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).
Showing posts with label toxic mold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toxic mold. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
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.
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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