One of the worst and most common effects of water damage in the home is mold. Many homeowners find mold offensive and ugly to look at, but don’t fully realize the potential health hazards associated with mold exposure. You may have mold growing in your basement or crawlspace that is negatively affecting your indoor air quality. Indoor air quality is extremely important; the average American spends 75% to 90% of their time indoors.
Mold develops and grows at high rates of speed. Mold can develop within 24-48 hours after water exposure occurs. If it is growing in a secluded area of your home, you may smell it before you see it. You will notice a strong earthy or musty odor. Mold not only can impair health, it can be destructive. Mold grows by digesting organic material, so it slowly destroys whatever it is growing on.
Health problems involving mold are primarily caused by inhalation. This usually occurs when there is active mold growth and a large number of mold spores. Exposure can also happen by touching contaminated materials or by eating contaminated food. Mold is a biological airborne contaminant that is classified as a bioaerosol. Bioaerosols are extremely tiny living organisms suspended in the air. Exposure to mold can lead to minor problems like mild allergies to severe problems like bacteria and viruses that cause infection. Although inhalation of mold spores is unhealthy for anyone, some individuals have more severe symptoms and reactions than others. Those more susceptible to severe reactions include the elderly, infants, persons with weakened immune systems and those with existing respiratory conditions.
Common Symptoms Of Mold Exposure:
Eye irritationNose/throat irritationRespiratory problemsDry coughSkin irritation or rashesHeadachesBody achesNosebleeds
Serious health problems have been associated with a highly toxic strain of mold called Stachybotrys atra, often referred to as black mold. This mold is greenish-black and slimy in appearance. It typically grows only on materials that are perpetually wet and that contain cellulose. It thrives on any type of wood-based material with a high moisture content.
Like other toxic fungi, Stachybotrys alters the human DNA and has been known to cause permanent immunological, psychological, pathological and neurological effects on the human body. Cases of DNA testing where Stachybotrys was detected in the body 9 years after exposure have been documented.
Strachybotrys has also been linked to cases of hemorrhagic lung disease in infants. Molds are among the environmental health issues that concern those in the pediatric environmental health field. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatricians ask about mold issues when treating infants with idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage.
In order to protect your health and control mold damage, you need to determine where the moisture is coming from that allows the mold to thrive. Common sources of indoor moisture problems include:
Plumbing leaksRoof leaksClogged gutters and downspoutsOverflow from sewers or sinksSteam from showers or cookingClothes dryers exhausting indoorsDamp basement or crawlspaceFloodingDamp crawlspaces without vapor barriers or a crawlspace dehumidifier
Once you have determined and eliminated the source of moisture, the next step is to clean up the mold. Cleaning up mold can also be hazardous to your health if you’re not careful. When disturbed by cleaning, mold spores may be 10 to 1,000 times higher than background levels. You should also be careful about breathing in fumes from the strong disinfectants and cleaning supplies used. Minimize your exposure to these harsh chemicals by making sure there is good ventilation in the cleaning area. These tips should be followed to ensure a safe clean-up:
Use a respirator; this will protect you from mold particles, but not fumes from the cleaning suppliesWear rubber glovesWear protective clothingLeave the work area frequently for short periods of time to get fresh airPlace any moldy items in a trash bag, tightly seal and discardAir out the area thoroughly after cleaning for several hours CAUTION! – NEVER mix ammonia with bleach; the combination creates fumes that are toxic.
About the Author – Chuck Jaymes is an indoor air quality professional and
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