Air Matters LLC has received a large number of calls in recent months from tenants who are concerned about mold testing and indoor air quality. These tenants have occupied a variety of properties from large apartment complexes or commercial office buildings to privately owned townhouses or duplexes. However, they have all shared one concern: “How can I get my landlord to take my complaint seriously and address this mold issue?”
In most cases, property owners or management are quick to deal with a valid mold situation. It minimizes property damage, keeps tenants healthy and happy, and is simply the right thing to do. Taking care of mold promptly also minimizes liability -- Across the country, renters have been awarded millions of dollars in lawsuits that contend significant health problems associated with exposure to mold.
But what should tenants do if they are having trouble getting a commitment to complete repairs and do any necessary remediation? Currently, there is no Federal law that sets permissible exposure limits or tolerance standards related to mold. Several states (including CA, TX, NJ, and MD) have passed some laws designed to establish guidelines for safe levels of mold in the air.
In North Carolina, mold is often addressed through the state’s Landlord and Tenant law – Chapter 42, which imposes minimum generic maintenance obligations for rental properties. This includes the obligation to maintain "in safe and good working order" many common sources of water and moisture intrusion that support fungal growth, such as plumbing and HVAC systems.
If you are a tenant with a suspected mold issue, notify your landlord in writing immediately. Include the date(s) you first noticed any conditions that might be associated with the problem, such as leaks or musty smells and a description of the progression of the problem. Take photographs to document the conditions, if possible. Include any supporting documentation, such as proof of medical appointments to address health symptoms you feel could be related to mold exposure. Ask when you can expect the problem to be addressed and follow-up.
If you are still unable to make any progress with your landlord, you may wish to consult with a mold professional, who can provide you with scientific data and environmental testing results to confirm, quantify and document your fungal exposure.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Showing posts with label mold health effects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mold health effects. Show all posts
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Celebrities Sue Over Mold Issues
Ed McMahon filed the first memorable celebrity mold lawsuit back in 2002, claiming that faulty work to clean and repair his home after a pipe burst resulted in toxic mold that made him and his wife sick and killed their dog. He asked for $20 million in damages and settled the claim the following year for just over $7 million.
Other celebrities have sued their insurance companies, home inspectors, contractors and tradesmen over the years related to mold issues including Erin Brockavich, Lou Ferrigno, Michael Jordan, and Bianca Jagger. A few months ago, there were rumours that mold contributed to the deaths of Brittany Murphy and Simon Monjack, after they both died weeks apart and were found to have had similar pneumonia type symptoms.
Now, Rachael Ray and her lawyer husband John Cusimano have filed a lawsuit against two home inspection companies for failing to discover that the Southampton home they purchased in 2007 had water damage and mold growth. Rachel has suffered with respiratory problems repeatedly and feels that the mold either caused or at least exacerbated these symptoms, which impacted her effectiveness on camera and in front of her audience. Rachael and her husband have moved into her apartment in New York City until the situation is resolved.
Are home inspectors liable for positively identifying mold?
According to leading trade associations for the home inspection industry, NO!
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors document "International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Residential Properties", reads as follows:
3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
3.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspectors are not required to determine:
J. the presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. the presence of air-borne hazards.
Likewise, the American Society of Home Inspectors document "Standards of Practice" states:
13.2 General exclusions:
A.Inspectors are not required to determine:
11.the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals including, but not limited to wood destroying organisms or diseases harmful to humans including molds or mold-like substances.
12.the presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air.
Although many home inspectors do offer mold investigation and mold testing services, this is an additional area of expertise that requires specific training and often separate liability insurance coverage.
Your best bet when buying a home is to have an independent comprehensive home inspection in conjunction with a mold inspection. These two professionals working together can minimize your potential for buying a home with water damage and mold growth.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Other celebrities have sued their insurance companies, home inspectors, contractors and tradesmen over the years related to mold issues including Erin Brockavich, Lou Ferrigno, Michael Jordan, and Bianca Jagger. A few months ago, there were rumours that mold contributed to the deaths of Brittany Murphy and Simon Monjack, after they both died weeks apart and were found to have had similar pneumonia type symptoms.
Now, Rachael Ray and her lawyer husband John Cusimano have filed a lawsuit against two home inspection companies for failing to discover that the Southampton home they purchased in 2007 had water damage and mold growth. Rachel has suffered with respiratory problems repeatedly and feels that the mold either caused or at least exacerbated these symptoms, which impacted her effectiveness on camera and in front of her audience. Rachael and her husband have moved into her apartment in New York City until the situation is resolved.
Are home inspectors liable for positively identifying mold?
According to leading trade associations for the home inspection industry, NO!
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors document "International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Residential Properties", reads as follows:
3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
3.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspectors are not required to determine:
J. the presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. the presence of air-borne hazards.
Likewise, the American Society of Home Inspectors document "Standards of Practice" states:
13.2 General exclusions:
A.Inspectors are not required to determine:
11.the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals including, but not limited to wood destroying organisms or diseases harmful to humans including molds or mold-like substances.
12.the presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air.
Although many home inspectors do offer mold investigation and mold testing services, this is an additional area of expertise that requires specific training and often separate liability insurance coverage.
Your best bet when buying a home is to have an independent comprehensive home inspection in conjunction with a mold inspection. These two professionals working together can minimize your potential for buying a home with water damage and mold growth.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Most Frightening Fungus?
Type "Black Mold" into an internet search engine, and what do you get? Links to over 5.5 Million pieces of information in less than a quarter of a second.
WOW! The majority of these sites refer to Stachybotrys. It is commonly nicknamed “stachy” and has been sensationalized as "black mold" or "toxic mold" by the media.
What is Stachybotrys?
Stachybotrys Chartarum is the single best known species of the genus. Despite the "black mold" nickname, Stachybotrys is not truly black, but is normally greenish-black in color. It tends to be somewhat slimy, as opposed to powdery. It thrives on on cellulose-containing products that have been wet for several days or more and enjoys a fairly constant moisture source.
Why are People so Worried About Stachybotrys?
Stachbotrys is known to produce trichothecene mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin. Exposure to these mycotoxins may have potential health effects for some individuals including coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rashes, and diarrhea.
Since these symptoms are general in nature, they also can be caused by a cold, virus or exposure to other allergens. It is not known what level of mycotoxin from Stachybotrys must be present in the air to cause health effect symptoms.
People with allergies may be more sensitive to Stachybotrys, as well as other molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections that may be associated with mycotoxins.
Is the Concern About Stachybotrys New?
The potential effects of Stachybotrys toxins were first observed in cattle and horses in Russia in 1920. Stomatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pancytopenia and neurological disorders developed in these animals after they ingested hay contaminated with Stachybotrys.
Later in the 1970s, it was claimed that Yellow Rain attacks in Southeast Asia were associated with the use of aerosolized trichothecenes as an agent of biologic warfare. However, this claim remained scientifically unproven.
What Caused the More Recent Focus on Stachybotrys?
In 1994, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated whether exposure to Stachybotrys might be related to pulmonary hemorrhage, also known as bleeding lungs, in infants in Cleveland, Ohio.
While the CDC initially concluded that there was a possible link between exposure to the mold and the condition, Stachybotrys was not found in the homes of seven children with bleeding lungs identified in the Chicago area between April 1992 and January 1995.
A subsequent review of the Cleveland study by a group of CDC experts concluded that a link between exposure to Stachybotrys and bleeding lungs in infants was not proven.
Where Can I Get More Information?
If you want additional information on Stachybotrys, make sure you are using reputable sources that provide the facts rather than relying on scare tactics.
Several good places to start include the Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/mold) and the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/MOLD/stachy.htm).
WOW! The majority of these sites refer to Stachybotrys. It is commonly nicknamed “stachy” and has been sensationalized as "black mold" or "toxic mold" by the media.
What is Stachybotrys?
Stachybotrys Chartarum is the single best known species of the genus. Despite the "black mold" nickname, Stachybotrys is not truly black, but is normally greenish-black in color. It tends to be somewhat slimy, as opposed to powdery. It thrives on on cellulose-containing products that have been wet for several days or more and enjoys a fairly constant moisture source.
Why are People so Worried About Stachybotrys?
Stachbotrys is known to produce trichothecene mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin. Exposure to these mycotoxins may have potential health effects for some individuals including coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rashes, and diarrhea.
Since these symptoms are general in nature, they also can be caused by a cold, virus or exposure to other allergens. It is not known what level of mycotoxin from Stachybotrys must be present in the air to cause health effect symptoms.
People with allergies may be more sensitive to Stachybotrys, as well as other molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections that may be associated with mycotoxins.
Is the Concern About Stachybotrys New?
The potential effects of Stachybotrys toxins were first observed in cattle and horses in Russia in 1920. Stomatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pancytopenia and neurological disorders developed in these animals after they ingested hay contaminated with Stachybotrys.
Later in the 1970s, it was claimed that Yellow Rain attacks in Southeast Asia were associated with the use of aerosolized trichothecenes as an agent of biologic warfare. However, this claim remained scientifically unproven.
What Caused the More Recent Focus on Stachybotrys?
In 1994, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated whether exposure to Stachybotrys might be related to pulmonary hemorrhage, also known as bleeding lungs, in infants in Cleveland, Ohio.
While the CDC initially concluded that there was a possible link between exposure to the mold and the condition, Stachybotrys was not found in the homes of seven children with bleeding lungs identified in the Chicago area between April 1992 and January 1995.
A subsequent review of the Cleveland study by a group of CDC experts concluded that a link between exposure to Stachybotrys and bleeding lungs in infants was not proven.
Where Can I Get More Information?
If you want additional information on Stachybotrys, make sure you are using reputable sources that provide the facts rather than relying on scare tactics.
Several good places to start include the Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/mold) and the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/MOLD/stachy.htm).
Saturday, February 20, 2010
EPA Teams with Building Industry Experts on Comprehensive IAQ Guide
Too often, indoor air quality (IAQ) problems result from poor planning, improper design, or inadequate construction methods and materials. If design and construction teams work together to incorporate good IAQ strategies from the start, many of the common pitfalls can be avoided.
The Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is a collaboration between the American Society of Refrigerating, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Institute of Architects, the Building Owners and Managers Association International, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors of North America, and the United States Green Building Council, which awards the internationally recognized LEED green building certification system.
The book outlines specific strategies for achieving eight critical IAQ objectives relative to moisture management, ventilation, filtration and cleaning, and source control.
A 198-page summary of the guide can be downloaded free of charge at www.ashrae.org/iaq. The full publication, including a CD, is also available through ASHRAE for $29.
Within the summary, Objective 2 - Control Moisture in Building Assemblies and Objective 4 - Control Moisture and Contaminants Related to Mechanical Systems offer strategies to limit water and moisture intrusion, which directly impact the growth of fungal (mold) species.
The summary guide states in Objective 2 that "Moisture in buildings is a major contributor to mold growth and the poor IAQ that can result. Wetting of building walls and rainwater leaks are major causes of water infiltration."
There is also significant attention in this section given to controlling indoor humidity levels. High humidity supports the growth of mold, dust mite populations, and other biological contaminants indoors that may cause allergies or other health problems for building occupants.
Low humidity levels can dry out mucous membranes. Either way, "humidity conditions also affect people's perceptions of the IAQ."
Objective 4 starts out explaining the important role of mechanical systems in providing good IAQ. It then states "However, since many mechanical systems carry water or become wet during operation, they can also amplify and distribute microbial contaminants." Detailed strategies are discussed for each component of the mechanical systems.
Considering IAQ from the initial design process through the building occupancy will ensure that everyone breathes a little easier.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Are You Suffering from Sick Building Syndrome?
"Sick Building Syndrome" is a term that is used to describe when somebody experiences health or personal comfort effects that seem to be linked to the amount of time spent in a particular building, but they are unable to positively identify a specific cause or health condition responsible for these effects.
These effects may only be felt when in one particular room or area of a building, or they may be experienced throughout the facility. Also, they may be limited to one individual or can affect a large number of building occupants.
The complaints differ and can include many symptoms such as headaches; dry, itching, red or watery eyes; sensitivity to odors; coughing; dry or itchy patches or skin including rashes; dizziness; nausea; or fatigue.
Two things that do seem to be consistent with Sick Building Syndrome are the fact that an immediate cause of the symptoms is not known and that people who are suffering report a relief from these symptoms once they are away from the building.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the following factors are often responsible for causing or contributing to complaints of Sick Building Syndrome:
1. Biological Contaminants
This includes mold, mildew, bacteria, pollens, and insect or bird droppings. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has collected around building leaks or in ducts, drain pans, or humidifiers.
2. Indoor Chemical Contaminants
Adhesives, carpeting, upholstery (including fabric cubicle walls), manufactured wood products (particularly press board), copy machines, pesticides, cigarette smoke, and cleaning products may all emit volatile organic compounds (VOC's), including formaldehyde.
3. Outdoor Chemical Contaminants
The outdoor air that enters a building, particularly through poorly positioned air intake vents, doors or windows can also be a source of chemical pollution. Common contaminants may include motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, kitchen fumes, or bathroom exhausts.
4. Inadequate Ventilation
Energy conservation measures and construction methods have resulted in buildings today being more tightly sealed than ever before. As a result, there has been a decrease in the outdoor air exchange. Inadequate ventilation may also occur when the HVAC system is not properly sized, balanced or maintained for the square footage and type of occupancy intended and is unable to effectively distribute conditioned air to the occupants of the building.
A professional indoor air quality investigation is one tool to help identify potential risk factors that may be contributing to symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome.
For more information on Sick Building Syndrome, check out this document available from the EPA: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
These effects may only be felt when in one particular room or area of a building, or they may be experienced throughout the facility. Also, they may be limited to one individual or can affect a large number of building occupants.
The complaints differ and can include many symptoms such as headaches; dry, itching, red or watery eyes; sensitivity to odors; coughing; dry or itchy patches or skin including rashes; dizziness; nausea; or fatigue.
Two things that do seem to be consistent with Sick Building Syndrome are the fact that an immediate cause of the symptoms is not known and that people who are suffering report a relief from these symptoms once they are away from the building.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the following factors are often responsible for causing or contributing to complaints of Sick Building Syndrome:
1. Biological Contaminants
This includes mold, mildew, bacteria, pollens, and insect or bird droppings. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has collected around building leaks or in ducts, drain pans, or humidifiers.
2. Indoor Chemical Contaminants
Adhesives, carpeting, upholstery (including fabric cubicle walls), manufactured wood products (particularly press board), copy machines, pesticides, cigarette smoke, and cleaning products may all emit volatile organic compounds (VOC's), including formaldehyde.
3. Outdoor Chemical Contaminants
The outdoor air that enters a building, particularly through poorly positioned air intake vents, doors or windows can also be a source of chemical pollution. Common contaminants may include motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, kitchen fumes, or bathroom exhausts.
4. Inadequate Ventilation
Energy conservation measures and construction methods have resulted in buildings today being more tightly sealed than ever before. As a result, there has been a decrease in the outdoor air exchange. Inadequate ventilation may also occur when the HVAC system is not properly sized, balanced or maintained for the square footage and type of occupancy intended and is unable to effectively distribute conditioned air to the occupants of the building.
A professional indoor air quality investigation is one tool to help identify potential risk factors that may be contributing to symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome.
For more information on Sick Building Syndrome, check out this document available from the EPA: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
US Surgeon General and Federal Government on Mold and Healthy Homes
The U.S. Surgeon General's Office, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other federal agencies are coming together to try and help raise awareness on the health effects of poor indoor air quality within the home.
In conjunction with this, acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson recently released a report titled "The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes". Galson told the media that the purpose of the report was to promote discussions about the importance of healthy homes.
He stated that "We can prevent many diseases and injuries that result from health hazards in the home by following the simple steps outlined in this Call to Action."
The report addresses many indoor contaminants, including mold. It includes many suggestions to improve the air quality in your home such as prohibiting smoking and eliminating exposure to second hand smoke, installing carbon monoxide and radon detection devices, and controlling moisture and water intrusion to reduce the potential for mold growth.
The full text of the report can be read on the Surgeon General's information website at: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/healthyhomes/calltoactiontopromotehealthyhomes.pdf
Air Matters has performed mold inspection and testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Contact Air Matters at (919) 870-6748.
In conjunction with this, acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson recently released a report titled "The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes". Galson told the media that the purpose of the report was to promote discussions about the importance of healthy homes.
He stated that "We can prevent many diseases and injuries that result from health hazards in the home by following the simple steps outlined in this Call to Action."
The report addresses many indoor contaminants, including mold. It includes many suggestions to improve the air quality in your home such as prohibiting smoking and eliminating exposure to second hand smoke, installing carbon monoxide and radon detection devices, and controlling moisture and water intrusion to reduce the potential for mold growth.
The full text of the report can be read on the Surgeon General's information website at: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/healthyhomes/calltoactiontopromotehealthyhomes.pdf
Air Matters has performed mold inspection and testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Contact Air Matters at (919) 870-6748.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What You Should Know About Mold
What is mold?
Molds (and mildew) are forms of fungi that are found everywhere – inside and outside. Fungi are necessary for recycling organic material, which is required to sustain plant and animal life. There are more than 100,000 types of mold. These species can be any color, including white, orange, green, brown or black. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Fewer than 200 species of molds have been classified as human pathogens that can cause infections.
How does mold get inside my house?
Many molds grow naturally in the indoor environment. Mold spores may enter your house through open doorways, windows, or HVAC systems. Spores may attach themselves to family members, pets, clothing, shoes, or bags and be brought indoors.
How does mold grow?
Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores. These spores settle on surrounding surfaces, and begin to grow in favorable conditions. Growth requires three things: moisture, an organic food source (examples include carpet, sheetrock, wallpaper, paint, upholstery, wood, leather, or even dust) and a suitable temperature between 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that mold does not need light to grow. When one of the three conditions becomes unsatisfactory, the mold becomes dormant. It can resume activity when the conditions are restored to favorable.
What is the “killer mold” or “black mold” I have heard about?
Sensationalized media reports refer to a specific type of mold called Stachybotrys that has been nicknamed the “killer mold” or “black mold”. It is less common than other mold species. There are only a few molds that are truly black, although many can appear black. Not all mold that appears to be black is Stachybotrys. This specific type of mold grows on cellulose materials, such as paper, cardboard, sheetrock, or framing. It requires a very high, constant moisture level to grow, which usually occurs after something has been wet for several weeks. Stachybotrys can release potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins, which cling to the mold spores. The health effects of these toxins are unproven and are currently being studied.
Molds (and mildew) are forms of fungi that are found everywhere – inside and outside. Fungi are necessary for recycling organic material, which is required to sustain plant and animal life. There are more than 100,000 types of mold. These species can be any color, including white, orange, green, brown or black. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Fewer than 200 species of molds have been classified as human pathogens that can cause infections.
How does mold get inside my house?
Many molds grow naturally in the indoor environment. Mold spores may enter your house through open doorways, windows, or HVAC systems. Spores may attach themselves to family members, pets, clothing, shoes, or bags and be brought indoors.
How does mold grow?
Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores. These spores settle on surrounding surfaces, and begin to grow in favorable conditions. Growth requires three things: moisture, an organic food source (examples include carpet, sheetrock, wallpaper, paint, upholstery, wood, leather, or even dust) and a suitable temperature between 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that mold does not need light to grow. When one of the three conditions becomes unsatisfactory, the mold becomes dormant. It can resume activity when the conditions are restored to favorable.
What is the “killer mold” or “black mold” I have heard about?
Sensationalized media reports refer to a specific type of mold called Stachybotrys that has been nicknamed the “killer mold” or “black mold”. It is less common than other mold species. There are only a few molds that are truly black, although many can appear black. Not all mold that appears to be black is Stachybotrys. This specific type of mold grows on cellulose materials, such as paper, cardboard, sheetrock, or framing. It requires a very high, constant moisture level to grow, which usually occurs after something has been wet for several weeks. Stachybotrys can release potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins, which cling to the mold spores. The health effects of these toxins are unproven and are currently being studied.
How do I know if I have mold?
In many cases, visible mold growth will allow you to confirm the presence of mold in your home. Mold may also be hidden on the backside of sheetrock or wallpaper, the underside of carpet and padding, inside ductwork, or around pipes. Musty, moldy odors may also be an indication of hidden mold. Investigating hidden mold usually requires disturbing the mold growth site. This can lead to a massive release of mold spores, so you should consider hiring a professional if you suspect you might have hidden mold.
How do I get rid of mold?
Beware of companies who claim they can totally eliminate mold from your home. More than 1,000 different kinds of indoor molds have been found in US homes, and it is impossible to get rid of all the mold in your home. The concern is around the growth of mold spores, and they will not be able to grow and create problems unless moisture is present. The key to controlling indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
What are some examples of ways I can control moisture?
Act quickly to correct water leaks or spills. In most cases, it takes 24-48 hours before mold begins to grow.
Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
Use exhaust fans when showering, cooking, running the dishwasher, etc.
Increase air movement with fans.
Use air conditioners during humid weather.
Install proper exterior wall insulation.
Make sure the ground slopes away from the foundation of your house.
Clean and repair your roof gutters regularly.
Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and drain lines unobstructed.
Does mold make you sick?
Molds do have the potential to cause health problems, although most people have no reaction to molds. Molds can produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Allergic reactions to mold are most common. Common symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, red eyes, or mild skin irritation. Like other types of allergies, different people will react differently to the same mold exposure. Certain groups of people who may be bothered more include infants or small children, elderly people, pregnant women, individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies and asthma, and people with weakened immune systems. Since the health effects of mold remain largely unproven, steps should be taken to remove mold and control any sources of moisture.
Air Matters has performed mold inspection and testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. Contact Air Matters at (919) 870-6748.
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