Some molds can be very toxic

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Frances is gone, but mold can live on

If you live in the Sunshine State, the bad news is you also live in

the Mold State.

Due to the number of older homes in Southwest Florida, the damp

climate and the flat structure of the roofs, mold spores thrive.

The fact the Tampa Bay area is the so-called " Lightning Capital of

the World " also contributes to the preponderance of mold.

And then there are the hurricanes.

Molds are a naturally occurring substance found indoors and outdoors.

Outside, they are beneficial in helping break down organic matter.

Inside, they can cause health problems to people and structural

problems to homes and buildings.

There are more than 100,000 known species of molds, many of which

produce allergens, irritants and potentially toxic substances

(mycotoxins), according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The contamination of homes by mold infestation has prompted a number

of lawsuits, many of them in the multi-million dollar range.

" Mold is usually present in older homes, " said Dr. Mark Asperilla, an

infectious diseases specialist. " There's no fresh air flow in the

house and when there's a leak, it can go behind the wall and in the

carpets. "

Symptoms of

mold exposure

Mold can cause symptoms such as headaches, recurring sinus infection

and upper respiratory tract infections, Asperilla said.

" We do know mold is a prevalent problem, " said Dr. Elvin Mendez, a

board-certified allergist. " A large number of people are quite

sensitive to mold spores, particularly those with COPD (chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthmatics.

Studies have shown that lightning during thunderstorms causes mold

spores to surge tremendously, Mendez said.

" They did the study after realizing a surge in ER visits of

asthmatics after storms, " he noted.

" It can be serious for those whose immune systems are weak because

they are more prone to getting a secondary infection, " Asperilla said.

" Some molds can be very toxic, " he added. " It's basically sick

building syndrome -- same thing happens in the home. "

Allergy shots sometimes are effective in treating individuals

suffering from mold reactions, but not in all cases.

" Allergy injections are for specific proteins, " said Mendez. " We do

have extracts available for certain molds, but so far, we've not been

able to standardize any reliable form of testing for the stachybotrys

mold. "

In the black

According to the National Indoor Air Quality Institute (NIAQI),

stachybotrys is a specific type of mold that is common indoors and

outdoors. The indoor variety, stachybotrys atra (chartarum), is also

known as " black mold. "

Normally dark brown or black in color, it can appear slimy, sooty or

even look like grayish white strands, depending on the amount of

moisture available and the length of time it has been growing.

" I do have patients who are sensitive to (stachybotris) spores and

are symptomatic, " said Mendez. " For them, the only treatment I know

of right now is: one, environmental control measures, removing the

source of the problem -- humidity is definitely an issue -- and two,

symptomatic treatment of the patient.

" Patients come in with a slew of complaints of everything from

rhinitis to respiratory and skin problems, " said Mendez. " It's not

unusual for a snowbird to go away and when they come back, everything

in their house is black (from mold). "

" During the rainy season, the snowbirds go back north, " said

Asperilla. " They leave their houses closed up and any leaks in the

house or even a small leak in the roof (can cause mold). Then, when

the snowbirds come back, they suffer symptoms.

" When they're in the house, they don't feel good; when they're out of

the house, they feel better, " he said. " Then they go to the doctor

who tells them they've been exposed to mold. "

Dealing with mold

The key to dealing with mold is to remember one crucial point: Molds

cannot grow in the absence of water.

" If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and

fix the water problem, " states the EPA. " If you clean up the mold,

but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem

will come back. "

Depending on the size of the problem, you can clean it up yourself or

hire a professional.

The EPA offers the following tips on self-cleaning:

* Repair plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.

Dry all items completely.

* Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry

completely.

* Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet,

may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or

fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the

mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

* Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold by wearing a respirator,

gloves and goggles.

* Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the

surfaces before painting; paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely

to peel.

While chlorine bleach will kill mold, the EPA does not recommend

using bleach routinely. It is more important to stifle the source of

the moisture. If you do use bleach, be sure to ventilate the area and

never mix bleach with other cleaning solutions, since toxic fumes

could result.

Additionally, the EPA advises, dead mold can still cause allergic

reactions.

" It is not enough to simply kill the mold; it must also be removed, "

the EPA says.

If you hire a professional contractor, make sure he or she has had

experience in mold cleanup. The contractor should follow the

guidelines recommended by the EPA or other professional or government

organizations.

Moisture control is the key to preventing mold. Act quickly when when

water leaks or spills occur indoors, the EPA advises.

An ounce of prevention

The EPA and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

(NAMIC) offer the following tips to prevent mold:

* Conduct a routine inspection of your property for water leaks,

paying special attention to dishwashers, refrigerators, water

heaters, kitchen sinks, attics, roofs and areas around windows.

* Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.

* Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so

that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.

* Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines

unobstructed and flowing properly.

* Keep indoor humidity low, ideally between 30 and 50 percent

relative humidity. To reduce humidity, vent appliances that produce

moisture, such as clothes dryers and stoves; use dehumidifiers; turn

on the bathroom fan or open windows when showering; and use exhaust

fans when cooking, washing dishes, or using the dishwasher.

* Wipe away condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or

pipes.

* Replace aging washing machine and ice-maker hoses.

* Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA rated filter, which will filter

out mold spores from the air as they operate.

The nose knows

Mold can be visible or invisible. Mold can grow unseen behind

drywall, wallpaper, paneling and ceiling tiles or under carpeting.

Hidden mold can also be found around pipes, ductwork and roofing

material.

Hidden mold can be detected by smell.

" Be aware of the presence of odors that signify excessive moisture or

mold growths, " says NAMIC. " Molds and mildew often create an odor

that is pungent and musty smelling, or 'aromatic.' If you notice a

musty smell in your house, contact a qualified inspector to determine

the source. "

" Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require

caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of

mold growth, " the EPA says. " For example, removal of wallpaper can

lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the

underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden

mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional. "

The EPA has a comprehensive Web site devoted to mold (epa.gov). For

more detailed information on molds and health problems, consult a

health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local

health department.

Asperilla suggested visiting the National Indoor Air Quality

Institute's Web site at yndrome.net for more information.

(Staff Writer Dan Mearns contributed to this story.)

By Sherry A. Mearns

Staff Writer