MIRAMOLD, LLCEnvironmental Health
Specialists
Certified Mold Inspectors
servicing ALL North Carolina cities...
and other select East Coast states
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MIRAMOLD, LLC Environmental Health Specialists Certified Mold Inspectors servicing ALL North Carolina cities... and other select East Coast states |
When present in large quantities, mold can cause health problems, including allergic reactions, toxic reactions, asthma episodes, infections and respiratory damage. In addition, homeowners can incur large bills for structural damage caused by water or water vapor trapped behind the walls. That's why it's important to identify potential areas or situations where mold can grow. When damage has occurred, take steps to clean and dry the area and remedy the source of the problem. For mold to develop it needs nutrients and moisture.
If indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures. Persons exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other health problems. Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Clothes and shoes in damp closets can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth can cause serious damage to the structural elements in your home.
Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they are present in large numbers and people inhale many of them. This occurs primarily when there is active mold growth within home, office or school where people live or work. People can also be exposed to mold by touching contaminated materials and by eating contaminated foods.
No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Most are filamentous organisms that produce spores, a general characteristic of fungi. These spores can be air-, water-, or insect-borne.
What are some of the common indoor molds?
Cladosporium
Acremonium
Mucor
Chaetomium
Penicillium
Botrytis
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alternaria
Aspergillus
Rhizopus
Stachybotrys, given the right conditions
Under certain metabolic conditions, many fungi produce mycotoxins, natural organic compounds that initiate a toxic response in vertebrates. While some mycotoxins have been found to be associated with hyphae, the primary mode of human exposure to mycotoxins and is inhalation of spores and mold-contaminated material. Molds that are important potential producers of toxins indoors are certain species of Fusarium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. In water-damaged buildings, Stachybotrys chartarum (a.k.a. atra) and Aspergillus versicolor may also produce toxic metabolites. A large body of information is available on the human and animal health effects from ingestion of certain mycotoxins (Beasley, 1994; Sorenson, 1989; Smith and Henderson,1991), but investigators have only recently begun to explore the health implications of inhalation exposure to these substances. Two classes of mycotoxins have been isolated from house dust samples: aflatoxins from some strains of Aspergillus flavus and trichothecenes from some species and strains of Fusarium, Cephalosporium, Stachybotrys and Trichoderma. In laboratory animals, inhalation of trichothecene mycotoxins causes severe inhibition of protein synthesis and immune-suppression (Beasley, 1994). Several case reports have associated overgrowths of trichothecene-producing fungi with human health effects such as cold and flu-like symptoms, sore throats, headache and general malaise (Croft et al., 1986; Johanning et al., 1993; Nikulin et al., 1994). However, isolation of a toxigenic fungus from a building does not imply the presence of mycotoxin, since the physical conditions necessary for mycotoxin production are very specific, and are often different from those required for growth of the parent mold. Likewise, failure to produce toxins in vitro does not mean that a mold known to be toxigenic will not produce toxins in a field situation. Molds also produce a large number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are responsible for the musty odors produced by growing molds. There is little evidence that fungal VOCs cause specific human health effects (Batterman, 1995), but the most common VOC, ethanol, is a potent synergies of many fungal toxins.
Office workers and people in their homes sometimes complain of these symptoms. This may be an indication to have the building inspected for fungal growth.
Workers exposed to large amounts of mold, like farmers working around moldy hay, may suffer severe reactions, including fever and shortness of breath.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest sensitive people should avoid outdoor areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.
Toxin-induced inflammation: Repeated or high exposures to airborne mycotoxins can cause mucous membrane irritation characterized by eye, nose and throat irritation (Richerson, 1990). When small diameter spores (2-4 µm) are inhaled, they may reach the lung alveoli and induce an inflammatory reaction, creating toxic pneumonitis. Severe toxic pneumonitis can cause fever, flu-like symptoms and fatigue (organic toxic dust syndrome). Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a particular form of glaucomatous lung disease, is a syndrome caused by inhalation of large concentrations of dust containing organic material including fungal spores. It is generally an occupational hazard in agriculture, but has been reported in individuals exposed in the home (Flannigan, et al., 1991). Other symptoms attributed to mycotoxin or fungal-origin VOCs include headache, dizziness, dermatitis, diarrhea and impaired or altered immune function.
Allergy: Indoor fungal allergens probably affect fewer people than do allergens from cats, mites or cockroaches. Yet a significant proportion (10-32%) of all asthmatics are sensitive to fungi. More thorough discussion of fungal allergens is available elsewhere (Horner, et al. 1995; Einarsson, et al. 1992; Burge, 1985).
Infection: Opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus are common in indoor air. A normal, healthy individual can probably resist infection by these organisms regardless of dose, although high exposures may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. However, any mold that can grow at body temperature can become a pathogen in an immuno-compromised host. Individuals undergoing chemotherapy, organ or bone marrow transplantation or those with HIV/AIDS are especially susceptible to invasive infection by Aspergillus species.
For further clinical studies, SEE journal article written by Berlin D. Nelson, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo:
article
MiraMold will determine if levels and variety of mold found indoors matches levels and variety of mold found outdoors. For example, if a particular variety of mold is found inside in high concentrations, but rarely found outdoors, we would be able to detect problem areas, maybe even before expensive remediation is needed. Taking these air samples has saved our customers THOUSANDS of dollars in expensive remediation. This is another aspect of preventative maintenance.
Most problems are caused by a direct result of moisture due to:
There are some technologies that can control the amount of mold spores (and other respirable agents) found in your air. Some electronic devices and high efficiency filters can capture 99% of the mold spores (and other airborne agents).
Mold growth can be prevented with commercial cleaning products or a bleach solution. However, this does NOT kill the spores, and is NOT recommended as a remediation technique.
If you already have mold, it is actually best to leave the mold undisturbed until you have a Certified Mold Inspector give you information about your situation. By disturbing (cleaning/ removing) the mold, you may allow it to enter and sporalate (or spread) throughout your house and HVAC system. Mold under carpets typically requires that the carpets and padding be removed. Once mold starts to grow in insulation or wallboard the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. Mold remediation crews typically wear full body, face and respiratory protection. In fact, human protection needed during mold remediation is mirrored with the same protection needed during asbestos remediation.
Sometimes air cleaners are promoted to remove indoor mold or associated odors, and some of these are designed to produce ozone. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent that is used as a disinfectant in water and sometimes to eliminate odors. However, ozone is also known as a lung irritant. Ozone generators have been shown to sometimes produce indoor levels above the safe limit. Furthermore, it has been shown that ozone is not effective in controlling molds and other microbial contamination, even at concentrations far above safe health levels. Also, ozone may damage materials in the home, for example, cause rubber items to become brittle. For these reasons, the California Department of Health Services strongly recommends that you NOT use an ozone air cleaner in any occupied space.
Mold and/or Mildew Fungus that grows in damp, dark areas, Causes discoloration, musty smells and odors. Musty Odors This is the result of the decay process from mold, mildew, and dry rot. Damp Spots on Walls Signs that water has absorbed through wall Block will have dark gray splotches in various places. White Chalky Substance on Walls Known as efflorescence, this is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. Signs of possible structural deterioration. Cracked Walls Signs that foundation has moved/shifted Should be inspected to determine the exact cause. Peeling Paint Signs that the wall has taken moisture inside, as Paint will not stick to a wet surface. Rust on Appliances or Furniture Look for rust on bottoms of furnaces, Water heaters, and other metal appliances. Signs of dampness and water evaporation. Dry Rot Dark brown/black fungus. Grows on walls And other surfaces. Grows mostly on wooden Surfaces, causing wood to decay. Warped Paneling Moisture will cause paneling to bow and discolor, commonly at the bottom portion of the paneling.