Losing Sleep Over "Black Mold"?
By Northeast Laboratory Services, Indoor Air Quality Department O
ften times, our Indoor Air Qual- ity department receives calls from concerned homeowners, asking if
their house has “toxic black mold”. Com- monly we find that there are misconcep- tions with the relationship between molds and toxins. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that, “the term ‘toxic mold’ is not accurate.” While certain molds can have the ability to produce toxins, or specifically mycotoxins, the molds themselves are not toxic. Reports of hazards caused by toxigenic molds within a home are rare and their link to human health has yet to be proven. As recom- mended by the CDC and the Environmen- tal Protection Agency (EPA), molds that have to ability to produce these mycotoxins should not be considered any differently than other molds found growing inside a building.
So, does that mean there is nothing to
worry about? Not necessarily. Mold can have an impact on human health, how-
14 ELM™ Maine - January/February 2019
ever, the effects from mold exposure can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals can have an immediate or delayed response from being in a “moldy” environment, while others have no symp- toms at all. To further complicate matters, the extent of mold sensitivities can also vary among individuals. One person may be sensitive to most, or even all molds, while another person may be sensitive to only one particular type of mold. The range of responses can present as irritation, al- lergies, asthma, or infections. The Occu- pational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that, “the advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues…Currently, there are no federal stan- dards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing.”
It is important to remember that mold spores are found everywhere, both inside and outside of the home. Eliminating all traces of mold, inside of a building, would be impractical or perhaps even impossible. The microscopic spores of fungi can enter a building through open doors and windows, through ventilation for heating and cooling systems, attach to clothing, or hanging onto the fur of a pet. It may seem that nothing can be done to avoid mold growth inside a home, but that is far from the truth.
Although mold spores can be found quite commonly in the everyday air we breathe, they will remain in a dormant state until introduced to favorable condi- tions. An area with average room tem- peratures, high level of moisture, and an adequate food source (such as wood, paper, or dirt) provides ideal growing conditions for mold. Without one of these conditions, mold will not be able to grow.
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