Toxic mold
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household dust. The term 'toxic mold' is sometimes used to refer to mold-related indoor air quality problems.
Exposure to significant quantities of mold spores can cause allergic reactions. Under proper growing conditions, some species of molds may generate molecular compounds called mycotoxins. In large quantities or with chronic exposure, mycotoxins can be toxic to humans or animals.
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Growing Conditions
For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water and a substrate capable of sustaining the growth. Many common building materials, such as drywall, wood, carpets, and carpet padding are capable of sustaining or contributing to mold growth.
History
Since Biblical times it has been known that indoor mold growth can be a health hazard. (See Leviticus 14:39-47.) In the 1930s, mold was identified as the cause behind the mysterious deaths of farm animals in Russia and other countries. Stachybotrys chartarum was found growing on wet grain used for animal feed. Today, the agriculture industry keeps a close eye on mold and mycotoxin levels in grains in order to prevent the contamination of animal feed and human food supplies.
In the 1970s, building construction techniques changed in response to the energy crises. As a result, homes and buildings became more air-tight. Also, cheaper materials such as drywall came into common use. This combination of increased moisture and a suitable substrates led to an increase in mold growth inside buildings.
Causes
Since common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to an indoor water or moisture problem. Leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, or indoor plumbing problems can lead to mold growth inside homes, schools, or office buildings. Another common source of mold growth is flooding.
Symptoms
Human bodies can tolerate molds and mycotoxins in small quantities. In larger quantities, they can be a health hazard. Molds are a very common human allergen. Because exposure to mycotoxins is relatively rare, allergic effects are more common than toxic effects.
The health effects of mycotoxin exposure are different from allergic reactions to mold spores. Toxic effects can include flu-like symptoms, respiratory problems, headaches, cognitive problems, and skin irritation.
Another health threat from mold exposure is systemic fungal infection. Immunocompromised individuals exposed to high levels of mold, or possibly individuals with chronic exposure paired with mycotoxic exposure may become infected. Sinuses and digestic tract infections are most common. Lung and skin infections are also possible.
Systemic fungal infection can be a serious health problem. Alcohol and mycotoxin production may result from the fungal growth, leading to a myriad of symptoms. Sudden food allergies and digestive problems can mislead diagnosis. Treatment can be long-term (many years).
Systemic infection may be of the environmental mold itself, or by other common food-related molds consumed under an weakend immune system. A weakened immune system may also result in other opportunistic infections, for example bacterial infection.
Environmental illnesses can be difficult for healthcare practitioners to diagnose. Because those who are living in houses comntaminated by the mold generally can't smell the mildewy odor, they tend to be in denial that the problem exists.
Remedies
The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Here are the most common remedies for small occurrences of mold.
- Sunlight
- Ventilation
- Non-porous building materials
- Household cleansers
Significant mold growth may require a professional cleanup service and removal of affected building materials. A conservative strategy is to discard any building materials saturated by the water intrusion or having visible mold growth.
References
- Nelson, Berlin D. "Stachybotrys chartarum: the toxic indoor mold." APSnet. American Phytological Society. Accessed on 19 September 2005.
- "Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds." Air Pollution & Respiratory Health. National Center for Environmental Health. Accessed on 19 September 2005.
External links
- NIH: http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2000/108-1/focus.html
- CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/default.htm
- US EPA: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html
- Mycotoxins in grains and the food supply:
