PHYSICIANS/ALLERGIST of AAAAI SEND MIXED MESSAGE RE: DANGERS FROM MOLD

[Guest guest]

Message sent June 17th to:

Ms. Jahnke, Press Secretary, AAAAI

Incoming President, B. Casale, AAAAI

Leung, Editor of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,

AAAAI, National Jewish Hospital

Cliff , s Hopkins University

athan Bernstein, U of Cincinnati

AAAAI Board Member, Brodie, UCSD

Jay Portnoy, Children, Kansas, Pres of ACAAI

Dear All,

Do you realize just how many lives are being utterly devastated from the

mixed messages and misinformation you are promoting? It is no wonder the

physicians have no clue how to address mold induced illnesses. It is no wonder

so

many are being forced to seek alternative health care as a solution to their

illnesses. C'mon!!!!!

Warm Regards,

Sharon Kramer

_s Hopkins: Lung Disorders on mold allergies_

(http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/lung_disorders/2012-1.html)

" Five allergists, including A. Wood, M.D., of the s Hopkins

University School of Medicine, set out to define what can and can’t be proved

about mold exposure. Here’s what they found in their review " : They are

referring

to the position statement of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and

Immunology. Ya know, the one outed by the Center of Science in the Public

Interest for it's industry friendly conflicts of interest?

Continuing on with s Hopkins' interpretation of the AAAAI Mold Statement

findings:

" Mold and Asthma. While allergic responses to inhaling mold are a recognized

factor in lower airway disease such as asthma, studies show that outdoor

mold is more likely to cause problems for asthmatics than mold found indoors. A

better assessment of the effects of indoor mold on people with asthma would

require studies that follow people over a long period and take into account

factors that could affect the results, such as humidity and other airborne

allergens and irritants. "

But...from your new press release, now according to the AAAAI:

" Exposure to high levels of outdoor mold is frequently linked to increased

asthma symptoms and severity, leading to increased emergency care visits. But

indoor molds also pose a hazard.

What changed in science from just last month when the s Hopkins health

alert was issued while citing the 2006 AAAAI mold position statement as it

source?

" Indoor molds are less commonly associated with coughing and wheezing in

susceptible individuals, but present a potential health concern especially in

water damaged homes where molds are prominent, " said AAAAI Executive Vice

President B. Casale, MD, FAAAAI.

Though mold problems may not show up immediately, it is essential that

people with asthma take steps now to make sure their homes are safe and

mold-free. "

As floodwaters recede, mold danger swells for asthma sufferers

AAAAI.org

Jahnke

_kjahnke@..._ (mailto:kjahnke@...)

(414)272-6071

_http://www.aaaai.http://wwwhttp://www.aaahttp://www.aaaahtt_

(http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/2008/06/061708.asp)

MILWAUKEE – As homeowners across the Midwest begin to recover from

recent flooding, a new threat may be looming.

Wet walls, damp carpet and other porous materials can serve as

breeding grounds for mold, putting many at increased risk for asthma

attacks, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &

Immunology (AAAAI).

Exposure to mold spores can trigger asthma in sensitive people,

resulting in wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Exposure to

high levels of outdoor mold is frequently linked to increased asthma

symptoms and severity, leading to increased emergency care visits.

But indoor molds also pose a hazard.

" Indoor molds are less commonly associated with coughing and

wheezing in susceptible individuals, but present a potential health

concern especially in water damaged homes where molds are

prominent, " said AAAAI Executive Vice President B. Casale,

MD, FAAAAI.

Though mold problems may not show up immediately, it is essential

that people with asthma take steps now to make sure their homes are

safe and mold-free.

Areas that were exposed to floodwaters need to be thoroughly dried

and sanitized to prevent mold growth. People with asthma are

encouraged to hire a cleaning crew to do the work and, if possible,

stay in a hotel until the work is complete.

Furnishings and building materials that cannot be adequately dried

and sanitized - including drywall, flooring and upholstered

furniture - should be discarded.

In addition to the respiratory distress of asthma, mold triggers

allergy symptoms in many people. The symptoms include sneezing,

nasal congestion, runny nose and itchy watery eyes.

The AAAAI recommends the following steps to help prevent adverse

reactions to mold:

Wear a filter mask if mold exposure is anticipated

Eliminate any source of excess dampness in basements

Keep indoor humidity levels between 40-50 percent (use a

dehumidifier if necessary)

Change heating and cooling filters regularly

Provide adequate air circulation

Clean washable surfaces with a bleach solution

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical

immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special

interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease.

Established in 1943, the AAAAI is the United States' largest

professional membership organization dedicated to the

allergy/immunology specialty. The AAAAI has nearly 6,500 members in

the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

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