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What are molds?
Molds are a type of fungi. Mold spores, the reproductive "seeds"
of molds, are everywhere; they are in the air and fall on many surfaces. In the
outdoors, molds are a necessary part of the environment and help break down
organic matter—for example, they help leaves to decay, which enriches the
soil. Molds are also used in some common foods that we eat, including cheeses,
yogurt, beer and wine, sour cream, dried fruits, and salad dressings, to name a
few. Unfortunately, molds can also grow on many of the common building materials
used in homes when they become damp—including wood products, ceiling tiles,
cardboard, wallpaper, carpeting, drywall, fabric, and insulation.
How do molds get into my home and how do I know if I have a mold problem?
Mold spores, which are invisible to the naked eye, enter your home through
open doorways, windows, heating and air conditioning systems, and are also
carried in on human clothing, shoes, bags and on pet hair (from pets that spend
time outside). Molds grow in areas where there is moisture, such as where leaks
have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls; where there has been flooding; and in damp
basements or crawl spaces. The common building materials—the drywall, wood
paneling, cardboard, ceiling tiles, etc— found in these damp areas of the home
provides the nourishment the molds need to grow. Mold and mildew develop within
24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Mold will continue to grow until steps are
taken to eliminate the source of moisture and remove the existing mold problem.
To determine if you have a mold problem in your home, look for these signs:
- Look for stains, discoloration, or streaks on your walls,
ceilings, or floors. Keep in mind, however, that mold growing between walls;
on the backside of wallpaper or paneling; on the underside of carpets and
pads; in roof materials above ceiling tiles; or in the air ductwork may not
be visible to the naked eye.
- Examine window sills and window frames for the presence of
mold.
- Check all exposed pipes for signs of moisture.
- Examine all carpet (especially in basements) and all tack
strips under carpet.
- Suspect mold wherever there are water stains, standing water,
or moist surfaces. Don’t forget to check all heating and cooling devices
that use drain pans.
- Use your nostrils. In the growing stage, mold gives off an odor
that ranges from musty to a foul stench.
What types of health problems does the presence of molds in the home pose and
who is at greatest risk?
The degree of health concern associated with mold depends on the length of
exposure, degree of exposure, and an individual’s sensitivity to molds. In
individuals who are sensitive to molds, common health concerns include hay
fever-like allergic symptoms—eye irritation (burning watery, redness), nose or
throat irritation (sneezing fits, nasal stuffiness, bloody noses; dry, hacking
cough), respiratory problems (wheezing, asthma attacks, difficulty breathing),
headaches, skin rashes—as well as fungal infections in those with immune
suppression or pre-existing lung disease. A few people in homes with mold have
developed pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs) or memory loss, but these
cases are rare and the link to mold as the cause of these health problems has
not been fully proven.
Individuals most at risk for health problems due to inhaling mold spores are
infants and children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems,
individuals with existing respiratory conditions, individuals with allergies,
and the elderly. If you or a family member has any of these conditions, consult
with your physician and take steps to prevent mold growth in your home.
What is this black mold that I keep hearing about and does this pose a
serious health risk?
The mold you are referring to is called Stachybotrys chartarum (it is
also called Stachybotrys atra). This mold is greenish-black and slimy—resembling
tar or black paint. Stachybotrys typically grows only on cellulose-containing
products—paper, cardboard, fiberboard, ceiling tiles, and any wood-based
products. Constant moisture is required for its growth. According to the Centers
for Disease Control, there is no accurate information about how common this mold
is in buildings and homes. They say it is less common than other molds but is
not rare. Serious illnesses that may be linked with Stachybotrys include
bleeding lungs in infants, sudden infant death syndrome, and central nervous
system changes such as personality changes, sleep disorders, and memory loss.
Further studies are needed to determine if this mold actually causes
these illnesses. If you believe you are ill due to exposure to mold, see your
physician to discuss the appropriate action to take.
In terms of health risks and mold removal and cleanup, all molds are treated
the same. In most cases, molds--including Stachybotrys--can be removed by a
thorough cleaning with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
However, if the mold problem is extensive and/or household members are
particularly sensitive to molds, you may want to hire a professional to do the
cleaning and possibly vacate the home.
For more information, see part 2, "Solutions to Mold Problems: Clean up
and Prevention Tips."
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