Peña: Toxic molds?

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Friday, November 11, 2005

Peña: Toxic molds?

By Rox Peña

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2005/11/11/oped/rox.pe.a.html

MOLD, according to the dictionary, is a very large group of

microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Most are

filamentous organisms and produce spores that can be air-, water-,

or insect-borne. We see them everywhere, even inside our homes.

Outdoor, molds play a part in nature by breaking down organic matter

such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Indoors however, they have a

potential to cause health problems.

Molds grow on wet and damp spots, that's why they are usually found

in our bathrooms, laundry area and kitchen. Molds produce allergens

and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause

allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Allergic responses

include hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red

eyes and skin. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in people with

asthma who are allergic to mold.

In some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins are

released by molds. " Myco " means fungus. Mycotoxins are designed for

chemical warfare against other organisms or other types of molds to

discourage them from growing in the same territory. Inhalation of

mold spores or dust containing mycotoxins can result in human

exposure with potentially severe health effects.

A news item in the Environmental News Network about molds caught my

attention a few days ago. A family in California was awarded $22.6

million dollars in settlement, the highest on record, against a

lumber company over toxic mold in their home. They said that mold,

which grew on framing studs that had been improperly stored by the

lumber company, caused brain damage in their baby.

There's no need to panic however. Not all molds produce mycotoxins,

and those that do produce don't produce them in all situations. Even

when mycotoxins are present in our homes and offices, the quantities

may not be large enough to cause health problems.

The best thing we can do is avoid the growth of molds in our

dwelling places. The key to mold control is moisture control. Mold

spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Here are some tips:

* When water leaks or spill occur, act quickly. If wet or damp

materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours after leak or

spill occurs, in most cases molds will not grow.

* If there's mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that

seems to reappear, increasing the ventilation, by running a fan or

opening a window, and frequent cleaning will keep mold from

recurring or at least keep them to a minimum.

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

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

completely.

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

dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces

is likely to peel.

* Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.

* Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines

unobstructed and flowing properly.

* Reduce humidity by providing vent for appliances that produce

moisture like clothes dryer and stoves.

* Use exhaust fans or open the window when using showering

(bathroom), cooking, running the dishwasher, etc..

* Make sure water does not collect around the foundation of

buildings and houses. Check the ground slope.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness, as they say. But it also means

being free of potentially harmful substances like molds.

(November 11, 2005 issue)

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