Ask the Doctor: Mold is everywhere right now

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Posted on Mon, Oct. 03, 2005

Ask the Doctor: Mold is everywhere right now

BY DR. BHARAT SANGANI

Knight Ridder Newspapers

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/12807574.htm

(KRT) - Dear Readers:

Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. The rebuilding has

begun, but the effects of this storm will be with us for years.

From a health care standpoint, one of the first problems will be the

prevalence of mold in the community. As many of us have already

experienced through the removal of carpet, Sheetrock, furniture and

other personal belongings from flooded homes, there is mold

everywhere.

To discuss the effects of mold, and its relationship with health, I

have invited Clay R. Bratton, M.D., to give us some insight.

Q: What types of mold are there, and how can it affect our health?

A: In general, mold spores cause an allergic reaction when they are

inhaled from the environment. Molds can be broken down into indoor

and outdoor molds.

Both will thrive in moist, dark environments and are typically more

prevalent in the summer months secondary to the increased humidity

but are present year-round. The outdoor molds, surprisingly, reach

their peak levels in the evening when the temperature decreases.

Often, people will cut and water the lawn in the evening, which will

dramatically increase the circulating mold spores in the air.

Rain will also cause the release of mold spores, which is in

contrast to pollen, which will decrease with rain exposure. The

indoor molds are present year-round, and will be found anywhere

moisture collects. Common places include under sinks, drains, drip

pans beneath refrigerators and freezers, condensers of air

conditioners, old books or newspapers, and shower curtains. Due to

the conditions created by Hurricane Katrina, both indoor and outdoor

molds will be much more prevalent, and Coast residents are already

beginning to feel the effects.

With the amount of tree damage, there will also be a significant

outdoor mold exposure risk as many people are working in the yards

trying to clean up. It is advisable to wear a mask when working

around any grass, leaves or trees. Again, the mold spore count tends

to increase in the evening hours, so it would be best to avoid

yardwork during these times.

Q: What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

A: The symptoms of mold exposure can vary from person to person, but

in general, will affect the upper respiratory system and may include

sneezing, runny nose, cough or burning in the chest, wheezing, sore

throat, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, headache, irritation of

the eyes, burning of the nose or rashes and blistering of the skin.

These symptoms may then lead to recurrent sinus infections and even

pneumonia. There are many people who are currently being treated for

chronic allergy problems with either medication or allergy

injections; for others, these symptoms may be a new experience.

There is some concern for those patients who are undergoing allergy

injections. If they are already being treated for mold allergies,

this dramatic rise in the mold count in our environment could

trigger a significant worsening of the symptoms, and it is advised

that you contact your allergy physician immediately.

Q: How can someone decrease exposure to mold?

A: For most people, avoiding environments with visible mold or

situations known to have high mold counts will control the symptoms.

It will be a difficult task, however, given the current situation.

Any home that received any water damage should be considered to have

an increase in mold spores.

Homes that have had standing water are likely to have mold behind

the Sheetrock and in the insulation.

It is advisable to have these areas examined and cleaned

professionally, including removal of any structures that were

exposed to the water. If there was mild water damage, and there are

small patches of visible mold, those can be cleaned with commercial

mold and mildew cleaners, or a dilution of bleach (1 part bleach to

10 parts of water). Placing a dehumidifier in water-exposed areas

can also be beneficial.

The best way to treat the symptoms related to mold exposure is

avoidance of mold. Once again, however, this will be a very

difficult task for some time. If you are experiencing any of the

above symptoms, or have questions about mold exposure, contact your

physician immediately.