Understanding and Getting Rid of Mold

May 1, 2010

Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria. Chances are most of you have never heard these words until now. However, there is a very good chance that you have breathed them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these four mold types are the most common ones found in indoor environments. Assuming that you have inhaled one or more of these or any number of other molds, is your health at risk?

The following information may help you understand mold and its potential health risks.

The function of molds: Molds are a part of the natural environment and perform the vital function of breaking down dead organic matter. Without question, molds have been around longer than humans.

Types: Molds fall into one of three categories --- allergenic, toxic and pathogenic.

1. Allergenic molds are typically not dangerous to humans in low amounts. However, they can cause allergic, asthma-like symptoms. In most cases, these molds can be abated with a good cleaning of the indoor environment.
2. Although the term"toxic mold" is inaccurate, some molds can produce mycotoxins than can result in health problems for humans ranging from short-term irritation to suppression of the immune system and even death. According to the CDC, the case reports of toxigenic molds causing unique or unusual health problems are rare, and a causal link between these molds and unusual health conditions has not been proven.
3. Pathogenic molds usually resultIin some kind of infection and can be a serious health threat for people with suppressed immune systems including those receiving chemotherapy or with HIV/AIDS.

How does mold get in and spread? The simple answer is that molds are everywhere. Mold spores can be transported to the indoor environment on clothes, through open windows and doors and HVAC ductwork, and on pets. To grow, mold requires water --- so leaks from roofs, foundations or plumbing and elevated levels of humidity can allow mold to grow.

How do I know if there’s mold in my house? Mold is often visible on interior finished surfaces. But mold also can be hidden behind walls, ceilings ore floors. Indoor air can be tested for elevated mold spore levels by a qualified expert. When selecting a mold testing company, use the same care you would in choosing a contractor to work on your house. Ask for references and certifications and make sure that you see the finished report from a certified testing laboratory.

What if there is mold in my house? The first step is to remove any sources of moisture that may be allowing the mold to grow. This may require fixing roof or plumbing leakier having a foundation professionally waterproofed. After the source of moisture is removed, clean up the areas affected by the mold.

Guidelines for mold cleanup area available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its guide titled, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings." Although this guide is for schools and commercial buildings, the same procedures are appropriate for residential buildings.

You can get the guide free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at 800-438-4318 or by going to the EPA Web site at www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html

Copyright 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution