About Mold
Molds are microscopic organisms
About Mold Mold spores are found in all homes and offices, and grow rapidly in excess humidity. The following are some sources of indoor moisture that may cause mold problems in a home or office: flooding, leaky roofs, humidifiers, damp basements or crawl spaces, recurring plumbing leaks, house plants, steam from cooking, shower/bath steam and leaks, wet clothes, bathroom towels, pets, sweaty sneakers indoors, dirty HVAC systems, spilled liquids on carpeted surfaces and clothes dryers vented indoors.
Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold spores are tiny, lightweight, and easily detached by airflow, vacuuming, or for instance by walking across a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor environments they also grow in air-conditioning ducts, carpeting, pots of household plants, etc. Molds produce and release millions of spores small enough to stay airborne and even threaten the human respiratory system.
| Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown or black. In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. In order for mold to grow, it needs food sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt), a source of moisture, and a place to grow. |
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Different Types of Mold |
| Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous in low amounts, though they can cause allergenic or asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can be abated safely with the assistance of gloves and a disposable particulate-removing respirator |
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Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals, ranging from short-term irritation -- to immune system suppression, cancer and even death. If toxic molds are identified it is suggested that you seek the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold. Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS or auto-immune disorders. |
| Hyphae and hyphal elements refer to single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they may not be traceable to a specific mold species, the fragments themselves may be responsible for allergic reactions in some people and may indicate previous or current growth events. Smut spores are agricultural spores from outside sources. Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that may not be easily identified as per specific species, but may still represent a mold problem in the home. |
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How do you come in contact with mold? |
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What can mold do to you? |
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Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone, but the following individuals are at a higher risk for adverse health effects: infants, children, the elderly, immune compromised patients, pregnant women and individuals with existing respiratory conditions. When inhaled, even in small amounts, mold can cause a wide range of health problems including respiratory problems (wheezing), nasal and sinus congestion, watery and red eyes, nose and throat irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains, fevers, and in some cases even death. |
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Causes of Indoor mold growth |
| High moisture is the major contributor to indoor microbiological activity (mold growth). This is due to nutrients for spore germination and growth being readily available in households. These constituents can include dirt, dust, wood, paper, adhesives, acoustical fiber, paint, textiles, stored material, carpets, floors, and much more. |
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Why Test for Mold? |
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Mold, basically a hitchhiker, is spread throughout the world by humans' travel and living patterns. We create millions of square feet of pristine indoor living conditions for molds and we pick up mold spores and bring them home with us every day. All houses harbor molds and some houses are friendlier to molds than others. Houses need to be monitored for mold growth as part of the maintenance procedures. When mold or mildew is present -- more is sure to come. Only through inspection and testing can it be determined if molds are present or if the subject property shows signs of mold or mildew friendliness. |
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Inspecting for Mold |
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Allergies and sickness due to indoor air quality issues are increasing dramatically. More than 5% of all construction lumber manufactured each year in the United States is used to replace wood that has decayed in service. Allergies and sickness due to indoor air quality, damage to wood-frame buildings by mildew, mold, staining fungi and decay fungi is entirely preventable. The first step in prevention is inspection and testing. |
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Mold is Here to Stay |
| Mold is a competitive species for real estate: molds live and prosper in the same environment we do. The houses we live in are wonderful environments for mold and all houses need regular inspections for mold along with periodic preventative maintenance. |
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Keep in mind that before fungi can colonize four requirements must be met: air, livable temperature, moisture, and food. Humidity and water leaks are the cause of most mold infestations. Leaks, being the easiest to spot, are the first indications that mold may be present, though other activities may also upset the humidity averages in the house and allow mold to establish itself. |
The Most Common Mold (Black Mold)
Stachybotrys Chartarum is a greenish-black fungus, found worldwide, that grows particularly well in high-cellulose materials such as straw, hay, wet leaves, dry wall, carpet, wall paper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation, etc. The fungus (mold), before drying, is wet and slightly slimy to touch. There are about 15 species of Stachybotrys with world-wide distribution, and this toxic mold grows in areas where the relative humidity is above 55%. It does not grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles and is not found in the green mold on bread or the black mold on shower tiles.
The toxic mold's environmental risk may be one of the next major real estate "due diligence" concerns, especially in property development areas where major flooding has occurred. A key problem is that this includes not only past known residential and commercial flood areas but also the common variety of minor water releases due to plumbing failures, conductive condensation, house water leaks and accidents. Toxic mold concern can also be a problem where past fires have occurred at residential properties.
A second major concern is that one might not be able to permanently eliminate the toxic mold from structures, and there remains a propensity for recurrence. Thus, health risks/hazards could return and we recommend that great care be exercised to remove and dispose of all products which have been contaminated by the toxic mold. Our recommendation is seconded by Department of Health guidelines in many states.
A third concern is that States' health departments often use ambiguous and genetic disposition as a response to public inquiries. There will be people, especially children, that will exhibit more adverse reactions including death, lung tissue damage and memory loss when exposed to the toxic mold. This may depend on chemical sensitivity, genetic disposition, predisposing health history (such as allergies, asthma, smoking, etc.). For some, exposure to toxic mold spores may just be a "health risk" -- and to others, it may be a genuine "health hazard" (potentially life-threatening or threatening to one's "quality of life"). Legal liability might therefore be determined by the level of due diligence and disclosure by responsible parties. There are already major lawsuits concerning toxic mold exposure in residential and commercial buildings.
Currently, most health organizations consider exposure to Stachybotrys mold as a health hazard. And most responses leading to testing, investigations, and abatement of the Stachybotrys toxic mold are due to occupant complaints, or documented detrimental health effects. Stachybotrys mold may evolve to a point where it is regarded with the same cautions, responses and liability concerns as lead-base paint and asbestos. Health hazards and risks associated with exposure to Stachybotrys are currently considered for their short-term effects. By comparison, exposure to radon gas in houses is considered a long-term health risk rather than a short-term hazard.
Of note, Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin that causes animal and human mycotoxicosis, and is thought to be a possible cause of "sick building syndrome." In May 1997, the Journal of the American Medical Association carried a news article titled "Floods Carry Potential for Toxic Mold Disease." Children's exposure to air-borne Stachybotrys spores is thought most likely to cause pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the lungs). At present there is no threshold dangerous spore exposure level recognized by the Federal EPA or any other health administration, though there are ongoing epidemiology studies being conducted. There is reference information related to a 1994 incident in Cleveland, Ohio where 45 cases of pulmonary hemorrhage in young infants occurred and sixteen of the infants died.
Many state departments of health as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) list the following as symptoms associated with exposure to Stachybotrys mold spores:
- Respiratory problems such as wheezing and difficulty in breathing
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision and light sensitivity
- Dry, hacking cough
- Sore throat
- Nose and throat irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin irritation
- Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
- Aches and pains
- Possible fever
- Diarrhea
- Possible hemosiderosis
- Immune suppression
VISUAL DETECTION AND HOMEOWNER DISCLOSURES
The Stachybotrys fungus cannot be identified by a routine visual inspection. Remember, all black mold is not necessarily Stachybotrys, and could perhaps be a non-toxic mold variety. The only method to determine the exact type of mold present is by sample analysis through an accredited laboratory. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the mold is only a toxic risk or hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores. Wet mold is not an indoor air quality health risk, but there is a significant potential for the mold to dry and be released into the air. There may be visual appearance of black mold in a water damage area, but be aware that there may also water damage and mold that remains hidden (behind dry wall, under organic thread carpets, etc.)
Home inspectors may notice or note water damaged areas, but the majority of home inspectors are not fully aware of the water damage environment and toxic mold relationships or concerns. Perhaps a question should be added on the homeowner disclosure which relates to any water damage, water leaks, or flooding in the house or around the structure. Historical records of flooding in that geographic area might for instance be used. The standard ERC inspection form should perhaps contain an addendum which would note any evidence of water, mold or mildew in or around the structure.
