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Indoor Mold

Mold is a fungi that feeds off of and breaks down organic material. At least 1,000 species can be found in the U.S. (1). Molds can be found everywhere, as they reproduce by creating tiny spores that float freely in the air. Most indoor molds are formed when spores from outside mold populations drift indoors. If these spores land on wet or moist surfaces, they use that surface as a source of food.

Indoor molds can be found on any surfaces that are wet or moist in humid conditions, including ceiling and floor tiles, wooden surfaces, ventilation systems, or damp/wet carpets. They thrive in moist environments found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Who is at Risk?

Exposure to mold can occur through inhalation, ingestion (usually of moldy food), and touching moldy surfaces. While mold exposures can affect the health of all people, those most susceptible to health risks are individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities. In addition, individuals with weakened immune systems, children, and the elderly are more at risk (2).

Children are especially at risk because at all times, they inhale greater volumes of air per pound of body weight than adults. Children's typically higher activity levels increase this problem. Living in a home with an indoor mold problem and poor ventilation can increase the child's rate of exposure. Children, exploratory in nature, also tend to touch surfaces more frequently, increasing their exposure to spores on surfaces. Children can also be exposed to mold in school or in day care.

Minor health effects can include wheezing, dry hacking cough, eye irritation, and nasal stuffiness. More severe reactions can include fever, shortness of breath, and eventual respiratory illnesses.

How can mold be controlled?

The main way to control mold is to remove the water sources and high humidity conditions that promote spore growth. Looking for signs of water damage such as warped floors/walls and discoloration of surfaces may help you determine the source of the water. Leaking roofs or plumbing are often major sources of water damage. In addition, clothing, fabric, and food materials kept in warm, damp places are likely to attract mold growth. In the event of mass flooding, use fans or heaters to dry out the area only if it has been under 48 hours since the flood. After 48 hours, mold may already be forming on surfaces and using fans would only act to spread mold spores. Once you permanently control the water source, you can attempt to kill the mold yourself if it is 10 square feet or smaller in size. Mold can be removed most easily from non-porous surfaces, and porous surfaces infected with mold, such as carpets and wood products, should be discarded. On non-porous surfaces you can use a weak bleach solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water (3), but make sure the area is well ventilated and take frequent breaks. You should always wear sturdy rubber gloves, goggles that do not have side ventilation holes, and a N-95 face mask (found at most hardware stores) (4). If the damaged area is larger than 10 square feet, you should seek help from a professional (5). Mold often leaves stains, so do not expect to return items to their original state.

How can mold be prevented in the first place?

Preventing mold is a matter of reducing sources of water and humid environments. Humidity in the house should be at 30-50% to prevent growth as well as deter other pests such as dust mites (6). Opening windows in the bathroom while showering or in the kitchen while cooking will reduce the humidity in these rooms. Using an air conditioner or a de-humidifier in the summer months will keep air dry. Removing clothes from the washing machine quickly and drying them outdoors or in a dryer will reduce risk of mold on clothing. Insulate windows, pipes, and floors to prevent condensation. Make sure that ventilation systems are cleaned and well maintained.

Resources on Mold

1. New York Department of Health and Hygiene http://NYC.gov/html/doh/html/ei/eimold.html

2. California Department of Health Services, "Mold in my Home...What Can I Do?"
www.cal-iaq.org/mold0107.htm

3. Center for Disease Control- www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/moldfacts.htm

4. What to wear when cleaning up molds- www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/whattowear.html

5. Information on how to clean up mold- www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldcleanup.html

6. Mold prevention-www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/preventionandcontrol.html.

7. Mold Survivor- www.Mold-survivor.com

8. Information on Mold and Children- www.Fungalresearchgroup.com

9. National Center for Environmental Health Mold Facts- www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/moldfacts.htm

10. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mold Page- www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/allergens/mold.htm

11. National Library of Medicine Mold Page- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/molds.html

12. Children's Environmental Health Network- www.cehn.org
10/13/2004
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