Serious side effects can result from 'toxic' mold exposure

December 8, 2003

By: KATHY KISH Bluefield Daily Telegraph December 05, 2003

Dear Kathy:

The ceiling tiles in my office have been wet for a long time due to

the roof leaking. What are some of the side effects of working in a

black-mold situation?

How can an office be tested for black mold?

- F. Mayes

Dear :

Tony , assistant director of radiation, toxics and indoor air

division as part of the Department of Health and Human Resources of

the State Health Department, said that while there is such a thing as

mold testing, there is no state or federal standard on how much is

too much mold. He said if you see or smell it you've got a problem

and need to fix it.

He said there are professionals you can call to do that for you and

they are often known as environmental consultants. I found two listed

in the yellow pages, so you might want to check under that caption,

because it does sound like there can be problems if the average

person doesn't understand how to keep the mold under control while

cleaning it up. You can stir up mold dust and make things worse.

However, some molds are worse that others and have worse health

effects. If what you see is really black mold, there is a Toxic Black

Mold Information center website at http://www.toxic-black-mold-

info.com.

Health Risks from " Toxic " Mold can include allergy problems,

irritation and may be more risky for those with compromised immune

systems, such as those who are HIV positive. According to a 1999 Mayo

Clinic Study, nearly all chronic sinus infections (afflicting 37

million Americans) are a result of molds. A 300 percent increase in

the asthma rate over the past 20 years has been linked to molds,

according to 1999 USA Today Cover Story.

The most common symptoms of an allergic response to increased levels

of mold range from runny noses, itchy-watery eyes, coughing,

sneezing, and throat irritation to more severe symptoms caused by

chronic conditions such as sinusitis and asthma.

said the State Health Department has brochures on mold

removal, call 1-800-368-4358, and information at its website

Dear Kathy

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