Can mold cause health problems? 

Molds have the potential to cause health problems.  Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).  Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.  In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.

 

Is sampling/testing for mold necessary?

If visible mold growth is present it is recommended to have it tested to identify the specific type of mold/fungal growth to formulate the best action plan; to ensure proper remediation and decreased exposure. Surface and ambient air sampling can be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.  Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results.  Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

 

Hidden Mold

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth.  For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper.  Removing contaminated drywall or wall surface materials could potentially expose a more severe issue hidden within the wall cavity. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

 

Can mold become a problem in my home?

Molds will grow and multiply whenever conditions are right— when sufficient moisture is available and when organic material is present. Be on the lookout in your home for common sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold:

•Flooding  •Leaky roofs  •Plumbing leaks  •Damp basement or crawl space  •Humidifiers

 

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

People vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to the amount and the types to which they react. In addition to their allergic properties, some indoor molds, such as Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Stachybotrys, may produce compounds that have toxic properties, which are called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are not always produced, and whether a mold produces mycotoxins while growing in a building depends on what the mold is growing on, conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity or other unknown factors. When mycotoxins are present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores and may be present in materials that have become contaminated with molds. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. However, when the mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne.