What are molds?

Molds are tiny fungi that live on plant or animal material. Most molds produce spores that can be carried by air, water or insects.

Some of the more common indoor molds are:

• Alternia
• Aspergillus
• Cladosporium
• Mucor
• Penicillium
• Astachybotrys

How do molds affect people ?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, symptoms like stuffy nose, itchy or red eyes, and wheezing can occur when they are around mold. Mold also triggers asthma. People with sever mold allergies may have symptoms like fever and shortness of breath.

Can I cut down on mold around me ?

Molds are found almost everywhere, both inside and outside. People that are sensitive to molds should:

• Avoid compost piles, cut grass and wooded areas
• Keep humidity levels in the house below 40%
• Have an air conditioner or dehumidifier during the humid months
• Have good ventilation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms
• Remove previously soaked carpets and upholstry
• Remove mold growths with a mixture of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.

I've heard about toxic molds that grow in homes and other buildings; should I be concerned about my health ?

Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. They may grow naturally indoors or enter the building through open doors, windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They also can attach to pets, clothing or other items and be brought into the home.

Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However, some people are sensitive to molds. These people may have symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation or wheezing when exposed to molds. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in work-related settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disorder or immunosuppression may develop mold infections in their lungs. In a few rare cases, the toxins produced by certain mold species, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, may cause pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss.

If you think you are sick because of molds in a building, you should call your doctor to find out what you should do.

How do molds grow in a building?

When mold spores drop on places where there is too much moisture, like areas where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Things like wet paper or paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products grow some molds very quickly. Dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery also are known to grow mold.

How would I know if I have a mold problem?

Large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled.

How do you get molds out of buildings?

Molds growing in homes and building indicate that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem that must be addressed.

Mold can be cleaned off surfaces with a weak bleach solution. Mold under carpets typically requires that the carpets be removed. Once mold starts to grow in ceiling tiles, insulation or wallboard the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. Moldy items should be discarded.

If flooding or sewage back-up has occurred, quick cleaning of walls and other flood damaged items with water mixed with chlorine bleach, diluted 10 parts water to 1 part bleach, is necessary to prevent mold growth. Never mix bleach with ammonia.

If you have a large amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the clean-up on your own, you may want to contact a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes.

Is there any time when people should leave a home or other building because of mold?

These decisions can only be made on a case-by-case basis.

Where can I find more information on mold?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site has information on mold:
www.cdc.gov/health/mold.html