Molds are forms of fungi found all year round both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Another common term for mold is mildew. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions, although it can grow during cold weather. There are thousands of species of mold and they can be any color. Many times, mold can be detected by a “musty odor”. Most fungi, including molds, produce microscopic cells called “spores” that spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) with the right conditions. All of us are exposed to fungal spores daily in the air we breathe.

The news media often refer to “Black Mold” or “Toxic Black Mold.” It is usually associated with Stachybotrys Chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. Not all molds that appear black are Stachybotrys. The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar to other common molds, but have been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people.

Chemicals produced by fungi as a result of their metabolism. Some of these chemicals are responsible for the characteristics moldy, musty, or earthy smell of fungi, whether mushrooms or molds. Some MVOCs are considered offensive or annoying. Specific MVOCs are thought to be characteristic of wood rot and mold growth on building materials. The human nose is very sensitive to mold odors, sometimes more so than current analytical instruments.

Most, if not all, of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. It needs moisture to grow and becomes a problem only where there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Common sources of indoor moisture that cause mold problems include flooding, toilet overflows, roof and plumbing leaks, damp basements or crawl spaces, or any moisture condensation on cold surfaces. Bathroom showers and steam from cooking may also create problems if the areas are not well ventilated.

Visible mold growth on building structures that is not easily seen. For example: above drop ceilings, within a wall cavity (the space between the inner and outer structure of a wall), inside air handlers, or within the ducting of a ventilation system. Visible mold within a ventilation duct is in immediate contact with the occupied space. Spores released from such growths are affected by air movement and relative humidity. Spores of mold growth in wall cavities are released by air exchange between the wall cavity and occupied space. The rate of spore movement between such spaces is typically slow. Volatile gases produced by visible mold growth in wall cavities are also known to occur and migrate to occupied spaces even through air barriers.

Controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing mold and stopping indoor mold growth. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is very important. Ventilate or use exhaust fans (vented to the outdoors) to remove moisture where it accumulates, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas. Clothes dryers should be vented to the exterior. Repair water leaks promptly, and either dry out and clean or replace water damaged materials. Materials that stay wet for more than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth. Lowering humidity indoors helps prevent condensation problems. To lower humidity during humid weather, use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Proper exterior wall insulation helps prevent condensation from forming inside during cold weather.

Small amounts of mold growth in workplaces or homes (such as mildew on a shower curtain) are not a major concern. But no mold should be allowed to grow and multiply indoors. Large quantities of mold growth may cause nuisance odors and health problems for some people. In addition, mold can damage building materials, finishes, and furnishings and, in some cases, structural damage to wood.

Most people have no reaction when exposed to mold. Allergic reactions, similar to common pollen or animal allergies, and irritation are the most common health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. Flu-like symptoms and skin rash may occur. Molds also aggravate asthma. In rare cases, fungal infections from buildings-associated molds may occur in people with serious immune disease. Most symptoms are temporary and eliminated by correcting the mold problem.

When moisture problems occur and mold growth results, building occupants may begin to report odors and a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms; all of these symptoms could potentially be associated with mold exposure.

All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may cause reactions in humans. The types and severity of symptoms depend, in part and their existing sensitivities or allergies.

Specific reactions to mold growth can include the following:

Allergic Reactions

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common. These reactions can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Mold spores and fragments can produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals regardless of whether the mold is dead or alive. Repeated or single exposure to mold or mold spores may cause previously non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive. Repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity.

Molds can trigger asthma attacks in persons who are allergic (sensitized) to molds. The irritants produced by molds may also worsen asthma in non-allergic (non-sensitized) people.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis may develop following either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) exposure to molds. The disease resembles bacterial pneumonia and is uncommon.

Mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs and sometimes can create a burning sensation in these areas. Opportunistic Infections

People with weakened immune systems (i.e., immune-compromised or immune suppressed individuals) may be more vulnerable to infections by molds (as well as more vulnerable than healthy persons to mold toxins). Aspergillus Fumigatus, for example, has been known to infect the lungs of the immune-compromised individuals. These individuals inhale mold spores which then start growing in their lungs. Trichoderma has also been known to infect immune-compromised children.

There is a wide variability in how people are affected by mold exposure. People who may be affected more severely and quickly than others include:

• Infants and children
• Elderly people
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies and asthma
• Persons with weakened immune systems (for example, chemotherapy patients, organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, and people with HIV infections or autoimmune diseases)

Those with special health concerns should consult their doctor if they are concerned about mold exposure. Symptoms that may seem to occur from mold exposure may be due to other causes, such as bacterial or viral infections or other allergies.

Have a new baby or a loved one with frequent headaches, asthma, depression or other health concerns that doctors have been unable to diagnose the cause and that seems to be worse while you’re in your home?

Has there been a recent “water intrusion” such as a toilet overflow, plumbing leak, roof leak, window leak, flood or major water loss that was not completely dried within 24 hours? Are there signs of water staining or water damage on a wall, floor or ceiling? Is there a “musty odor” anywhere in the house, basement or sub-area? Does the basement have organic materials such as wood, wallboard, carpeting or wallpaper?

Buying a new house and had a home inspection that revealed concerns about “mold” or you want to be sure the new home you’re buying is safe for you and your loved ones?

…………Or you simply want peace of mind?

A professional experienced in mold evaluation and testing may need to be hired to address extensive mold growth in a building. It is important to correct large mold problems as soon as possible by first fixing the source of the moisture problem and removing the contaminated materials, then cleaning the surfaces, and finally drying the area completely. If you use outside contractors or professionals, make sure they have experience with mold assessment. Check their references, and have them follow industry standard recommendations and guidelines.

Beware of Mold Remediation Companies offering free or very low cost MOLD inspection and sampling or those that perform both services, when their primary business and expertise is in the remediation industry and not in Mold Testing & Assessment. Remember, they have a vested interest in extensive remediation of your property which can be very costly!

The IICRC S520 Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation (Chapter 10: Indoor Environmental Professionals and Assessments) Independence- It is preferable that the Indoor Environmental Professional be an unbiased resource. An Indoor Environmental Professional engaged to perform pre-remediation assessment or post-remediation verification should be independent of the mold remediator. In some jurisdictions, the law may require that the inspection and assessment function be performed by an individual or entity independent of the mold remediator.

ALLERGENS- Many people develop allergic reactions to allergens found within the home. These include allergens produced by house dust mites, domestic pets, such as cats and dogs, cockroaches and some types of fungus. Household allergens can cause a variety of allergic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and a runny nose, wheezing, breathlessness and mild, moderate or severe asthma. In some cases, exposure to indoor allergens can cause allergic skin disease also known as eczema (or atopic dermatitis).

ASBESTOS- between 1900 & 1990, more than 30 million tons of asbestos fibers were used commercially in the United States. Most widely used between 1940 & 1970, asbestos is still used today in limited construction applications added as an ingredient in the manufacture of numerous products.

ASTHMA cases have increased by more than 100% since 1976.  About 1 in 9 children now have asthma.

BACTERIA-Bacterial organisms are everywhere. They are in our homes and schools, in our foods, and in the air we breathe. Your body is marvelously designed to fight bacteria when it enters your body through a cut or another means. While some bacteria is necessary in your body, too much, or the wrong types, can cause serious problems.

LEAD- Are you planning to buy or rent a home built before 1978? Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, dust and even the toy’s your child play’s with can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

MOLD growth can begin to occur in as little as 24 hours after a water intrusion has occurred, and often times may be hidden inside wall cavities and undetectable without the use of specialized moisture detection equipment.

RADON is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and allergic reactions can be immediate or occur after multiple exposures over a period of time.

SEWAGE-Referred to as “black water”. Grossly unsanitary water containing pathogenic agents arising from sewage or other contaminated water sources and having the likelihood of causing discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination, regardless of visible content or color.

VOCs- (Volatile Organic Compounds) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.  VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.