Q: What are the symptoms of exposure to mold?
There are many symptoms of mold exposure. As a rule, the extent of symptoms
depends on the sensitivity of the exposed person and the amount of time
exposed. Allergic reactions are the
most common and typically include: chronic clogged throat; wheezing and
difficulty breathing; nasal and sinus congestion; burning, watery, reddened
eyes or blurry vision; sore throat; dry cough; nose and throat irritation;
shortness of breath; nausea; and skin irritation.
Other less common effects are: nervous system problems (headaches, memory
loss, moodiness); aches and pains; and fever. If you have any of these
symptoms, and they are reduced or completely gone when you leave the suspect
area, chances are you have been exposed to some sort of allergen, quite
possibly mold.
Other symptoms may include:
Headaches - memory loss - problems focusing or concentrating - chronic
fatigue - nose and throat irritation - persistent cold-like symptoms -
burning, itching or watering eyes - dizziness - nausea - tremors - heart
palpitations - shortness of breath (during mild exertion) - exhaustion-
after routine activity - serious swelling in legs, ankles, feet - serious
swelling in torso or stomach - prolonged muscle cramps and joint pain -
sensitivity to- odors - cancer - women who are pregnant could experience
multiple problems.
Q: Does it matter what kind of mold is found in my home?
A: Some molds will produce mycotoxins (poisonous toxins). Simply
spraying a mildewcide or fungicide on mold will not remove or
inactivate the mycotoxins that have already been produced. An
adverse reaction from dead mold or mold spores can still happen. Not
all molds produce mycotoxins all the time. It is important to note
that mold spores do not have to be alive to be dangerous. Dead and
dormant mold can be just as harmful. Tolerance to these mycotoxins
again varies from person to person.
Q: Are there any circumstances where people should vacate a
home or other building because of mold?
A: These decisions have to be made individually. If you believe you
are ill because of exposure to mold in a building, you should
consult your physician to determine the appropriate action to take.
Q: How do molds get in the indoor environment and how do they
grow?
A: Molds naturally grow in the indoor environment. Mold spores may
also enter your house through open doorways, windows, heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside
also attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing,
shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors.
When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture,
such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls,
plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many
building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to
grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products,
cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly
conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as
dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet,
fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.
Q: How do you get the molds out of buildings and homes?
A: In most cases mold can be removed by a thorough cleaning with
bleach and water, however, bleach has its limitations and can even
cause a worse mold problem (see
Removing Mold). If you have an extensive amount of mold and you
do not think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you may want to
contact a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in
buildings and homes.
Visit the EPA web site for more information on cleaning mold.
Q: How do you keep mold out of buildings and homes?
A: As part of routine building maintenance, buildings should be
inspected for evidence of water damage and visible mold. The
conditions causing mold (such as water leaks, condensation,
infiltration, or flooding) should be corrected to prevent mold from
growing. A very large percentage of indoor mold problems are the
direct result of improper outdoor irrigation, i.e. over watering and
poor drainage. Make sure sprinklers do not touch the building. Make
sure soil near the building dries out within 3 hours after watering.
Trim trees and bushes to allow the sun to dry soil that contacts the
building.
Other Recommendations:
- Keep humidity level in house below 50%.
- Use air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
- Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust
fans in kitchen and bathrooms.
- Use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints.
- Clean bathroom with mold-killing products.
- Do not carpet bathrooms.
- Remove and replace flooded carpets.
Q: How common is mold, including Stachybotrys chartarum (also
known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) in buildings?
A: Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow
anywhere indoors where there is moisture. The most common indoor
molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. We
do not have accurate information about how often Stachybotrys
chartarum is found in buildings and homes. While it is less common
than other mold species, it is not rare.
Q: What is Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys)?
A: Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys is
a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose
and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper,
dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water
damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water
infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its
growth. It is not necessary, however, to determine what type of mold
you may have. All molds should be treated the same with respect to
potential health risks and removal.
Q: Does Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys) cause acute
idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants?
A: To date, a possible association between acute idiopathic
pulmonary hemorrhage among infants and Stachybotrys chartarum
(Stachybotrys) has not been proved. Further studies are needed to
determine what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage.
Q: What should people to do if they determine they have
Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys) in their buildings or homes?
A: Mold growing in homes and buildings, whether it is Stachybotrys
chartarum (Stachybotrys) or other molds, indicates that there is a
problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem that needs
to be addressed. Mold can be cleaned off surfaces with a weak bleach
solution. Mold under carpets typically requires that the carpets be
removed. Once mold starts to grow in insulation or wallboard the
only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. We
do not believe that one needs to take any different precautions with
Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys), than with other molds. In
areas where flooding has occurred, prompt cleaning of walls and
other flood-damaged items with water mixed with chlorine bleach,
diluted 10 parts water to 1 part bleach, is necessary to prevent
mold growth. Never mix bleach with ammonia. Moldy items should be
discarded.
Summary:
In summary, Stachybotrys and other molds may cause health symptoms
that are nonspecific. At present there is no test that proves an
association between Stachybotrys and particular health symptoms.
Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician.
However, if Stachybotrys or other molds are found in a building,
prudent practice recommends that they be removed. Use the simplest
and most expedient method that properly and safely removes mold.
GOT MOLD QUESTIONS?