| Molds produce tiny spores
to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air
continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may
begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to
survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and
foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold
growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture
problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way
to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way
to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home, call First
Class Services to have your mold trouble professionally remediated.
HEALTH
EFFECTS
[from Minn. & Cal. Health Depts.]
How am I exposed to
indoor molds?
Mold is found
everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is common to find mold spores in
the air of homes and growing on damp surfaces. Much of the mold found
indoors comes from outdoor sources. Therefore, everyone is exposed to
some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. Mold spores primarily
cause health problems when they enter the air and are inhaled in large
number. People can also be exposed to mold through skin contact and
eating.
How much mold can make
me sick?
It depends. For some
people, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health
problems. For other people, it may take many more. The basic rule is, if
you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture,
and to cleanup and remove the mold.
Who is at greater risk
when exposed to mold?
Exposure to mold is not healthy
for anyone inside buildings. It is important to quickly identify and
correct any moisture sources before health problems develop. The
following individuals appear to be at higher risk for adverse health
effects of molds:
-
Infants and children
-
elderly
-
immune compromised patients
(people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, liver disease,
etc.)
-
pregnant women
-
individuals with existing
respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical
sensitivity, and asthma.
People with these special
concerns should consult a physician if they are having health problems.
What symptoms are
common?
Allergic reactions may be the
most common health problem of mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported
(alone or in combination) include:
-
respiratory problems, such as
wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
-
nasal and sinus congestion
-
eyes-burning, watery,
reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
-
dry, hacking cough
-
sore throat
-
nose and throat irritation
-
shortness of breath
-
skin irritation
-
central nervous system
problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
-
aches and pains
-
possible fever
Are some molds more
hazardous than others?
Allergic persons vary in
their sensitivities to mold, both as to amount and type needed to cause
reactions. In addition, certain types of molds can produce toxins,
called mycotoxins, that the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the
growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead
mold spores. Materials permeated with mold need to be removed, even
after they are disinfected with cleaning solutions. Allergic and
toxic effects can remain in dead spores. Exposure to mycotoxins may
present a greater hazard than that of allergenic or irritating molds.
Mycotoxins have been found in homes, agricultural settings, food, and
office buildings.
If you are experiencing a medical
emergency dial 911! |
Although it might not be
obvious, you may have dangerous mold in your home. This Stachybotrys
(black mold) was found on the backside of the drywall in a bedroom.
Give us a call if you suspect your home has a mold problem. |
