Former Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley sued the team last month over a career-ending MRSA staph infection he says he contracted at the team's training facility. Bentley's attorney, Shannon Polk, said Bentley nearly died from the infection while he was rehabbing from a knee injury.
"They told him their facility was the best," Polk said. "But they never told him about a host of unsanitary conditions there. And they never told him about the list of others who contracted staph before he chose to rehab there."
Bentley's knee became swollen, and he was diagnosed with MRSA staph infection shortly after beginning rehabilitation at the facility in July 2006, according to the lawsuit. The Browns had at least six players stricken with some sort of staph infection in recent years, including former receiver Joe Jurevicius, who settled a similar lawsuit with the team in June of this year.
What is MRSA?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin.
How is MRSA Spread?
The CDC states that MRSA infections, as with all staph, are usually spread by having contact with someone’s skin infection or personal items they have used, like towels, bandages, or razors that touched their infected skin. MRSA is not thought to be spread through the air or associated with poor indoor air quality, although poor IAQ can cause other risk factors for infection.
What Can Athletes Do to Prevent MRSA?
The CDC offers the following prevention steps for football players as well as other athletes - including the high school player and the gym rat:
1. Practice good personal hygiene
•Keep your hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. At a minimum, hands should be cleaned before and after playing sports and activities such as using shared weight-training equipment, when caring for wounds including changing bandages, and after using the toilet.
•Shower immediately after exercise and do not share bar soap or towels.
•Wash your uniform and clothing after each use. Follow the clothing label's instructions for washing and drying. Drying clothes completely in a dryer is preferred.
2. Take care of your skin
•Wear protective clothing or gear designed to prevent skin abrasions or cuts.
•Cover skin abrasions and cuts with clean dry bandages or other dressings recommended by your team’s healthcare provider (e.g., athletic trainer, team doctor) until healed. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for when and how often to change your bandages and dressings.
3. Do not share items that come into contact with your skin
•Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors that contact your bare skin.
•Do not share ointments that are applied by placing your hands into an open container.
•Use a barrier (such as clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment like weight-training, sauna, and steam-room benches.
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, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Putting Your Carpet to Work
It’s used to getting walked all over, but now your carpet may be willing to do even more for you. Netherlands carpet manufacturer DESSO has introduced a new type of carpet specially developed to improve the air quality inside buildings.
The new type of carpet, called AirMaster, is eight times more effective in trapping particulate matter than hard floors and four times more effective than a standard carpet, thus greatly reducing the particulates breathed by building occupants. This was the conclusion of a study conducted by the independent German testing institute GUI.
This makes DESSO the world's only manufacturer to offer a product certified with the GUI's golden logo, which means that the carpet is 80% more effective than hard floors when it comes to trapping particulate matter.
The new Airmaster carpet from DESSO is primarily aimed at offices, hospitals, schools and other public buildings. DESSO if guaranteeing that AirMaster provides a significant improvement of the indoor climate and reduction in the risk of health-related problems.
Now if it could only vacuum itself. . .
The new type of carpet, called AirMaster, is eight times more effective in trapping particulate matter than hard floors and four times more effective than a standard carpet, thus greatly reducing the particulates breathed by building occupants. This was the conclusion of a study conducted by the independent German testing institute GUI.
This makes DESSO the world's only manufacturer to offer a product certified with the GUI's golden logo, which means that the carpet is 80% more effective than hard floors when it comes to trapping particulate matter.
The new Airmaster carpet from DESSO is primarily aimed at offices, hospitals, schools and other public buildings. DESSO if guaranteeing that AirMaster provides a significant improvement of the indoor climate and reduction in the risk of health-related problems.
Now if it could only vacuum itself. . .
Monday, April 19, 2010
MiST™ My Ride?
While I was waiting for my new tires to be installed the other day, a brochure on the counter caught my eye. . .
"A tidy car isn't free of mold, germ, and bacteria. A MiST™ Service is like a hand sanitizer for the vents & interior surfaces of your car. Get a MiST™ Service Today! You owe it to yourself and your family." Intrigued, I turned it over.
There was a magnified picture of a cultured sample taken from the interior of a Porshe, along with an illustration of streams of things coming from your car vent. Below these in bold print it said "Every time the fan is turned on, harmful spores are blown into the air you and your passengers breathe."
According to the EPA, some service providers may attempt to convince you that your air ducts are contaminated by demonstrating that the microorganisms found grow on a settling plate (i.e., petri dish). This is inappropriate. Some microorganisms are always present in the air, and some growth on a settling plate is normal. As for the "harmful spores" statement, only an expert can positively identify a substance as biological growth and lab analysis is normally required for final confirmation.
Upon visiting the company's website, you learn that "MiST™ utilizes atomized micro-droplets (1/10 the size of aerosol droplets) of a specially formulated solution. These droplets are drawn into an automobile's vents, penetrating and traveling to where the micro-organisms are living. MiST™ treats the entire ventilation system, including the evaporator, heater core, air ducts and passenger compartment surfaces." The company suggests that you perform this service every 6 months.
It does not say if the specially formulated solution includes water. If so, introducing this additional moisture into the system may actually promote fungal growth. Also, the EPA cautions about the use of biocides inside air ducts. They say that simply spraying or otherwise introducing these materials into the operating duct system may cause much of the material to be transported through the system and released. Depending on the product used, it may actually be more dangerous to breathe.
The company does suggest regular cleaning of your vehicle and maintenance of your filter system, both of which are important to minimize irritating contaminants.
Although this EPA document focuses on the air ducts in your home, many of the issues are the same. Read what they say at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html, and then decide if you want to MiST™ your ride!
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.
"A tidy car isn't free of mold, germ, and bacteria. A MiST™ Service is like a hand sanitizer for the vents & interior surfaces of your car. Get a MiST™ Service Today! You owe it to yourself and your family." Intrigued, I turned it over.
There was a magnified picture of a cultured sample taken from the interior of a Porshe, along with an illustration of streams of things coming from your car vent. Below these in bold print it said "Every time the fan is turned on, harmful spores are blown into the air you and your passengers breathe."
According to the EPA, some service providers may attempt to convince you that your air ducts are contaminated by demonstrating that the microorganisms found grow on a settling plate (i.e., petri dish). This is inappropriate. Some microorganisms are always present in the air, and some growth on a settling plate is normal. As for the "harmful spores" statement, only an expert can positively identify a substance as biological growth and lab analysis is normally required for final confirmation.
Upon visiting the company's website, you learn that "MiST™ utilizes atomized micro-droplets (1/10 the size of aerosol droplets) of a specially formulated solution. These droplets are drawn into an automobile's vents, penetrating and traveling to where the micro-organisms are living. MiST™ treats the entire ventilation system, including the evaporator, heater core, air ducts and passenger compartment surfaces." The company suggests that you perform this service every 6 months.
It does not say if the specially formulated solution includes water. If so, introducing this additional moisture into the system may actually promote fungal growth. Also, the EPA cautions about the use of biocides inside air ducts. They say that simply spraying or otherwise introducing these materials into the operating duct system may cause much of the material to be transported through the system and released. Depending on the product used, it may actually be more dangerous to breathe.
The company does suggest regular cleaning of your vehicle and maintenance of your filter system, both of which are important to minimize irritating contaminants.
Although this EPA document focuses on the air ducts in your home, many of the issues are the same. Read what they say at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html, and then decide if you want to MiST™ your ride!
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, April 6, 2010
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
It is easy to follow the yellow brick road during spring in North Carolina -- and the yellow sidewalk, and the yellow cars, . . .
Thick yellow pine pollen is everywhere, and allergy sufferers are quick to blame the pollen for their symptoms. However, as bad as it looks, pine pollen is not the main culprit.
The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are actually produced by trees, grasses or weeds that do not have large, showy flowers or leaves. These plants have small, light dry pollen grains that are easily transported by the wind and inhaled by people through the nose or throat.
Ragweed, not pine trees, is the major culprit when it comes to allergic reactions. A single ragweed plant can generate up to one million pollen spores of pollen in a single day. Ragweed pollen is also extremely lightweight and travels through the air easily. In fact, scientists have collected samples of ragweed pollen 400 miles out at sea and two miles up in the air!
In contrast, pine pollen grains are much larger and fairly heavy. This is why they settle onto surfaces so easily. Stronger winds are required to keep pine pollen airborne for significant distances. Also, the types of allergens in pine pollen are less allergenic to most people as compared to the pollens found in many weeds or grasses.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these tips to help prevent allergy symptoms from kicking into high gear this spring:
•Don't assume you know exactly what you are allergic to. More than two-thirds of people who think their allergies only occur during the spring season actually have year-round allergies. An allergist can pinpoint the source of your allergic reaction and recommend the right treatment.
•Don't buy over-the-counter medications that don't alleviate allergy symptoms. Consult an allergist to determine which treatment options are best for you. Immunotherapy using nasal spray or shots may even cure allergies permanently.
•Don't wait until symptoms start to take allergy medications. Before the spring allergy season starts, begin taking a medication that's worked for you in the past.
•Take steps to avoid allergy triggers. Experts suggest that if you are allergic to pollen, keep your windows closed, take a shower after being outside and avoid going out in the middle of the day when pollen counts are highest.
•If raw or fresh fruits or other foods aggravate your allergy symptoms -- making you sniffle and sneeze and your mouth, lips and throat get itchy -- you may have oral allergy syndrome. This condition affects about one-third of seasonal allergy sufferers. While cooking or peeling these foods may help, it is wise to consult an allergist.
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.
Thick yellow pine pollen is everywhere, and allergy sufferers are quick to blame the pollen for their symptoms. However, as bad as it looks, pine pollen is not the main culprit.
The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are actually produced by trees, grasses or weeds that do not have large, showy flowers or leaves. These plants have small, light dry pollen grains that are easily transported by the wind and inhaled by people through the nose or throat.
Ragweed, not pine trees, is the major culprit when it comes to allergic reactions. A single ragweed plant can generate up to one million pollen spores of pollen in a single day. Ragweed pollen is also extremely lightweight and travels through the air easily. In fact, scientists have collected samples of ragweed pollen 400 miles out at sea and two miles up in the air!
In contrast, pine pollen grains are much larger and fairly heavy. This is why they settle onto surfaces so easily. Stronger winds are required to keep pine pollen airborne for significant distances. Also, the types of allergens in pine pollen are less allergenic to most people as compared to the pollens found in many weeds or grasses.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these tips to help prevent allergy symptoms from kicking into high gear this spring:
•Don't assume you know exactly what you are allergic to. More than two-thirds of people who think their allergies only occur during the spring season actually have year-round allergies. An allergist can pinpoint the source of your allergic reaction and recommend the right treatment.
•Don't buy over-the-counter medications that don't alleviate allergy symptoms. Consult an allergist to determine which treatment options are best for you. Immunotherapy using nasal spray or shots may even cure allergies permanently.
•Don't wait until symptoms start to take allergy medications. Before the spring allergy season starts, begin taking a medication that's worked for you in the past.
•Take steps to avoid allergy triggers. Experts suggest that if you are allergic to pollen, keep your windows closed, take a shower after being outside and avoid going out in the middle of the day when pollen counts are highest.
•If raw or fresh fruits or other foods aggravate your allergy symptoms -- making you sniffle and sneeze and your mouth, lips and throat get itchy -- you may have oral allergy syndrome. This condition affects about one-third of seasonal allergy sufferers. While cooking or peeling these foods may help, it is wise to consult an allergist.
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).
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
What You Should Know About Air Sampling for Mold
What is Air Sampling?
Air samples are one of the common techniques used to test for mold. This method quantifies the exposure levels associated with an indoor space and typically compares that level to an outdoor baseline.
Air Matters LLC uses spore trap samples for its air sampling services, specifically the AIR-O-CELL air sampling cassette. This device is designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a range of airborne bioaerosols including fungal species, pollen, skin cell fragments, and insect parts.
How Does Air Sampling Work?
A high volume air pump is calibrated prior to the start of the sample. The AIR-O-CELL cassette is labeled and attached to a tube at the end of the pump. The pump pulls the particulate laden air through the cassette, and the air flow continues out an exit orifice. The length of the sampling period is digitally timed to ensure accurate calculation of the air flow.
The particles are deposited on an adhesive area contained inside the cassette. The AIR-O-CELL cassette is removed from the tubing and sealed. The specific information regarding the sample is recorded on a chain of custody form. After the assessment, all samples and the chain of custody are transported to the laboratory for analysis.
At the lab, the cassette is opened and examined under a microscope. The various particles are identified and quantified. This information is summarized in a report and transmitted to Air Matters LLC.
What Does Air Sampling Tell You?
It is important to remember that air sampling data provides a snapshot of one specific moment in time. Conditions change constantly based on such factors as temperature, HVAC operation, relative humidity, or building activities.
Since there are no widely accepted numerical guidelines regarding mold like there are for other contaminants (radon for example), a thorough site assessment by a qualified professional is critical to interpreting laboratory findings.
If you have more specific questions about air sampling, give us a call today!
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.
Air samples are one of the common techniques used to test for mold. This method quantifies the exposure levels associated with an indoor space and typically compares that level to an outdoor baseline.
Air Matters LLC uses spore trap samples for its air sampling services, specifically the AIR-O-CELL air sampling cassette. This device is designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a range of airborne bioaerosols including fungal species, pollen, skin cell fragments, and insect parts.
How Does Air Sampling Work?
A high volume air pump is calibrated prior to the start of the sample. The AIR-O-CELL cassette is labeled and attached to a tube at the end of the pump. The pump pulls the particulate laden air through the cassette, and the air flow continues out an exit orifice. The length of the sampling period is digitally timed to ensure accurate calculation of the air flow.
The particles are deposited on an adhesive area contained inside the cassette. The AIR-O-CELL cassette is removed from the tubing and sealed. The specific information regarding the sample is recorded on a chain of custody form. After the assessment, all samples and the chain of custody are transported to the laboratory for analysis.
At the lab, the cassette is opened and examined under a microscope. The various particles are identified and quantified. This information is summarized in a report and transmitted to Air Matters LLC.
What Does Air Sampling Tell You?
It is important to remember that air sampling data provides a snapshot of one specific moment in time. Conditions change constantly based on such factors as temperature, HVAC operation, relative humidity, or building activities.
Since there are no widely accepted numerical guidelines regarding mold like there are for other contaminants (radon for example), a thorough site assessment by a qualified professional is critical to interpreting laboratory findings.
If you have more specific questions about air sampling, give us a call today!
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.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Does Mold Have You Acting Like a Witch?
Mold really can make you act like a witch. . .
I recently came across some information on a book called Poisons of the Past: Molds, Epidemics, and History. In this story published twenty years ago by Yale University, history professor Mary Kilbourne Matossian presents a large amount of evidence that the population of Europe was held down for 500 years by endemic mold-induced food poisoning called ergot or ergotism.
Although most sources attribute this long epidemic to fungi in the genus Claviceps, she also gives credit to the genus Fusarium. Both genera infected rye kernels before and after harvest, producing toxic, long-acting alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine).
Professor Matossian's preface of her book starts off with "People make history, but not just as they please. However strong and intelligent they may be, human beings are vulnerable creatures. . . They may even be laid low by organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye."
She goes on to explain how the poor in northern Europe, who lived on rye bread and little else, were the most affected by molds and the mycotoxins they produced. Grains were truly considered the staff of life, and the poor ate 2-3 pounds of it per day.
Wealthy households were never affected as much as poor households, because their servants prepared the grain as gruel, boiling it over a fire for about a half hour, which broke down the toxin. They also enjoyed a more diverse diet, including meat and white bread.
Poor women miscarried and children died frequently. Those who survived childhood had chronic illnesses, gangrene, and mental disturbances. The hallucinations and seizures experienced were often interpreted as witchcraft, possession, or divine inspiration. Neither the people affected or those around them could explain the uncontrolled behaviors.
No one knew that their diet was responsible for their misfortune. Not until wheat and potatoes began to replace rye did the epidemic abate.
There is even a section on how ergotism may have played a significant role in the Salem Witch Trials. The early settlers of Massachusetts planted rye, ate rye bread, and experienced hallucinations and seizures that are documented to be just like those of the Europeans.
Further discussion examines the growing season, winter and summer temperatures, soil composition, and drainage in the Salem area as likely to contribute to a rye crop infected with ergot.
For more information on the book, including the complete table of contents and an extended preview of many pages, check out Poisons of the Past: Molds, Epidemics, and History on Google Books.
Now you will have to blame those moods on something else!
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.
I recently came across some information on a book called Poisons of the Past: Molds, Epidemics, and History. In this story published twenty years ago by Yale University, history professor Mary Kilbourne Matossian presents a large amount of evidence that the population of Europe was held down for 500 years by endemic mold-induced food poisoning called ergot or ergotism.
Although most sources attribute this long epidemic to fungi in the genus Claviceps, she also gives credit to the genus Fusarium. Both genera infected rye kernels before and after harvest, producing toxic, long-acting alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine).
Professor Matossian's preface of her book starts off with "People make history, but not just as they please. However strong and intelligent they may be, human beings are vulnerable creatures. . . They may even be laid low by organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye."
She goes on to explain how the poor in northern Europe, who lived on rye bread and little else, were the most affected by molds and the mycotoxins they produced. Grains were truly considered the staff of life, and the poor ate 2-3 pounds of it per day.
Wealthy households were never affected as much as poor households, because their servants prepared the grain as gruel, boiling it over a fire for about a half hour, which broke down the toxin. They also enjoyed a more diverse diet, including meat and white bread.
Poor women miscarried and children died frequently. Those who survived childhood had chronic illnesses, gangrene, and mental disturbances. The hallucinations and seizures experienced were often interpreted as witchcraft, possession, or divine inspiration. Neither the people affected or those around them could explain the uncontrolled behaviors.
No one knew that their diet was responsible for their misfortune. Not until wheat and potatoes began to replace rye did the epidemic abate.
There is even a section on how ergotism may have played a significant role in the Salem Witch Trials. The early settlers of Massachusetts planted rye, ate rye bread, and experienced hallucinations and seizures that are documented to be just like those of the Europeans.
Further discussion examines the growing season, winter and summer temperatures, soil composition, and drainage in the Salem area as likely to contribute to a rye crop infected with ergot.
For more information on the book, including the complete table of contents and an extended preview of many pages, check out Poisons of the Past: Molds, Epidemics, and History on Google Books.
Now you will have to blame those moods on something else!
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.
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