Dangers of black mold

Black mold, which is actually greenish black in color, has been associated with "sick building syndrome" and a variety of health problems. Molds are commonly found in buildings and homes and will grow indoors anywhere there is moisture. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.

Molds emit reproductive spores that can become airborne and wreak havoc for people with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems.

Black mold is a so-called "toxic mold" which produces toxins referred to as mycotoxins. Although less common than other mold species, black mold, referred biologically as Stachybotrys chartarum, is not rare.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor mold exposure to upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people, asthmatic symptoms in people prone to asthma, and fungal infections in individuals with depressed immunity.

Other symptoms that have been reported with exposure to black mold include memory problems, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Health effects are usually not attributed to the mycotoxins unless someone is eating food borne molds, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration report may be hazardous to human or animal health if ingested because of these mycotoxins. With regard to exposure rather than ingestion, however, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that all molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.

It is not necessary to conduct expensive testing to determine the presence or type of mold. In fact, the Florida Department of Health advises that there are actually no health- or exposure-based standards used to evaluate a mold sample.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that one can take simple, practical steps to detect, remove, and prevent sources of biological pollutants such as mold. They suggest that your first step is to follow your eyes and nose to detect mold.

In most cases, mold can be removed from hard surfaces by a thorough cleaning with soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpet may have to be discarded if they become moldy. If you have an extensive amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you may want to contact a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes. Before removal, however, make sure any leaks or sources of moisture in the home are addressed or the mold will return.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, by controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of molds can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-60 percent is generally recommended for homes.

You can look to the following resources for many helpful suggestions on how to remove and prevent mold from growing in your home or office, and keeping you and your family healthy.

For more information

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), www.epa.gov/mold/

The Institutes of Medicine (IOM), www.iom.edu/Reports/2004/Damp-Indoor-Spaces-and-Health.aspx

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) , www.cdc.gov/MOLD/stachy.htm

The Florida Department of Health (DOH), www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/mold.htm