Molds More Than a Nuisance

[Guest guest]

THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC

October 9, 1999

PRACTICAL ADVICE ON INDOOR POLLUTION

By Kathleen Doheny, Health and Fitness News Service

Molds are mistakenly considered more of a nuisance than a health threat.

" Any time mold is growing in a home, it is not a good thing for your

health, " said Dyjack, chairman of the department of environmental and

occupational health at California's Loma University.

In the early '90s, a slimy black household mold called stachybotrys was

linked to the deaths of dozens of Midwestern babies who developed a bleeding

lung illness.

Experts disagree about whether the mold is definitely the culprit but

agree

that any household mold should be eliminated, especially if some residents

are

sensitive, because the spores can aggravate allergies and asthma.

Derebery, an ear and allergy specialist at House Ear Clinic and

Institute in Los Angeles, commonly asks her allergy patients about their

home

environments, always alert to the possibility that mold (as well as

carpetings

or wood products) could be making them miserable.

Even a short exposure to water can cause mold growth and subsequent

health

problems, as one of Derebery's patients can attest.

A woman sought care from Derebery in January 1998, after a storm flooded

her home and she developed a stubborn case of bronchitis.

The woman and her husband had bailed the water and ripped up the soaked

carpet as soon as possible. Even so, an inspector told them that mold was

growing under the baseboard and inside one wall to a height of 30 inches.

After the mold was eliminated, the bronchitis finally subsided.

To get rid of mold, first clean it out and then disinfect the area with a

mixture of one part bleach, nine parts water, Dyjack advised, adding, " Keep

it wet with that solution for about 20 minutes. "

Wearing a respiratory mask during mold cleanup is advised.

To keep mold away, be sure excess moisture is at a minimum. In a

bathroom,

an exhaust fan will help draw up excess moisture, in turn minimizing mold,

but

only if it's working properly.

" Some are wired backward, " Dyjack said.

To test it, light a match, turn on the fan, and blow out the match.

" If the smoke gets sucked up, it's working properly, " Dyjack said. " If

the smoke falls downward, call the electrician and have it rewired. "

PESTICIDES

" Don't spray (for pests) by the calendar, " suggested Glenn Brank, a

spokesman for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, who says

overapplication of pesticides is a common mistake.

" Rather than simply spray just because it is spring and you think bugs

might start arriving, take a look around. Don't use pesticides if you don't

need them. "

Improper use of pesticides can cause skin irritation, nose and eye

irritation and breathing problems.

When buying pesticides, look for labels saying the products are approved

by

the Environmental Protection Agency. They also must have EPA registration

numbers.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Earlier this year, the recall of a million carbon-monoxide alarms by Kidde

Safety Co. increased awareness of carbon-monoxide poisoning. More than 200

people in the United States are killed each year by carbon-monoxide

poisoning,

and more than 5,000 are sent to the hospital for emergency treatment of

nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

When completing a routine heating and air-conditioning check, homeowners

often request complimentary inspections provided by the gas company.

However, if you still suspect a problem after the initial inspection,

investigate further.

" Sometimes, the carbon monoxide won't show itself with one quick spot

check, " Dyjack said.

If you're still concerned, Dyjack suggested asking the company or your

furnace service person to return and inspect again after the heater has been

running a while.