If ignored, it can cause damage and even make you sick

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Posted on Fri, Nov. 18, 2005

Tallahassee,FL

Mold: Stinky and hazardous

If ignored, it can cause damage and even make you sick

By ia R.

http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/13197594.htm

After Priscilla Blow completes a day of classes at Florida A & M

University, she goes home and takes a shower to relax. But one day

earlier this month, her routine was interrupted.

Blow said that after getting into the bathtub, she noticed that some

of the tiles had sunk in, creating a hole in the wall.

" I thought one of my roommates did it, " the freshman from

ville said. " One of the clerks said the wall could be rotten. "

The clerk at the Palmetto Street Complex didn't have to see Blow's

bathroom to know that the bathtub reeked of mold or mildew - which,

over time, can cause structural damage.

The state says the long-term presence of indoor mold could become

unhealthy. Among the health problems that come from exposure to mold

are allergic illnesses and infections.

Environmental Specialist Tim Wallace said it takes only 48 to 72

hours for mold spores to start growing on a wet surface, such as a

shower or bathtub.

" Moisture is an issue in every building in Florida, " said Wallace,

who works for the Florida Department of Health's Radon Indoor Air

Program. " It's a year-round problem. "

Because moisture is naturally in the air, he said, the only way to

prevent mold from growing is to clean walls, cabinets and other

surfaces.

Wallace also advised reporting problems in apartments to housing

managers.

Leaky pipe a likely culprit

FAMU's interim housing director, O.L. Crumity, said he had received

about 25 complaints about mold in dorm rooms this semester. There

are about 2,279 housing spaces available on campus. Most of the

complaints come from Palmetto Street residents, and that number

could increase, depending upon the weather.

In Blow's case, it may be a leaky pipe behind the wall.

" The staff informed me that excess moisture, possibly a leaking

pipe, caused the wall to deteriorate, " Crumity said.

Meanwhile, a board is covering the hole until it can be fixed.

At Florida State, mold is not a serious issue in dormitories, said

Dave Sagaser, associate director for facility management.

" When we receive a complaint, we do an inspection and do a basic

cleaning as needed, " he said.

Health problems

Mold can be risky for those who are allergic to it.

Wilkerson, one of Blow's three roommates in the two-bedroom

apartment, said she's experienced some health problems. She blames

the mold.

" In September, I had strep throat, " the FAMU senior said. " The

people at the hospital said it was probably because of mold and

mildew in my apartment. "

Dr. Saff, a local allergist, said it's not likely that

Wilkerson developed the bacterial infection from mold fungus.

" Mold can trigger allergic symptoms in the person who is allergic to

mold, " he said. " For example, if you're allergic to cats and you

enter a room that contains cats, you may develop a runny nose, itchy

eyes or tightening in your chest. An individual with asthma and

allergies to mold spores may develop similar symptoms when exposed

to a moldy indoor environment. "

PREVENTING MOLD IN THE HOME

Clean and dry spills within 24 hours.

Watch for condensation and wet spots.

Allow air conditioner and/or heating system to maintain a climate to

prevent moisture within an apartment.

Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier to reduce the indoor

humidity levels below 60 percent.

Ensure that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning filters

remain unobstructed.

Do not store wet clothing or other items longer than 24 hours.

Dry out wet building materials with 24 hours.

Do not carpet bathrooms or basements.

Sources: O.L. Crumity, FAMU's interim housing director, and the

Florida Department of Health