Mold Problem and Mold Damage due to
Toxic Mold and Black Mold Growth
ABOUT MOLD
by Minnesota Dept. of Health Services
What is it?
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found
virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds can be found on plants,
foods, dry leaves, and other organic material. Molds are needed for
breaking down dead material. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight,
and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be
seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from
green to brown and black. When molds are present in large quantities, they
can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.
Should I be concerned about mold damage
or mold problem in my home?
Yes, if the
mold damage or the mold problem contamination is extensive. When airborne
mold spores are present in large numbers, they can cause allergic
reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems for
people. Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an
allergy to the mold. Mold can also cause structural damage to your home.
Similarly, when wood goes through a period of wetting, then drying, it can
eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally weak.
What does toxic mold and black mold need to
grow?
For toxic mold and
black mold to grow, it needs:
Can
toxic mold and black mold become a problem in my home?
Yes, if there is moisture available to allow mold to
thrive and multiply.
The following are sources of indoor moisture that may
cause problems:
-
flooding
-
backed-up sewers
-
leaky roofs
-
humidifiers
-
mud or ice dams
-
damp basement or crawl spaces
-
constant plumbing leaks
-
house plants - watering can generate large amounts of
moisture
-
steam from cooking
-
shower/bath steam and leaks
-
wet clothes on indoor drying lines
-
clothes dryers vented indoors
-
combustion appliances (e.g. stoves) not
exhausted to the outdoors
CAUTION:
If you see moisture condensation on the windows or
walls, it is also possible that you have a combustion problem in your
home. It is important to have sufficient fresh air available for fuel
burning appliances, such as the furnace, water heater, stove/range,
clothes dryer, as well as a fireplace. A shortage of air for these
appliances can result in back drafting of dangerous gases such as
carbon
monoxide into the home. To prevent back drafting of air, you need
either open vents or a ventilation system that brings fresh air into the
home to replace air that is exhausted out. Have your local utility
company or a professional heating contractor inspect your fuel-burning
appliances annually.
HEALTH EFFECTS
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 irritative molds. Mycotoxins have been found in homes,
agricultural settings, food, and office buildings.
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