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Toxic Mold
Since the 1990's many stories have appeared in the media about 'sick
buildings.' No, the buildings themselves aren't sick, but the people who
live or work in them often exhibit a range of symptoms that might lead even a skeptic to believe these homes and offices are haunted. Nausea,
dizziness, blurred vision, burning rashes, headaches and painful joints are some of the milder illnesses reported. More severe disorders may include seizures, hearing loss, high blood pressure, miscarriages, respiratory problems and even bleeding in the lungs. The cause of all this is not some ancient curse, but very often a harmless-looking fuzzy greenish-black growth called stychybortrys or toxic mold.
Not all mold is toxic. Most molds are benign and some, such as penicillin, are beneficial. Even a brief walk outdoors can bring you into contact with dozens of different molds. Chances are, you will never notice them. But once mold moves indoors, especially in a poorly ventilated building, something else happens. As mold spreads it releases microscopic spores, or microtoxins into the air. Inhaling these spores for prolonged periods can literally poison the body. A few people are actually allergic to mold and will come down with flu-like symptoms when ever they come into contact with it. Allergies alone, however cannot explain buildings where everybody is affected and researchers now believe there is a particular kinds of mold, the stachybotrys cited above, whose spores are toxic to everyone.
How do you know if your building is infested with stachybotrys? Toxic mold needs two things--moisture and an source of organic nourishment. Moisture accumulates where there is poor ventilation, and the cellulose (a.k.a. wood-fiber) found in many building materials provides mold with food. In addition, metal or glass surfaces that appear to be inhospitable to mold can support growth if poor ventilation traps skin cells, hair and food particles in the air. Some signs of mold infestation are obvious. A strong, musty, mildew odor is a good signal. A fuzzy black or greenish stain on walls or carpets is a sure giveaway. But don¹t forget mold often thrives best in hidden places. Check between wall boards, underneath carpets, above ceiling panels and around enclosed plumbing fixtures.
Removing Toxic Mold
Getting rid of toxic mold takes patience and persistence. First, make sure
adequate ventilation is established particularly in areas where moisture
accumulates. Second, discard all carpets, furniture and other portable
items which have been infested with mold. Third, thoroughly clean all
surfaces where mold appears. The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
recommends using a solution of 1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water or regular commercial cleaning products. If the mold has spread to hidden areas, it may be necessary to remove walls, ceiling panels or floorboards. In extreme cases, entire buildings have been demolished, though the need for this is debatable. What is required is continued vigilance after the mold has been eliminated. Regular cleaning and inspections should insure it does not return.
Once the mold is gone, most exposed people recover from their symptoms. A few victims, though, have reported ongoing problems with memory, eyesight and physical coordination . Those with compromised immune systems or respiratory diseases can develop mold infections in their lungs. Children and the elderly may also be vulnerable long-term complications. Currently, there is no single medical treatment for mold-related diseases. If you suspect you or a family member is suffering from mold infections, seek medical treatment.
Because cases of toxic mold have increased dramatically over the past
decade, 'The Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act.' (H.R. 1268 ) was
introduced to Congress in 2003. This bill establishes inspection standards for identifying toxic mold, guidelines for removing it, and funds for further education and research.
For more information on this bill and its status got to:
http://www.house.gov/conyers/mold.htm. More background on toxic mold and its effects may be found at the CDC¹s mold FAQ's:
http://www.cdc.gov.nche/airpollution/mold/stachy.htm .
Toxic Mold section author: Patrice Sherman
Last updated: 05/07/2005
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