Danger of toxic mold article 1/27/10
Tamara R Pearlman
"black" mold is called toxic mold....good article though....
Tamara
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Dangers of Black Mold
by LOU LaPORTA Hernando Today correspondent
The Tampa Tribune, hernandotoday.com
Black mold, which is actually greenish black in color, has been
associated with "sick building syndrome" and a variety of health
problems. Molds are commonly found in buildings and homes and will
grow indoors anywhere there is moisture. The most common indoor molds
are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.
Molds emit reproductive spores that can become airborne and wreak
havoc for people with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune
systems.
Black mold is a so-called "toxic mold" which produces toxins referred
to as mycotoxins. Although less common than other mold species, black
mold, referred biologically as Stachybotrys chartarum, is not rare.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient
evidence to link indoor mold exposure to upper respiratory tract
symptoms in otherwise healthy people, asthmatic symptoms in people
prone to asthma, and fungal infections in individuals with depressed
immunity.
Other symptoms that have been reported with exposure to black mold
include memory problems, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and
gastrointestinal symptoms.
Health effects are usually not attributed to the mycotoxins unless
someone is eating food borne molds, which the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration report may be hazardous to human or animal health if
ingested because of these mycotoxins. With regard to exposure rather
than ingestion, however, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
recommend that all molds should be treated the same with respect to
potential health risks and removal.
It is not necessary to conduct expensive testing to determine the
presence or type of mold. In fact, the Florida Department of Health
advises that there are actually no health- or exposure-based standards
used to evaluate a mold sample.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that one can
take simple, practical steps to detect, remove, and prevent sources of
biological pollutants such as mold. They suggest that your first step
is to follow your eyes and nose to detect mold.
In most cases, mold can be removed from hard surfaces by a thorough
cleaning with soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than one
cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Absorbent or porous materials
like ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpet may have to be discarded if
they become moldy. 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. Before removal, however, make sure any leaks or
sources of moisture in the home are addressed or the mold will return.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, by
controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of molds
can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-60 percent is generally
recommended for homes.
You can look to the following resources for many helpful suggestions
on how to remove and prevent mold from growing in your home or office,
and keeping you and your family healthy.
For more information
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), www.epa.gov/mold/
The Institutes of Medicine (IOM), www.iom.edu/Reports/2004/Damp-Indoor-Spaces-and-Health.aspx
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) , www.cdc.gov/MOLD/stachy.htm
The Florida Department of Health (DOH), www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/mold.htm
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/450.html
http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2010/jan/28/hb-dangers-of-black-mold/