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The heath effects associated with mold vary depending on the type of
mold and the person exposed. Immuno-altered and immuno-compromised
individuals (i.e. infants, elderly, and those with pre-existing
conditions) are at a much higher risk of suffering health effects.
Exposure to mold, via skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation, can result
in allergic reactions, infections, or toxic (poisonous) effects. The
associated symptoms range from a rash and cold and flu-like effects to
neurological damage and even death.
Molds are found almost everywhere; they can grow on virtually any
organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. In
buildings, molds grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When
excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials,
mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture remains
undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and
mold spores in the indoor environment. Indoor mold growth is
manageable, however, by controlling moisture.
In some cases, indoor
mold growth may not be obvious. Mold can grow on hidden surfaces, such as
the backside of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top of ceiling
tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Some building materials,
such as vinyl wallpaper may act as a vapor barrier, trapping moisture
beneath the surface and thereby providing a moist environment where mold
can grow on the wallboard or wood paneling underneath. While all mold
growth should be immediately addressed in the indoor environment, there
are several types of mold that are of particular concern:
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys atra, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum (SC), is
regarded by the media and implicated by the public health community
as a potentially dangerous toxic mold. S. chartarum is known to
produce at least 170 different mycotoxins (poisons from a fungus),
has been associated with several infant deaths, and was implicated
in the $32 million Texas lawsuit. The mycotoxins produced by this
fungus cause rashes, inflammation and hemorrhaging of the lung, and
suppression of the immune system. |
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Aspergillus
Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for ailments from
allergy-type illnesses to life-threatening generalized infections (aspergillosis).
This mold grows in both the lungs and sinuses, threatening
permanent lung damage (fibrosis) or even death. Aspergillus is of particular
concern in hospitals and nursing homes as immuno-compromised
individuals are much more susceptible to aspergillosis.
Other aspergillus species (i.e. A. flavus, A. clavatus, and A.
parasiticus) also produce mycotoxins. These mycotoxins may be
carcinogenic, affect the liver, kidneys, and basic cellular
functions. Some of these toxins commonly contaminate grains and are
heat stable so they survive cooking. |
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Penicillium
Some species of Penicillium are
known for their beneficial antibiotic effects (i.e. Penicillium
chrysogenum). However, a number of species (i.e. P. crustoum, P.
expansum, and P. griseofulvum) grow indoors and produce very
dangerous mycotoxins. These mycotoxins may be carcinogenic and
affect the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, posing a serious
threat to human health.
Many more types of mold grow indoors with the potential to produce
harmful effects, (e.g. Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Alternataria)
especially in those individuals who are immuno-altered or immuno-compromised.
Any indication of significant indoor mold growth warrants an
investigation- for better health. |
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Concern about toxic mold is increasing with heightened public
awareness that exposure can cause serious health problems- and even
death. However, all molds, toxic or not, should be of concern when they
persist at elevated levels indoors.