Q
1.I heard about toxic
molds that grow in homes and other buildings. Should I be concerned
about a serious health risk to me and my family?
A. The hazards presented
by molds that may contain mycotoxins should be considered the same
as other common molds which can grow in your house. There is always
a little mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces.
There are very few case reports that toxic molds (those
containing certain mycotoxins) inside homes can cause unique or
rare, health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory
loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link
between the presence of the toxic mold and these conditions has not
been proven. A common-sense approach should be used for any mold
contamination existing inside buildings and homes. The common
health concerns from molds include hay-fever like allergic
symptoms. Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease
(chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may experience
difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression may be at
increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family
members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should
be consulted for diagnosis and treatment. For the most part, one
should take routine measures to prevent mold growth in the home.
Q 2.
How common is mold, including Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by
its synonyn 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 3.
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 4.
What is Stachybotrys chartarum (stachybotrys atra)?
A. Stachybotrys
chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) 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 5.
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 6.
Who are the people who are most at risk for health problems
associated with exposure to mold?
A. People with allergies
may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or
underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal
infections.
Q 7.
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
A. Large mold
infestations can usually be seen or smelled.
Q 8.
Does Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) cause acute
idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants?
A. To date, a possible
association between acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among
infants and Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) has not been
proved. Further studies are needed to determine what causes acute
idiopathic hemorrhage.
Q 9.
What if my child has acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage?
A. Parents should ensure
that their children get proper medical treatment.
Q 10.
What are the potential health effects of mold in buildings and
homes?
A. Mold exposure does
not always present a health problem indoors. However some people
are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such
as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing when exposed to
molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe
reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds
in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay.
Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. People
with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may
develop mold infections in their lungs.
Q 11.
How do you get the molds out of buildings, including homes,
schools, and places of employment?
A. In most cases mold
can be removed by a thorough cleaning with bleach and water. 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.
Q 12.
What should people to do if they determine they have Stachybotrys
chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) in their buildings or homes?
A. Mold growing in homes
and buildings, whether it is Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys
atra) 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 atra), 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.
Q 13.
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.
Specific Recommendations: Keep humidity
level in house below 50%.
Use air conditioner or a dehumidifier
during humid months.
Be sure home has adequate ventilation,
including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms (make sure the vent
directly to the exterior.)
Use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints.
Clean bathroom with mold killing products.
Do not carpet bathrooms.
Remove and replace flooded carpets.
Summary:Stachybotrys
chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) and other molds may cause health
symptoms that are nonspecific. At present there is no test that
proves an association between Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys
atra) and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent
symptoms should see their physician. However, if Stachybotrys
chartarum (stachybotrys atra) 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.