Catch mold early to keep problem from growing

Last week, I wrote an article on mold and its effects. A young lady by the name of Jessica called and wanted to know more about mold, how to test for it, its toxins, and the effects on the human body. Below is what I shared with her.

Testing for mold — generally, it is not necessary to identify the specific species of mold growing in a home, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend routine sampling.

If sampling must be done it is usually done in three ways. Air sampling for airborne spores, swab sampling and adhesive tame sampling for spores that have settled on vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Mycotoxins:

Stachybotrys chart arum is a greenish black fungus that grows on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint, that becomes chronically wet with moisture because of excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or flooding.

There are no statistics supporting how often this fungus enters a building because buildings are not routine tested for its presence.

I could only find one study taken in California (Kozak) which indicated that out of 68 homes tested for this fungus, 2.9 percent proved positive. This fungus produces a chemical called mycotoxin. This chemical is released into the air by its spores and fungus fragments.

These spores become airborne when the fungus dies and dry up. These spores are very small and can be drawn into the lungs when inhaled.

Health effects:

Individuals with chronic exposure to this fungus's toxins have reported cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis and sometimes intermittent hair loss.

The toxins produced by this fungus will suppress the human immune system. People with allergies may be more sensitive to mold. People with immune suppression or underlying lung diseases are more susceptible to fungal infections.

Prevention methods:

1. As a part of routine building maintenance, building should be inspected for evidence of water leaks and visible mold.

2. Conditions causing mold must be corrected immediately.

3. Keep humidity levels in the home between 40 percent and 55 percent.

4. Make sure there is adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom.

5. Do not carpet bathrooms.

6. Remove and replace any flooded carpets immediately, because mold spores start to colonize with in 24 to 48 hours.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services 255-2266 or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper, mold inspection and remediation contractor, Northwest Environmental Services, specializing in commercial, residential and disaster cleaning.