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ICON Environmental FAQ
Here are some answers to questions and concerns regarding mold through resources we believe to be reliable and knowledgeable.
DISCLAIMER: This web site is designed only to provide general information and is not directed toward providing legal or medical advice of any kind For proper legal advice contact an attorney. For proper medical advice contact a physician.
Q: What is mold and where is it found?
Q: How can mold affect your health?
Q: How can you be exposed to mold?
Q: How does mold grow?
Q: How long does it take mold to grow after a water damage?
Q: What is Stachybotrys chartarum?
Q: How can I tell if I have mold spores in my home or office?
Q: How can you tell if Stachybotrys chartarum is present in your home?
Q: How can Stachybotrys chartarum affect your health?
Q: How does mold become a problem?
Q: What should you do if mold is present in your home or apartment?
Q: Who is at risk?
Q: Will my health or my child's health be affected, and should we see a physician?
Q: What are the symptoms of exposure to mold?
Q: Does it matter what kind of mold is found in my home?
Q: How should mold be cleaned?
Q: What is mold and where is it found?
A: Mold (fungi) is present everywhere - indoors and outdoors. There are more than 100,000 species of mold. At least 1,000 species of mold are common in the U.S. Some of the most commonly found are species of Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Mold is most likely to grow where there is water or dampness - such as in bathrooms and basements.
Q: How can mold affect your health?
A: Most types of mold that are routinely encountered are not hazardous to healthy individuals. However, too much exposure to mold may cause or worsen conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. The most common symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestion, runny nose, eye irritation, and aggravation of asthma. Depending on the amount of exposure and a person's individual vulnerability, more serious health effects - such as fevers and breathing problems - can occur but are unusual.
Q: How can you be exposed to mold?
A: When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores (reproductive bodies similar to seeds) can be released into the air. Exposure can occur if people inhale the spores, directly handle moldy materials, or accidentally ingest it. Also, mold can sometimes produce chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may cause illness in people who are sensitive to them or if they are exposed to large amounts in the air. Large exposures are typically associated with certain occupations (e.g., agricultural work).
Q: How does mold grow?
A: All molds need water to grow. Mold can grow almost anywhere there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Most often molds are confined to areas near the source of water. Removing the source of moisture ¬such as through repairs or dehumidification - is critical to preventing mold growth.
Q: How long does it take mold to grow after a water damage?
A: If a water damage is not properly dried out, mold can begin to grow after just 24 hours.
Q: What is Stachybotrys chartarum?
A: Stachybotrys charta rum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a type of mold that has been associated with health effects in people. It is a greenish-black mold that can grow on materials with a high cellulose content ¬such as drywall sheetrock, dropped ceiling tiles, and wood - that become chronically moist or water-damaged, due to excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding.
Q: How can I tell if I have mold spores in my home or office?
A: If you see mold growth, water stains, dripping faucets, it is a good idea to have a Certified Mold Inspector test that surface and the indoor air for an accurate representation of mold spores. Where there is no visible mold growth, but there is a musty or moldy odor, again, have the air inspected. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Q: How can you tell if Stachybotrys chartarum is present in your home?
A: Many molds are black in appearance but are not Stachybotrys. For example, the black mold commonly found between bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys can be positively identified only by specially trained professionals (e.g., mycologists) through a microscopic exam.
Q: How can Stachybotrys chartarum affect your health?
A: Typically, indoor air levels of Stachybotrys are low; however, as with other types of mold, at higher levels health effects can occur. These include allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms), dermatitis (rashes), sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and aggravation of asthma. Some related symptoms are more general - such as inability to concentrate and fatigue. Usually, symptoms disappear after the contamination is removed.
There has been some evidence linking Stachybotrys with pulmonary hemosiderosis in infants who are generally less than six months old. Pulmonary hemosiderosis is an uncommon condition that results from bleeding in the lungs. In studied cases of pulmonary hemosiderosis, the exposure to Stachybotrys came from highly contaminated dwellings, where the infants were continually exposed over a long period of time.
Q: How does mold become a problem?
A: All mold needs for growth is food sources and appropriate climate. Oxygen-rich environments with either standing liquids or humidity over 70% are optimal for mold growth. Many fungi grow well at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which are also ideal temperatures for human comfort. Mold becomes a problem to property once a structure gets wet. If it does not dry out or dries out slowly, mold spores can germinate and destroy anything it grows on. Mold becomes a problem to your health when it comes in contact with your skin, is breathed into the lungs.
Q: What should you do if mold is present in your home or apartment?
A: Although any visible mold can be sampled by an environmental consultant and/or analyzed by a laboratory specializing in microbiology, these tests can be very expensive - from hundreds to thousands of dollars. There is no simple and cheap way to sample the air in your home to find out what types of mold are present and whether they are airborne. Even if you have your home tested, it is difficult to say at what levels health effects would occur. Therefore, it is more important get rid of the mold rather than find out more about it. The most effective way to treat mold is to correct underlying water damage and clean the affected area.
Q: Who is at risk?
A: High levels of molds are not healthy for anyone inside a building. Those individuals that appear to be at higher risk are infants, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems (HIV infection, liver disease or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy), pregnant women and individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities and asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis. Healthy, active people are less likely adverse reactions at first. However, extended exposure to molds can be a health risk to anyone. If you have concerns about your health, you should consult a physician for advice.
Q: Will my health or my child's health be affected, and should we see a physician?
A: Mold exposure has the potential to cause health problems. Infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, immune compromised patients, and people with existing respiratory conditions are at higher risk. Allergic reactions to mold are common. If you believe that you or your children have symptoms that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should see a physician. Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure may also be caused by many other illnesses. You should tell your physician about the symptoms and about when, how, and for how long you think you or your children were exposed.
Q: What are the symptoms of exposure to mold?
A: Effects from exposure to toxic mold can result in any of the following symptoms:
• headaches • memory loss • problems focusing or concentrating • chronic fatigue • nose and throat irritation • persistent cold-like symptoms • burning, itching or watering eyes • dizziness • nausea • tremors • heart palpitations • shortness of breath (during mild exertion) • exhaustion after routine activity • serious swelling in legs, ankles, feet • serious swelling in torso or stomach • prolonged muscle cramps and joint pain • sensitivity to odors • cancer • women who are pregnant could experience multiple problems, even miscarriages •
Q: Does it matter what kind of mold is found in my home?
A: Some molds will produce mycotoxins (poisonous toxins). Simply spraying a mildewcide or fungicide on mold will not remove or inactivate the mycotoxins that have already been produced. An adverse reaction from dead mold or mold spores can still happen. Not all molds produce mycotoxins all the time. It is important to note that mold spores do not have to be alive to be dangerous. Dead and dormant mold can be just as toxic. Tolerance to these mycotoxins again varies from person to person.
Note: Bleach is not effective at eliminating mold. It may clean mold off a surface, but it does not penetrate porous materials where mold hides. For proper mold killing cleaners, visit www.iondon.com/mold.htmIf you believe that you or your children have symptoms that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should see a physician. Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure may also be caused by many other illnesses. You should tell your physician about any symptoms and approximately when, how and how long you think you or your children were exposed.
Q: How should mold be cleaned?
A: Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Persons cleaning mold should be free of symptoms and allergies. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using a detergent/soapy solution or an appropriate household cleaner. Gloves should be worn during cleaning. The cleaned area should then be thoroughly dried. Dispose of any sponges or rags used to clean mold.
If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may indicate an underlying problem such as a leak. Any underlying water problems must be fixed to successfully eliminate mold problems. If mold contamination is extensive, a professional abatement company may need to be consulted
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