What is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that is found both indoors and
outside. There are countless species of
mold, with estimates ranging into the hundreds of thousands. Mold grows in damp, warm, humid conditions
and reproduces through spores, which can survive in harsh, dry conditions that
do not support normal mold growth.
What are the Most
Common Indoor Molds?
The most common indoor
molds are Cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, and
aspergillus.
How do Molds Affect People?
Mold is a
common trigger for allergies and asthma, causing symptoms such as nasal
congestion, eye irritation, wheezing, and skin rashes or irritation. In some cases, more severe reactions can
occur. Workers who are exposed to large
amounts of mold in their occupational settings, such as farmers and
construction workers, may suffer from more severe reactions to mold, with
symptoms including shortness of breath and fever. People with chronic lung illnesses, including
obstructive lung diseases, may develop mold infections in their lungs. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine found
sufficient evidence to link exposure to indoor molds with upper respiratory
tract symptoms such as coughing and wheezing in otherwise healthy people, with
increased asthma attacks in people with asthma, and with hypersensitivity
pneumonitis in people who are susceptible to that medical condition. The Institute of Medicine also found evidence
that linked mold exposure to increased respiratory illnesses in healthy
children. In 2009, the World Health
Organization issued the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality:
Dampness and Mold In addition, other recent studies have
pointed to a link between early mold exposure and the development of asthma in
children and suggested that interventions that improve housing conditions and
remove mold can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies,
however, more research is needed before final recommendations can be made.
Where are Molds Found?
Mold is
found in almost every environment, at any time of the year, both inside and
out. Warm and humid conditions encourage
mold growth, and mold thrives outdoors in shady, damp areas or places where
vegetation is decomposing. Inside, mold
is found in bathrooms, basements, and other areas where humidity is high.
How to Decrease Mold
Exposure
People who are sensitive to mold should avoid outdoor areas
where mold can thrive, like compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Control mold growth indoors by controlling
humidity levels and making sure showers and cooking areas are properly
ventilated. Water leaks can lead to mold
growth, so promptly fix problems, and, if you discover mold growth, remove it
with commercial products, soap and water, or a homemade solution made from 1
cup of bleach mixed with a gallon of water.
If you are using bleach to clean up a mold problem, ensure the area is
properly ventilated by opening doors and windows to provide fresh air, never
mix the bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners, which will produce
dangerous, toxic fumes, and wear protective eye wear and non-porous
gloves. If the area of mold growth is
more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA document entitled “Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings” for advice on how to take care of the problem. The guidelines can be found on the EPA’s
website. http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html
- Try to keep humidity levels no higher than 50%. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help keep humidity levels low in your home or office. Air temperature fluctuations and changes in the moisture in the air will cause humidity levels to fluctuate throughout the day so you will need to check humidity levels more than once a day.
- During humid summer months use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Use exhaust fans, open windows and doors, and use other methods as needed to ensure your home has adequate ventilation.
- Before applying paints add mold inhibitors.
- Use mold killing products to clean bathrooms.
- Use hardwood, vinyl, tile, or other flooring options instead of carpet in bathrooms and basements where mold is more likely to grow.
- Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that has become saturated.
Should I Test the Mold I Found In My Home?
The CDC does not recommend
routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the
most common disease associated with molds and that while the susceptibility of
individuals can vary based on the amount or type of mold, sampling and
culturing the mold is not necessary since all mold should be removed
immediately. Furthermore, sampling and
culturing methods are not reliable in determining health risks and can be
expensive. Since all mold poses a health
risk, instead of having mold growths tested, simply have it removed instead of
worrying about having it tested.
An Environmental Lab Took Samples of the
Mold in my Home. How Do I Interpret the
Results?
There are no
standards for what are acceptable or normal quantities of mold. If you do decide to have the mold in your
home tested by an environmental lab, you need to ask the consultants what
criteria they will use to interpret the test results and what recommendations
they will make based on sampling results.
The results of your sample cannot be interpreted with physical
inspection of the contaminated area and without consideration of your home’s
characteristics and the events that proceeded the mold growth.
I’ve Been Exposed to Mold. What Doctor Should I See?
Your fist stop
should be a visit to your family doctor, who will determine if you need a
referral to a specialist, such as an allergist or an infectious disease
doctor. If you have a mold infection in
your lungs, a pulmonary physician may be need to be seen. If you have been exposed to mold in your
workplace, you may need to be seen by an occupational physician.
My Landlord Won’t Clean Up the Mold in My
Apartment. What Can I Do?
If you are living
in a rental property that has a mold problem and the property owner has not
responded to your concerns about mold exposure, contact your local board of
health or housing authority to see what mold assessment and remediation
services they may offer. Applicable
codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and other issues related to mold fall
under state and local jurisdiction. Once
you’ve reviewed your lease or building contract, try contacting local or state
government authorities, your insurance companies, or an attorney to learn about
local codes and regulations as well as your legal rights.
What Should I Do If I Think Mold at Work
is Making Me Sick?
If you think you
are getting sick due to mold exposure at your workplace, the first thing you
should do is consult your health care provider.
Next, notify your employer of the problem, and, if applicable, your
union representative, so they can take action and clean up any mold
growth.
I Think my Kids are
Getting Sick from Mold at School. What
Should I do?
If you think your child is being
exposed to mold at their school, take them to their pediatrician to determine
what treatment is needed. Then, contact
the school’s administration about your concerns and ask that they remove the
mold and prevent future growth. If the
administration does not address your concerns in a satisfactory manner, you can
also contact the local school board.
Your local health department may have additional information about mold
that can help you and you can get in touch with the state Indoor Air Quality
office. The EPA’s guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings provides further information that may be
helpful as well. For additional
information on indoor air quality tools visit the following websites:
- http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guidtoc.html
- http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guideh.html
- http://www.healthyschools.org/index.html
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