoms) of the following criteria:

· Respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing

· Difficulty swallowing, choking, spitting up (vomiting) mucous

· Burning in the throat and lungs

· Asthmatic signs; wheezing, shortness in breath, coughing, etc.

· Diarrhea, nausea, piercing lower abdominal pains, vomiting

· Bladder, liver, spleen, or kidney problems

· Dark urine

· Strange taste in mouth, coated tongue

· Memory loss; short term memory; brain fog

· Vision problems

· Swollen lymph nodes

· Headaches

· Slurred speech

· Anxiety/depression

· Ringing in ears, balance problems, dizziness

· Chronic fatigue

· Intermittent face flushing; almost always systemic (called the myliar flush)

· Numbness in face and limbs, intermittent twitching

· Night sweats and hot flashes (especially around the head)

· Elevated blood pressure and triglycerides, heart palpitations

· Nose bleeds

· Bruising easily

· Rash/hives, bloody lesions all over the body

· Reproductive system; infertility, changes in menstrual cycles

· Sudden weight change

· Cancer

· Hair loss

· Joint pains; swelling

· Heart attack

· Seizures

· Inadvertent facial movements or extremity jerking

· Anaphylaxis upon re-exposure to mycotoxic molds

· Death in some cases

This site is not intended to give medical advice. Seek the advice of a professional for medication, treatment options, and complete knowledge of any illness. The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions do not necessarily reflect my peers or professional affiliates. The information here does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.