toxic terminology

[Guest guest]

Group,

Lately for some reason, I have been asked to interpret the phrase 'toxic mold' .

Some want to use it, others not. For many years now I have been one to avoid the use of the term toxic.

Some are arguing that since the word toxic is often defined as meaning poisonous then just about any health effect can/should be categorized using the generic term toxic. Others argue that cytotoxic effects and/or mycotoxins must actually be present (or at least a known risk) to use the word toxic.

I have tried to find references that state the negative. In other words, which particular mold is not toxic (e.g., under any circumstances). What I find is a lot of policy language.

Most of you know I understand the big picture, and I have understanding of some specifics. But these questions are forcing me (us) to define better the application of the word toxic. E.g., as an IH, I understand for instance that many chemicals have toxic irritant effects (i.e., corrosive; as opposed to a purely physical irritant, like sand in your bathing suit).

We know mold produces many VOC's, some of which have toxic irritant effects, hence the mold-produced V"OC's are toxic by definition. This is not to imply that the actual concentration is sufficient to cause actual irritation effects. Which then raises the issue, if the chemical is never of sufficient concentration (dose) but is a known toxin at higher levels, must the word toxic be applied? In the spirit of the precautionary principle, if one is to be honest and open with the public, the answer might be that mold that produces VOC's ought to be termed toxic.

I know about the 2004 CDC caveat for the term, toxic mold, i.e., that it's the mycotoxins that are toxic not the mold. This, after several readings, is beginning to sound a little too much like bureaucratic spin. They have split hairs because of the syntax, not because it is easy to separate the toxin from the physical mold. If the toxin is on the mold, isn't the mold toxic?

These are just some of the issues that are being raised in my discussions.

I know that several of you have very well-defined opinions on both sides of the toxic issue. I welcome them, both here and in private (healthyhouse@...).

I look forward to all your comments and references to support them.

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