Mold has been and always will be around us. It is a natural part of our environment and a critical element in the decay process. There are hundreds of varieties of mold. In every imaginable environment, there is likely a species of mold which will grow and perhaps thrive.
This section presents information about mold, associated health effects, and procedures used to identify and protect against it. It is important to remember that it is natural in the environment and that we are exposed to spores each day. There are some species which can cause significant health problems, but most are simply irritants or have no effect on us at all. However, if a person's health or immune system has been compromised or is in a case of hypersensitivity, some of the more common molds may cause significant health problems.
Generally speaking, all homes and buildings have mold spores of one kind or another. The homes we and our parents grew up in had mold spores. These spores are carried in by moving air when doors or windows are opened. We can find spores on our clothes, groceries, toys from the yard and anything that enters our home. Recently, media attention over some specific frightening “mold stories” has raised our awareness of mold issues. This awareness has the potential to instill fear and sometimes panic because of what we do not know.
Bruce Environmental does not recommend panic nor complacency, but rather a common sense approach to mold issues.
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions.
What does mold need to grow?
Mold needs only a few simple things to grow and multiply:
- Moisture
- Nutrients
- A suitable place to grow
- Temperature (Individual species of molds may thrive at different temperatures)
Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home or office?
Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur, and building materials, goods, and furnishings may be damaged.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Can mold make my co-workers or members of my family sick?
Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it.
The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.
Molds have been divided into three characterizations or types and are identified in the sample results as such. The three types are:
Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous, but they can cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can normally be abated safely without the assistance of a professional. It is suggested that personal protection in the form of gloves and disposable particulate-removing respirator be used, especially in those who experience allergies and/or asthma.
Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects range from short-term irritation to immuno suppression to cancer and even death. If you find the mycotoxic molds identified in this report, it is suggested that you seek the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The abatement of these types of mold should not be attempted by the homeowner unless the person is aware of the proper protection and remediation techniques needed.
Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy, and those with HIV/AIDS or auto-immunity disorders. If any pathogenic molds are identified, it is suggested that you seek the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The abatement of these types of mold should not be attempted by the average homeowner.
What symptoms might I see?
The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as:
- nasal and sinus congestion
- coughing
- wheezing/breathing difficulties
- sore throat
- skin and eye irritation
- upper respiratory infections (including sinus)
Are the risks greater for some people?
There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:
- infants and children
- elderly people
- individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma
- persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients)
Those with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold.
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds (called mycotoxins) although they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.
MOLD INVESTIGATION
How do I tell if I have a mold problem?
The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.
- Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings. When mold is visible, testing is not recommended.
- Search areas with noticeable mold odors.
- Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage. Look for water leaks, standing water, water stains, and condensation problems. For example, do you see any watermarks or discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpet, woodwork, or other building materials?
- Search behind and underneath materials (carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink, cabinets), furniture, or stored items (especially things placed near outside walls or on cold floors). Sometimes destructive techniques, such as opening up a wall cavity, may be needed to inspect and clean enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are hidden.
Should I test for mold?
You should assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should not take the place of visual inspection. Sometimes, however, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a combination of air (outdoor and indoor air samples) and bulk (material) samples may help determine the extent of contamination and where cleaning is needed. Testing does provide information as to the types of mold which may be present.
How do I test for mold?
Tests available for mold include viable tests for culturing and non-viable direct reading analysis. The methodology and media used for testing vary and should be determined before testing begins. The culture tests take a minimum of 14 days in a laboratory and are generally considerably more expensive than the non-viable direct read tests. Due to the cost and time, most investigation analysis is performed using the non-viable testing. Non-viable tests do have limitations in that not all molds can be identified to specific species. The mold is identified to groups or genus. Cultured samples may be required to detect specific species of mold.
The following table lists various types of non-viable tests which are commonly used. This list may not be all-inclusive.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface (Swab) Sample | Sterile swab is moistened, drawn over a specific area, and then analyzed using Direct Microscopic Analysis. |
| Bulk Sample | A piece of the infested area, such as piece of sheet rock, carpet, etc. is removed and analyzed using Direct Microscopic Analysis. |
| Tape Lift Sample | Tape is used to “lift” the mold off the substrate material. This can be used with most visible mold unless excessive moisture conditions are present. |
| Vacuum Sample | High volume pump and a special filtered cassette is used to “vacuum” a certain area on carpet or other type of material. The cassette is then analyzed using Direct Microscopic Analysis. |
| Air Sample | Air is drawn using a high volume pump and directed to impact on a pre-prepared slide or other media. Air samples represent a “snap shot” in time and may not be exactly replicated if subsequent samples are taken. Indoor sample is used in comparison to outdoor sample. If the indoor sample counts exceed the outdoor sample, there exists a strong possibility that there is mold growth in the area. |
Can I use Ozone to kill the mold?
Some air cleaners are designed to produce ozone which is a strong oxidizing agent and a known irritant of the lungs and respiratory system. Studies have shown that ozone, even at high concentrations, is not effective at killing airborne mold or surface mold contamination. Even if mold was killed by ozone, the health threats would not be reduced until mold contaminants are removed through cleaning. Health experts do not recommend the use of ozone to address mold or any other indoor air problems.