How can molds affect my health?
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What are molds?
With more than 100,000 species in the world, it is no wonder molds can
be found everywhere. Neither animal or plant, molds are microscopic organisms
that produce enzymes to digest organic matter and spores to reproduce.
These organisms are part of the fungi kingdom, a realm shared with mushrooms,
yeast, and mildews. In nature, mold plays a key role in the decomposition
of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Without mold, we would find
ourselves wading neck-deep in dead plant matter. And we wouldn't have
great foods and medicines, such as cheese and penicillin. However, problems
arise when mold starts digesting organic materials we don't want them
to, like our homes. (back to top)
How do molds grow in my home?
Once mold spores settle in your home, they need moisture to begin growing
and digesting whatever they are growing on. There are molds that can
grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and
insulation. When excess moisture or water builds up in your home from
say, a leaky roof, high humidity, or flooding, conditions are often ideal
for molds. Longstanding moisture or high humidity conditions and mold
growth go together. Realistically, there is no way to rid all mold and
mold spores from your home; the way to control mold growth is to control
moisture. (back to top)
How can I be exposed to mold?
When molds are disturbed, their spores may be released into the air. You
then can be exposed to the spores through the air you breathe. Also, if
you directly handle moldy materials, you can be exposed to mold and mold
spores through contact with your skin. Eating moldy foods or hand-to-mouth
contact after handling moldy materials is yet another way you may be exposed.
(back to top)
How can molds affect my health?
Generally, the majority of common molds are not a concern to someone who
is healthy. However if you have allergies or asthma, you may be sensitive
to molds. You may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough,
congestion, and aggravation of asthma. Also if you have an immune suppression
or underlying lung disease, you may be at increased risk for infections
from molds.
When necessary, some resourceful molds produce toxins in defense against
other molds and bacteria called mycotoxins. Depending on exposure level,
these mycotoxins may cause toxic effects in people, also. Fatigue, nausea,
headaches, and respiratory and eye irritation are some symptoms that may
be experienced from exposure to mycotoxins. If you or your family members
have health problems that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you
should consult with your physician. (back to top)
How do I know if I have a mold problem?
You may have seen white thread-like growths or clusters of small black
specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls, or smelled a "musty" odor.
Seeing and smelling mold is a good indication that you have a mold problem.
However, you cannot always rely upon your senses to locate molds. Hidden
mold can be growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles.
Common places to find mold are in areas where water has damaged building
materials and furnishings perhaps from flooding or plumbing leaks. Mold
can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on
cooler wall surfaces, such as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers,
headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls. Rooms
with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry
rooms, and basements are often havens for mold. If you notice mold or know
of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action to control
its growth. (back to top)
How can I control mold growth in
my home?
Fix any moisture problems in your home:
•Stop all water leaks first. Repair leaking roofs and plumbing fixtures.
Move water away from concrete slabs and basement walls.
•Increase air circulation within your home, especially along the inside
of exterior walls, and ventilate with fresh air from outside. Provide warm
air to all areas of the home. Move large objects away from the inside of
exterior walls just a few inches to provide good air circulation.
•Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry
rooms.
•Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Cover earth floors
in crawl spaces with heavy plastic.
•Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered
furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged
furnishings.
•Vacuum and clean your home regularly. (back to top)
Source: Division of Environmental Health Office of Environmental Health and Safety