Abode Specialist Inspection Services, LLC

The Basic Guide to

Mold Awareness

GHH MOLD FACT SHEET

Molds and fungi are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors.  Molds and fungi can be found on plants, dry leaves, and other organic material.  Molds and fungi play an important role in the environment by breaking down dead, organic material.  Mold and fungi spores are very tiny and lightweight, allowing them to travel through the air.  Mold growths can often be seen as a form of discoloration ranging from white to pink and from green to brown and black.

Molds occur in nature, as such, are always present in the air at ambient levels.  Although airborne levels vary according to locale and current environmental conditions, most individuals will not suffer adverse health effects from exposure to background levels.  Sometimes, though, conditions indoors can be favorable for fungal growth resulting in increased levels of airborne fungal spores, which can overwhelm the body’s natural defenses.  Inhalation of such levels of airborne spores can result in allergic or toxic responses.  Although infection can occur in an otherwise healthy individual, those most susceptible include infants, children, the elderly, and immune compromised individuals such as those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from liver disease.  The health effects from mold depend on the length and level of exposure (chronic vs. acute) and on individual sensitivity.  Health effects from exposure to molds can be divided into four general categories: infection, toxicosis, allergy and irritation.

INFECTION

There is now over 100 species that are known to cause infection in humans.  The three classifications of infection caused by fungi are systematic, opportunistic, and dermatophytic.

1. Systematic Infection is usually initiated when fungal spores are inhaled.  A large minority of these infections are self-limiting and produce minimal or no symptoms.  However, immune suppressed individuals may develop chronic localized infections that may disseminate throughout the body, possibly becoming fatal.
2. Opportunistic Infection is generally limited to immune suppressed individuals where infection is secondary to a primary disease.  These fungi can thrive on both living and dead substrates for nutrients.
3. Dermatophytic Infection is caused by a group of fungi that infect the hair, skin and nails.  Infection usually occurs through direct contact with an infected individual.  Transmission to humans from environmental source is rare although outbreaks from soil have been reported.

TOXICOSIS

Many fungi produce toxic metabolites called mycotoxins.  The health effects from exposure to the levels of mycotoxins that may be encountered in contaminated indoor environments are not yet completely known.  However, dramatic toxic and carcinogenic effects have been reported for animals and humans exposed to high levels of mycotoxins in laboratory studies.  Generally mycotoxins are nonvolatile and exposure usually occurs only after disturbance of a contaminated source.  Symptoms of exposure may include headaches, nosebleeds, dermatitis, and immune suppression.

ALLERGY

Allergenic response is the most common symptom associated with exposure to elevated levels of fungal spores or mycelial fragments.  Any fungus can be allergenic, producing antigenic proteins and polysaccharides that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  These reactions may be similar to those caused by pollen and may be seasonal in nature.  Many people experience allergic responses in the fall when outdoor levels of mold are typically high.

IRRITATION

Fungi produce volatile organic compounds during degradation of substrates that cause the “moldy” odor associated with fungal contamination.  These compounds can be irritating to mucous membranes causing headaches and other symptoms due to the decaying plant material.

Some of the common molds known to cause health problems include species of Stachbotrys, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria and Cladosporium.  These molds, with the exception of Stachbotrys, are very common outdoors.

Common Symptoms of Health Effects

·          Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing

·          Nasal and sinus congestion

·          Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity

·          Dry, hacking cough

·          Sore throat

·          Nose and throat irritation

·          Shortness of breath

·          Skin irritation

·          Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood      changes)

·          Aches and pains

·          Fever

·          General malaise

·          Chronic fatigue

·          Bloody noses

Requirements of Mold Growth

·         A food source – such as leaves, wood, paper or dirt

·         A source of moisture

·         An optimal location (warm stagnant air)

Sources of Indoor Moisture

·         Slab foundations

·         Flooding

·         Backed-up sewers

·         Leaky roof

·         Humidifiers

·         Damp basement or crawl spaces

·         Construction defects

·         Plumbing leaks

·         House plants – watering can generate large amounts of moisture

·         Steam from cooking

·         Shower/bath steam and leaks

·         Wet clothes or indoor drying lines

·         Clothes dryer vented indoors

·         Combustion appliances (e.g. stoves) not exhausted to the outdoors

 

Source:  Environmental Assessment Association (EAA)