Don't Ignore Indoor Mold

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Don't Ignore Indoor Mold

By Howard Seidman, HealthAtoZ Writer

Mold is everywhere. It aids the natural decay of plants and animals and releases carbon into the atmosphere, which is essential to human life. It is also found in medications like penicillin, in foods such as cheese and yeast, in beer and wine ... and in most homes.

Molds themselves are not toxic, and most don't lead to health problems or require costly removal. But a few dozen types of mold have been linked to allergic reactions and immune responses. Anyone with symptoms that may be related to mold should talk to a doctor about it.

There are no government guidelines on safe levels of mold in homes. This is because each person's sensitivity to mold varies. Everyone reacts differently to various types and amounts of mold. Some people will have no reaction. Others who are allergic may have nasal stuffiness; throat, eye or skin irritation; or coughing or wheezing. Effects can be more severe for people with asthma, chronic lung illnesses or weakened immune systems.

The health effects of indoor "black mold" or so-called "toxic mold" have gotten media attention recently. Researchers at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been studying this issue. They have found no proven link, though, between mold levels in homes and more serious conditions, such as hemorrhaging, memory loss or lethargy.

Detecting indoor mold
Mold reproduces via tiny airborne spores. It comes indoors through ventilation and on pets, shoes, clothing and plants. It grows best in warm, damp, humid conditions where there is a source of nutrients such as a dark, wet wall. When it is cool outside, moisture can condense on cold windows and walls. Flooding or leaky roofs, basements and pipes are other risk factors.

More carpeting in homes and newer construction materials and methods may account for the rise in reported molds. Tighter construction traps water vapor in the house. Paper-backed drywall (when wet) provides fuel for growth, too.

People often detect the smell of must or mildew before they see mold. When it appears on walls or inside of tubs, it may look black or fuzzy. Tests to classify mold types are not usually needed because that won't tell you whether it is affecting your health.

Prevention and removal
Failure to remove mold can result in persistent symptoms in some people. Mold can also damage building materials, goods and furniture.

Controlling leaks or sources of moisture is the first step in managing mold:

Vent all moisture-producing appliances - such as clothes dryers and kerosene heaters and stoves - to the outside.
Run kitchen or bath fans that vent moisture outside or briefly open windows when cooking or showering.
React quickly to leaks or spills in your home. In most cases, mold won't grow if wet or damp areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours.
Try to remove small areas (less than 10 square feet at a time) of mold by cleaning surfaces with soap and water, commercial cleaners or a bleach solution.

If you use a bleach solution:

Use no more than one cup of bleach per gallon of water. Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning agents. (A toxic gas could form.)
Open doors and windows to avoid fumes.
Wear protective gloves and eyewear, such as goggles.

For cleanup of larger areas, you may need to hire professional contractors who are experienced and licensed in mold removal.

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Tue, Dec 2, 2008



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