Here's the latest dirt on mold's possible dangers

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Mon, Apr. 15, 2002

Here's the latest dirt on mold's possible dangers

By Liddane

The Orange County Register

It can grow wherever there's moisture in the home. On sheet rock. On the

carpet. On wood panels. Indoor mold is increasingly being blamed for a range

of health problems - from allergies to asthma to respiratory difficulties.

Concern has grown so much that states have begun to pass laws related to

researching indoor mold. California has passed two laws requiring research

to determine what levels of mold are unacceptable, evaluate how to measure

its health effects and determine how to best get rid of it, said Sandy

McNeel, a research scientist with the California Department of Health

Services.

Not all molds can cause health problems and not all seemingly mold-related

health problems are caused solely by mold. Here are questions on the basics

of indoor mold and its known adverse effects and answers from McNeel and Dr.

Jay Portnoy, a spokesman on indoor mold for the American College of Allergy,

Asthma and Immunology:

.. Question:

What is mold?

Answer:

Molds are a type of fungus. They produce tiny spores to reproduce. When

these spores land on damp areas indoors, they may begin growing. They can

grow in areas that are not readily visible, such as between furniture and

walls. You can control indoor mold growth by controlling the moisture in

your home.

.. Question:

Are all molds harmful to health?

Answer:

Some have greater potential to be harmful than others. A less common type of

mold, Stachybotris chartarum, may produce compounds that have toxic

properties, which are called mycotoxins.

.. Question:

Can the amounts of mold be measured in a home?

Answer:

Yes, they can. There are several ways to measure mold in a home, including

evaluating a sample of dust from the home and studying the amount of

mycotoxins mold produces.

.. Question:

What have studies shown about health problems that mold exposure can cause?

Answer:

Studies have shown that exposure can trigger allergic reactions, asthma and

respiratory difficulties.

Symptoms include wheezing; difficulty breathing and shortness of breath;

nasal and sinus congestion; irritated eyes; dry, hacking cough; irritated

nose or throat; and skin rashes or irritation.

Anecdotal reports have linked exposure to headaches, memory problems, mood

swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, fevers, dizziness, fatigue and

forgetfulness, but study is needed.

You can link mold exposure to health problems, but it is difficult to

isolate it as the only cause, Portnoy said.

.. Question:

Why does the severity of effects vary from one person to the next?

Answer:

The reasons are not known. Some people are much more susceptible, including

infants, young children, the elderly, people with previous respiratory

problems and allergies, and people with a weak immune system.

.. Question:

What should I do if I suspect mold exposure is affecting my health?

Answer:

You can take these measures:

If you are aware of an area in the home that is contaminated with mold,

clean it with dish detergent mixed with water and wipe off the mold. Killing

the mold with bleach and water is not the first step, McNeel said. When the

mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores

to become airborne and can adversely affect you.

Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and a respirator designed

for particulate removal (available at hardware stores).

If the contamination is severe and cannot be removed by cleaning, you may

need to replace the contaminated part.

Check and repair any moisture seepage or leaks.

If your symptoms persist, see an allergist to determine if you are affected

by mold exposure.

.. Question:

Where can I get more information on indoor mold?

Answer:

Go to the Environmental Protection Agency Web site:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/moldresources.html