Contact: Norman Feldman
(215) 567-4004 ext 101 (Wednesday only)

Many homeowners today are at risk from a new danger, Toxic Mold. Mold is bacteria which can grow in the home and seriously affect human health.

What is Toxic Mold?
Mold, a plant, is a fungi that obtains nutrients from organic matter. Mold consists of long, highly branched thread-like linear groups of cells (hyphae) that intertwine to form the fungus body (mycelium). These threads can penetrate many materials but especially like common building materials such as drywall, wallboard, wallpaper and insulation, all of which contain organic materials that are good sources of nutrients. Molds generally require a water source, nutrients, and an appropriate temperature for growth. A humidity level of greater than 50% is considered to be a water source. A temperature of 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit is prime for mold growth. Mold is a plant, but rather than spreading through seeds, mold is spread through spores, which are essentially seeds that are undetectable to the human eye. They travel like dust throughout the home and can grow anywhere.

The consensus of opinion from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), FEMA, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mycologists and microbiologists is that mold can start to grow rapidly and spread within 24 to 48 hours in structures damaged by water. Mold can grow exponentially given the right conditions such as warm temperatures and excessive moisture.


Mold & Medical Problems
A wide variety of symptoms have been attributed to the toxic effects of different molds. The medical problems may be caused by toxic gases produced by the molds or by reactions to the mold particles themselves. Many allergies are also attributable to mold and fungi.

Commonly reported symptoms include a runny nose, eye irritation, congestion, and aggravation of asthma, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. More severe symptoms may include reports of serious nosebleeds, the coughing up of blood, severe headaches, and fibrous growth in the lungs and - in at least one reported instance - cognitive dysfunction and loss of memory.

Symptoms in adults are usually due to the inhalation of mold. Children and toddlers are even more susceptible to the effects of mold. They can easily get rashes and eye infections from contact with mold in carpets


How to Tell if You Have Toxic Mold in Your Home
The most common forms of toxic mold are Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Penicillum. There are at least 15 types of common mold. The only way to know if a home has a mold problem is to have the property tested by a Certified Industrial Hygienist.

Once it has been established that a home has a mold problem, the owner should consult an expert as to how best to remedy this problem. There is no easy do-it-yourself solution. Only trained experts can safely and effectively treat your home for mold contamination.


How to Reduce Toxic Mold in the Home

• Keep the humidity level below 50%
  
• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during humid months
  
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
  
• Use mold inhibitors that can be added to paints
  
• Clean bathroom with mold-killing products (50% bleach & 50% water)
  
• Do not carpet bathrooms or any room that is exposed to high moisture levels
  
• Remove and replace carpets that have been damaged by water
  
• Change air filters in furnaces, clean coils in air handlers and, cleaning drain pans in the bottom of refrigerators every 30-45 days.
  

For more information concerning Toxic Mold and a list of mold testing organizations, contact Norm Feldman at 215-567-4004 ext. 101, or email: joe_minott@cleanair.org.