ALL ABOUT MOULDS- PART 3

                                        Common Types of Mould

Mould performs the natural function of breaking down biological materials and is found almost everywhere in our environment. With possibly over 100,000 different species, it has dangerous, repugnant as well as useful versions.

Moulds may produce volatile organic compounds (VOC) or toxins as byproducts of their metabolism. VOCs generally evaporate at room temperature; though some VOCs do produce adverse health effects, generally they are not dangerous.

In contrast to VOCs, toxins do not evaporate easily, and some are considered very dangerous to humans. In the end, regardless of whether a particular type of Mould produces VOCs or toxins, all Moulds should be considered potential health risks, and the presence of Mould should lead to investigation, cleaning, and/or removal. It must be noted that diseases caused by Mould-generated toxins affect the western world/advanced countries far more than the oriental, mainly because of low immunity levels.

Colors

Around your house you will commonly see six colors on Moulds: blue-green and white, white, pink, gray-brown and fuzzy, yellow, and black or black tinged with green.

Ø  The pink is fusarium and is dangerous. Do not eat anything with pink Mould on it as it produces a toxin. The US government claims that the black and black tinged with green Mould (aspergillius and Stachybotrys chartarum ) and the blue and white Mould (pencillium) can produce cancer-causing toxins when grown on grain. You eat the black Mould (aspergillius) if you eat miso, and the blue and white Mould (pencillium) if you eat blue cheese.

It is sound procedure to consider all Moulds as dangerous if you breathe their spores. If you touch something with Mould on it and see a fine mist or powder rise up, do not breathe and immediately leave the room. After the powder has had time to settle down, return with a cloth filter over your face, take the item outside and let the spores blow away in the wind in a direction away from you. The spores are not toxic, per se, it's just that they are baby Moulds and can grow into bigger Moulds if they land on something moist and warm and you do not want them to do so inside you. If you were intending to use them for something, like making your own blue cheese or culturing pasteurized milk, you can do so, just be sure you do not breathe in any.

Ø  The green or blue-green Mould powder is probably spores from the Mould penicillium. It is the most common powder-forming kitchen Mould.  It is actually edible (as most Moulds are) and wouldn't have done you any harm if it landed on food that you eat. It is the same Mould you eat when you eat blue cheese. The danger in breathing Moulds primarily is not that the Mould is toxic, per se, but that it is a "seed" that may be able to plant itself somewhere in your body that has a moist, nutrient-rich environment and grow.

Ø  Yellow. Serpula lacrymans is a yellow Mould that causes "dry rot" because it feeds on wood. It has no effect on humans.

We all breathe in Mould spores every day and our bodies have evolved to deal with them. Most likely, your immune system will keep it from causing any major damage. However, it is possible that it can get some footing in the mucus lining in your sinuses, where the immune system cannot reach. For that, you need saline nasal irrigation, which is basically pumping salt water through your nose. It's not bad and only takes a minute once you get used to it.

Moulds make many good things that could be useful to us like enzymes that would help us digest our food, but primarily Moulds today are used by large manufacturers to make things that are bad for us, like quorn or high fructose corn syrup (ibid).

Ø  White, Diplodia. Diplodia is a harmless white Mould that produces no toxins and may sometimes have small black spots. Diplodia is the white stuff on top of sauerkraut or other lacto-ferments known as "kahm". Diplodia is also used in the production of salami and other preserved sausages.

Ø  Turquoise and white, Penicillium. The blue and white Mould that makes blue cheese and penicillin, and make lemons and bread Mouldy. In ancient times, soldiers took this Mouldy bread with them on campaigns to use to prevent infection from war wounds. Probably harmless, but the government claims it sometimes produces chemicals called "ochratoxins" that causes cancer though this ochratoxin is used in birth control pills. A book entitled, "Selected Mycotoxins: Ochratoxins, Trichothecenes, Ergot" refutes the carcinogen claim.

Ø  Gray-brown and fuzzy, Botrytis − Destroys fruit during cool, damp weather, becomes noble rot making sweet dessert wine when weather is damp in the morning and hot and dry in the afternoon (ibid).

Ø  Black, Aspergillius niger − Also called filamentous fungi. A few of more than 200 of these Moulds cause illness. Most people are naturally immune. A. niger fermentation is "generally regarded as safe" by the FDA. Used by industry to make citric acid and gluconic acid.  Enzymes produced by A. niger fermentation include glucoamylase, pectinase and galactosidase (an enzyme that breaks down certain complex sugars, is a component of Beano and other medications which the manufacturers claim can decrease flatulence). In 2006 it was reported that a secreted RNase produced by A. niger called actibind has antiangiogenic (anti-tumor) and anticarcinogenic characteristics. A. niger is the main agent in the fermentation of Pu-erh tea and miso.

Ø  Black tinged with green-the highly dangerous Stachybotrys chartarum. 

Pink: Fusarium and Gibberella

o   X fusarium is the non-reproductive state of gibberella -- white to pink or salmon-coloured Mould with a "streaking" or "star-burst" pattern. Fusarium attacks cells by secreting mycotoxins that dissolve cell walls so that the fungus is then able to eat the cell's contents, enter the cell cavity and reproduce. This produces a toxin called fumonisin which can cause liver and kidney damage and birth defects. It was used to create biological warfare agent "yellow rain" which mostly infects corn and other cereals. The toxin affects pigs and horses. Mould can grow in potted plants in hospitals and toxins can affect immunosuppressed patients.  It would be prudent not to eat anything with pink Mould and especially avoid breathing or taking in any.

o   X gibberella is the reproductive stage of fusarium -- dark pink, red or purple. It produces:

·         Gibberellin, a plant hormone that promotes cell elongation and is good for flower formation, and seedling growth;

·         Vomitoxin or deoxynivalenol, an estrogen toxin that causes anorexia or lack of weight gain in animals but is not considered highly toxic in humans (that is, you would have to eat a lot of infected grain to be affected by it); and

·         Zearalenone, a mycoestrogen that causes abortions in animals.

It mostly infects corn and other cereals. Don't eat anything with pink, red or purple Mould. If accidentally ingested, no treatment is required provided the toxin source is removed. All symptoms will disperse 3-4 weeks after eliminating suspect food (ibid).

Other Common Moulds Found in Homes

§  Aureobasidium. Aureobasidium is a Mould often found outdoors, but it can also be found in homes growing on wooden surfaces, wallpaper, and painted surfaces. It’s also often found on damp window frames and caulking. It is pink and black in color. Many people are allergic to aureobasidium. Follow the link for more information on pink Mould in the bathroom.

§  Botrytis. Botrytis grows in areas with high levels of humidity, like bathrooms with poor ventilation. It can cause allergic reactions and asthma.

§  Chaetomium. Chaetomium often grows on drywall that has sustained water damage. It produces a characteristic musty odor.

§  Fusarium. Fusarium is another of the Mould types that can grow and spread at low temperatures. It’s often found growing on water-damaged carpeting and other fabrics. It causes allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory infections. People with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections due to fusarium exposure.

§  Serpula lacrymans. Serpula lacrymans is a yellow Mould that causes "dry rot" because it feeds on wood.

§  Trichoderma. Trichoderma is often found growing on damp carpet, wallpaper, and other wet surfaces. It produces mycotoxins similar to those produced by stachybotrys chatarum, and it can cause similar health problems. Many people are also allergic to trichoderma.

§  Ulocladium. Ulocladium requires a lot of water, so it frequently grows in areas with extensive water damage, including homes that have been flooded. It’s often found growing on wet walls. Many people are allergic to ulocladium.

Mould vs. Mildew

Mould and mildew are both fungi, but they do have a few striking differences. Both Mould and mildew have a few matching characteristics: Both are keen on moist, warm areas where they might sprout their homes. They can also each grow on a multitude of surfaces, from food to your shower to a sheet of paper. And, of course, they are both fungi that no homeowner likes to see in his or her home.

Mould and mildew also have striking differences when it comes to size, color and texture.

·         Mildew is a surface fungus that can easily be identified as a patch of gray or even white fungus that is lying on the surface of a moist area. Mildew is easily treated with a store bought cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Mildew is a specific kind of Mould, usually with a flat growth habit. Mildew could be downy or powdery: Downy mildew starts as yellow spots that first become brighter in appearance and then the color changes to brown. Powdery mildew is whitish in color and that slowly turn yellowish brown. It is also called allergenic Mould. Mildew is found on host plants like beans, maize, potato, tomato, rice and other plants. Mildew also grows on clothing, leather, paper, shower curtains, window sills where the moisture content is high. Reproduction is both sexually and asexually, via the production of spores. A video explains the difference.

·         Mould, on the other hand, can be multiple-hued and is often the result of a much larger infestation. This type of fungus can appear almost "fuzzy" — especially when it is found on food — or even slimy in nature. Moulds generally obtain their energy from food and other organic matter. Enzymes secreted from the hyphae breakdown complex molecules such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances, and then absorbed by the hyphae. Reproduction may be sexual or asexual through spores. These spores are airborne and able to survive in extreme conditions. Mould has a musty smell and is only visible to the naked eye when the colonies start growing. It will lie dormant till a minimum moisture level is reached.

Hazard Rating of Mould Types in Homes

Some countries have adapted a hazard class system to place Moulds in different categories based on their health risks. They are broken into Hazard classes A, B and C:

·         Hazard Class A:

o   The Mould types in this group are either directly hazardous to health due to risk of infection or creation of toxins. They should not be in homes or workplaces and should be removed right away if found.

·         Hazard Class B:

o   The Mould types in this group can cause allergic reactions, especially over longer periods of time.

·         Hazard Class C:

o   The Mould types in this group aren’t known to cause any health risks or reactions in humans. Note, however, that even Moulds in this category can potentially cause structural damage to things that they are growing on, and should still be got rid of.

1.       Cladosporium:                                                         Hazard Class B or C

2.       Aspergillus:                                                                                         A or B

3.       Penicillium:                                                                                         B or C

4.       Ulocladium:                                                                                        B and C

5.       Acremonium:                                                                                    A,B and C

6.       Stachybotrys:                                                                                    A

7.       Alternaria:                                                                                           B

Who Should Do the Cleanup

Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors.  One consideration is the size of the Mould problem.  If the Mouldy area is less than a ONE sqm (about 10 square feet), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, as long as you follow the guidelines.  However, if there has been a lot of water damage, and/or Mould growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA's guide on Mould Remediation.  Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this ePub is applicable to other building types.

Ø  If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up Mould. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mould Remediation, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.   

Ø  If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with Mould (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is Mould near the intake to the system), consult EPA's guide on air ducts before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with Mould - it could spread Mould throughout the building.

Ø  If the water and/or Mould damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

Ø  If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

ATTIC MOULD REMEDIATION

Attic Mould is extremely common in USA’s Northwest climate and is generally directly attributable to four basic causes:

·         Lack of adequate ventilation or improper ventilation.

·         Existing or past roof or flashing leaks.

·         Improperly exhausted bathroom fans and or dryer vents.

·         Attic Bypass or Attic Air Leaks.

If a company is called in to help eradicate Mould, an engineer inspects attic intake vents for blockage, calculates recommended venting requirements and checks for roof leaks and improperly vented fans.

Attic Mould Remediation Process

1.       Analysis and correction. The most important step is to address the cause of the attic Mould. Most attic Mould is from a lack of proper ventilation, roof leaks, improper exhaust venting or attic air leaks.        

2.       Site Prep - protect your home. The attic is isolated from the rest of the house.

3.       Attic Mould and Stain Removal. The attic sheathing is treated with a chemical spray which removes all visible Mould and penetrates the roof sheathing eliminating the Mould root structure. 

4.       Attic thermo fogging. Once the attic Mould has been remediated, a certified technician will fog the attic area to remove Mould spores and air borne particulates, as seen in the video.

5.       Mould protection for your attic. A clear coating is applied to your attic roof sheathing effectively sealing the wood. Its Mould inhibiting properties ensure that fungal growth cannot occur. Some companies offer a 10-year guarantee!

6.       A recheck is carried out and the owner shown a 99.997% result from an independent agency.

7.       Certified Mould Report provided. Complete before and after photos of the project with detailed steps taken to eliminate the Mould and recommended steps to correct the attic Mould from returning are described therein.

                        

How Much Does Mould Testing or Removal Cost?

How much does Mould inspection cost? Mould inspection costs vary widely depending on the size of the property, extent of the Mould inspection, number of Mould samples, and other factors. Prices could vary between $300-30,000. Nationally, homeowners report an average cost for Mould remediation of just over $7,500.

A Mould inspection is different from Mould remediation or Mould treatment. A Mould inspection refers to the process of assessing whether there is or has been undesirable Mould growth in a building. Mould inspections may include a questionnaire about the building history, symptoms observed with the building occupants, a visual inspection, and Mould testing. Mould remediation (or Mould treatment) refers to the process of fixing a Mould problem that exists. Mould remediation may include fixing or resolving the water problem that caused the Mould growth and cleaning and removing the Mould growth or items affected by the Mould growth.

Do-it-yourself Mould test kits are available online or at home improvement stores for $5-$100. Results have to be sent to a lab, which has its own fees, from $30-150 per sample, depending on the level of identification and the type of report and consultation provided.

A professional Mould inspection of a typical family home by a certified Industrial Hygienist runs to $200-$600, although larger homes (5,000-10,000 sq ft or more) can be $600-$900 and up. In extreme cases, the inspector may cut open the walls for what's known as an invasive inspection. The total additional cost will depend on the extent of the hidden Mould and how much work is required to discover it.

What should be included: Several different types of Mould (also called mildew) are almost always present both indoors and out; they usually are benign and only grow large colonies where there's moisture. Because do-it-yourself test kits can become contaminated before use, ConsumerReports.org does NOT recommend such kits. And it's usually not necessary to identify the type of Mould growing in your home, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); just remove the Mould without testing it.

Some companies offer both Mould inspection and remediation, but most experts recommend using different contractors for these services. A full Mould inspection of a typical home takes about 2-5 hours.

The inspector will visually evaluate the structure and offer a quotation on what he saw (ibid).

Additional costs: There can be fees for additional paperwork for an insurance claim or other circumstances; if you need specific documentation, be sure to ask if it's included in the quote. A sample breakdown of costs involved is posted online; it can cost from only $500 to upwards of $30,000 to tackle a Mould remediation project.

Shopping for Mould inspection: There are a number of organizations offering Mould certification. Check to be sure that your inspector is certified by a group requiring training, experience and testing. Referrals are available from the American Council for Accredited Certification.

The Effect of Mould on People

Symptoms of Mould Exposure

Exposure to Mould has several symptoms including:

·         A skin rash: Although you may think that the skin can only become inflamed by direct contact with the Mould this isn’t always the case. You can develop redness in your skin simply from

inhaling the fumes from the Mould.

·         Eye irritation: Mould can cause both redness and watering of the eyes. During spring, many people associate this with seasonal allergies when the cause is the Mould in their home or office.

·         Headaches: Breathing in Mould can cause headaches in some people. This is especially true of people who suffer with migraines.

·         Feeling tired: Feeling tired for several days in a row, even when you are getting adequate sleep can be a symptom of Mould exposure.

·         Sore throat: Experiencing a raw feeling when swallowing, or hoarseness when speaking, are both indicative of Mould exposure. Spores can become lodged in the throat and irritate the sensitive membranes.

·         Shortness of breath: Breathing in Mould spores can cause respiratory difficulties in some people. This is especially prevalent in those with allergies. They may develop asthma or have asthma and not realize that their asthma attacks are being triggered by the Mould in their homes.

·         Runny nose or sinuses: If you are constantly reaching for a tissue to catch your runny nose this can also be a strong symptom of Mould exposure. This can be triggered either by an allergy to the Mould spores or the membranes of the nose become irritated by the spores. In either case, you may again misdiagnose yourself as having a head cold or seasonal allergies, but if the runny nose persists, consider that the source may indeed be Mould.

·         Bleeding nose: Although this symptom is rare, it does occur. Some people are more sensitive to certain allergens and those offending irritants cause severe reactions. One of these reactions can be damage to the membranes of the nose resulting in regular bleeding. If this is happening to you, it can be caused by Mould within your home.

·         If you leave your home each day to work and notice that you feel better during the day, this can be a clear indicator that something in your home is causing your distress. The same can be said if

you travel and find yourself in better health then. Your home shouldn’t make you sick and

finding and treating the Mould problem will ensure that doesn’t happen.

                           

Health Risks of Toxic Mould

Living in an Area with Risks of Toxic Mould. If you are living in an area where the relative humidity is above 55%, you are very much liable to health risks caused by toxic Moulds like Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as Black Mould. Stachybotrys Chartarum is a greenish-black fungi found worldwide that colonizes particularly well in high-cellulose material such as straw, hay, wet leaves, dry wall, carpet, wall paper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation, etc. The fungus, before drying, is wet and slightly slimy to touch.

Species of Stachybotrys Chartarum. There are about fifteen known species of Stachybotrys worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, this type of fungus does not grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles. It is not found in the green Mould on bread or in the black Mould on shower tiles either. It is found in wet areas. The toxic Mould environmental risk may be one of the next major real estate due diligence concerns, especially in property development areas where major flooding has occurred. The problem is that the existence of toxic Moulds not only includes residential and commercial area flood incidents, but also numerous minor water releases due to plumbing failures, conductive condensation, house water leaks and accidents. The toxic Mould concern could also be a problem where fires have occurred on residential properties. For some people, exposure to the toxic Mould spores may stay just a “risk”. To others, it may be a real health hazard, with life-threatening results.

Health Risk or Hazard?

Whether Stachybotrys is just a health risk or a major hazard needs to be defined clearly by responsible parties. There are already several major lawsuits concerning toxic Mould exposure in residential and commercial buildings throughout the United States. The most common health risks associated with toxic Mould are:

1. Pulmonary hemorrhage or pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding from the lungs), primarily in infants

2. Nose bleeds

3. Immune system suppression (resulting in increasing numbers of infections)

4. Hair loss

5. Dermatitis

6. Chronic fatigue

7. Psychological depression

8. Diarrhea

9. Sore throats

10. Problems concentrating and communicating, mood swings, body aches, pains, fatigue, headaches and other flu-like symptoms

11. Loss of short-term memory

Further Developments

In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for

Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early Mould exposure to development of asthma in some children, mainly those who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, as research carries on apace in this regard.

Another source of irritation from Mould exposure comes from substances known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). These compounds are produced through fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air, often giving off strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from Moulds can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea. The effects of MVOCs are not completely understood and research is still in the early stages. This topic will be dealt with at length later.

Can All Toxic Mould Be Eradicated?

One of the major concerns of many experts is that it might not be possible to permanently eliminate ALL toxic Mould from a structure. Moreover, it regenerates rapidly. It is therefore recommended all products that have been contaminated by the toxic Mould be removed and disposed of. Another concern is that state’s Health Departments will find response to the inquiries about toxic Mould made by the public ambiguous and generic. Some people, especially children, will exhibit more adverse reactions than others exposed to the toxic Mould. Some of these reactions will include lung tissue damage, memory loss and death. This may also depend on the chemical sensitivity, genetic disposition, and health history. Currently, most health organizations consider exposure to toxic Mould a health risk and hazard. Keep in mind that most responses leading to testing, investigations, and abatement of the toxic Mould are due directly to occupant complaints or documented detrimental health effects (ibid).  

Liability Concerns: Toxic Moulds may even evolve to a point where it is regarded with the same caution, response and liability concerns as those attributed to lead-based paint and asbestos. Health hazards and risks associated with concern to exposure to these types of Mould are currently considered as short-term effects. The Stachybotrys fungi cannot be identified by a routine visual inspection. All black Moulds are not necessarily Stachybotrys. It could be non-toxic black Mould. The only method to determine the type of Mould present is by sample analysis by an accredited laboratory. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the Mould is only a toxic risk or hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores. Wet Mould is not an indoor air quality health risk, but there is a significant potential for the Mould to dry and release into the air. Be wary of continuous health problems you might be having. If you cannot find the cause of these problems, chances are they are not really visible. Toxic Moulds can be as risky to your health as any other environmental factor.

Many of these actions are beyond the power of the individual building user and must be taken by public authorities through the relevant regulatory measures concerning building design, construction and materials, and through adequate housing and occupancy policies. The criteria for what constitutes healthy indoor air quality provided by these guidelines are therefore essential to prevent disease related to indoor air pollution.

Mould Exposure and the Common Misdiagnoses

Have you been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Emphysema, Chronic Lung and Sinus Infections, Fatigue Syndrome or feel sick and there simply is no diagnosis? Did you or your doctor think of Mould exposure? Mould exposure is perhaps the single most misdiagnosed illness in the United States. Some physicians will even tell you Mould illness cannot be diagnosed, or there is no such thing. If so, it’s time for you to get a new Doctor.  

The reasons are simple. When you go to your local doctor, he treats you, and the symptoms you brought with you to him. Mould is an environmental issue. Unless you are seeing an Environmental Toxicologist, most doctors do not understand that the actual place where you live, work, or where you are spending most of your time can be the cause of your illness. When you remove yourself from that environment you may feel better. Many times we describe our symptoms to the doctor as "it comes and goes". The fact is it did not come and go, you came and went. The average family physician is not trained in environmental sciences or related illnesses, and his inexperience can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Common Mould Exposure Misdiagnoses

§  Fibromyalgia: Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia. Current thinking centers around a theory called "Central Sensitization". This theory has to do with sensitivity to pain and brain signals. Other thoughts concerning the causation of fibromyalgia are sleep disturbances, injury, infection, abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system and changes in muscle metabolism. The symptoms of Mould Exposure are mirror images of those of fibromyalgia. Many people misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia have found relief when treated for Mould Exposure.

§  Asthma and Emphysema: With no warning, suddenly some people are diagnosed with Asthma. Why they have it, where it came from, and why inflicted so suddenly, no one knows. What happens in Emphysema and Asthma? An inflammation or spastic closure of airways, sometimes destroying the fragile walls of the lungs the air sacs. As a result, the  bronchioles collapse, and the air becomes trapped in the airs sacs over stretching them and interfering with your ability to exhale or inhale.

§  Respiratory fungal infections: Many physicians are still in the dark ages regarding respiratory fungal infections. Many still believe only the elderly or immuno compromised people with AIDS and AIDS-related complex (ARC) can get fungal infections. This seemed to be the standard thought fifteen years ago, today research has shown differently. The fact is that Mould is a living organism and that when introduced into the human body through ingestion or inhalation easily incubates and grows within the human body. People misdiagnosed with both Asthma and Emphysema have reported being fully fit after being treated for Mould exposure.

§  Mould / fungal exposure and exposure to their secondary metabolites "Mycotoxins" and "Beta Glucans" can cause disease within the human body. The adverse health effects caused by these "Mould Fine and Ultra-fine Particulates" can be devastating to the human body. Though the undermentioned symptoms have been covered, they have not been graded.

The severity of the Mould attack can categorized in three levels.

Level - I   Common Symptoms of Mould Exposure

The most commonly reported symptoms of short term Mould exposure are:

·         Sneezing

·         Itching Skin

·         Redness and skin irritation

·         Watery Eyes

·         Itching Eyes

·         Headache

Level - II  Advanced Symptoms of Mould Exposure

The following symptoms of Mould exposure have been reported generally as a result from persons being in a Mould contaminated environment on and off for an extended period of time. Symptoms are reported to have become more severe and longer lasting directly in proportion to the length of exposure time. Their reported symptoms are as follows:

·         Constant headaches

·         Nose bleeds

·         Feelings of constant fatigue

·         Breathing disorders

·         Coughing up blood or black looking debris

·         Nausea

·         Diarrhea

·         Vomiting

·         Loss of appetite

·         Weight loss

·         Hair loss

·         Skin rashes

·         Open sores on the skin

·         Memory loss "short term"

·         Neurological and nervous disorders

·         Sexual dysfunction

·         Swollen glands in the neck area and under the armpit

·         Sudden asthma attacks or breathing disorders

·         Ear infections and pain

·         Chronic sinus infections

·         Chronic bronchitis

·         Pain in the joints and muscles

Level - III   Late Symptoms of Mould Exposure

The following Mould exposure symptoms are the most severe, attributed to high levels of exposure:

·         Blindness

·         Brain damage

·         Memory loss "long term"

·         Bleeding lungs

·         Cancer

·         Death

You can view a list of documented diseases caused by Mould exposure and their symptoms.

ALL ABOUT MOULD -PART 2

                                                                   How Mould Grows

Critical Requirements: There are four critical requirements for Mould growth –Mould spores, food, proper temperatures and considerable moisture. Removal of any one of these items will prohibit Mould growth.

1.       Mould Spores.  Ranging in size from 3 to 40 microns (human hair is 100-150 microns), Mould spores are everywhere. There is no reasonable, reliable and cost-effective means of eliminating them from environments that humans inhabit. So, trying to control Mould growth through the elimination of Mould spores is not feasible.

2.       Mould Food.  Almost any substance that contains carbon atoms (organic substance) will provide sufficient nutrients to support Mould growth. Even the oil from your skin that is left when you touch an otherwise unsuitable surface, like stainless steel, or the soap residue left from a good cleaning will provide sufficient nutrients to feed some Moulds. The most common materials found in homes like wood, paper and organic fibers are among the most preferred of Mould nutrients. Thus, eliminating Mould food from the environment is a virtually impossible task.

3.       Appropriate Temperatures.  Most Moulds grow very well at the same temperatures that humans prefer 77-86° F (25-30°C). In addition, temperatures close to freezing are not cold enough to prevent Mould growth nor are desert-like temperatures. Therefore, it is not feasible to control Mould growth in our home environment through the control of temperature.

4.       Considerable Moisture.  Barring Xerophilic Moulds, most other Moulds require the presence of considerable moisture for growth. Various species of Mould have different moisture requirements. The vast majority of Mould species require water levels equivalent to moisture content corresponding to a relative humidity of at least 70 percent. In fact, the great majority of serious, large Mould outbreaks inside buildings occur where porous, cellulose-type materials have literally been kept wet by liquid water or sustained condensation.

Human beings prefer humidity below the critical relative humidity for Mould growth. Thus, of the four basic requirements for Mould growth, moisture is the only Mould growth requirement to control in environments that humans inhabit.

Common household Moulds have a characteristic "musty" or "earthy" smell, and growing colonies of Mould can also be visually observed in many cases. Most people are familiar with Mouldy bread or Mould growth on cheese or other food products that have been kept too long, so the "green fuzzy" characteristic of most Mould growth is familiar. And those who have lived in Florida have heard the expression "green shoe syndrome" which refers to the fact that Mould is particularly fond of leather products left unused for periods of time in dark humid places. In Assam, India, shoes turn green if not used once every 4-5 days!

Although most active Mould colonies appear greenish to black (typical of Mould growing on bathroom tile grout) in color, the characteristics of Mould colonies growing behind vinyl wall covering in buildings takes on   very different characteristics. These Mould outbreaks typically result in pinkish to yellowish staining of the wall covering. They are quite important because they indicate serious, detrimental moisture accumulations within the gypsum wallboard behind the wall covering that cannot be removed by your air conditioning or dehumidification systems. Where these problems appear, they usually require the assistance of a professional (ibid).

Practices That facilitate Mould Growth

The following practices aid in the growth of Moulds inside homes located in hot, humid climates, e.g., Florida. Mould growth on the outside of homes is not covered here.

Air Conditioner Operation: Setting the fan mode switch of your air conditioner thermostat in the ON position. When set to the ON position the blower fan runs continuously and the moisture which has condensed on your air conditioner's (AC) evaporator coil during cooling is re-evaporated and blown back into your home before it can drain off the coil and out of your home. This causes the relative humidity in your home to be significantly greater than if the AC thermostat fan mode switch is set to another position. Even in the "auto" position, some ACs run the blower for 1-3 minutes after the compressor shuts off.

AC Sizing: Oversizing of ACs is common. The more an AC is oversized, the poorer its humidity removal performance, especially at higher thermostat settings. This is because, during each air conditioning on cycle, the moisture removal does not reach full capacity for about the first three minutes of operation. The more the system is oversized, the shorter the on-cycle during which moisture is removed. Thus, if a home is properly sized with a 2-ton AC and a 4-ton system is installed, the 2-ton machine would do a much better job removing moisture even though the 4-ton machine had twice the nameplate humidity removal capability.

Space Pressurization: It is important that homes in hot, humid climates be pressurized slightly with respect to outdoors. The reason is simple. If homes are depressurized with respect to the outdoors, then hot, humid outdoor air will be pulled through the very small air pathways that exist in all building envelopes (walls, ceilings, floors, etc.). To get from the outside of the home to the inside, this air often follows circuitous pathways, e.g., the air may enter the wall system high on the exterior where an outdoor light fixture is mounted and exit the wall system low on the indoors where an electrical outlet is located. If the home has an AC, the gypsum wallboard will be relatively cold — often colder than the dew point temperature of the humid outdoor air that must flow along that gypsum wallboard to that indoor electrical outlet. In Florida, it is not uncommon for summertime outdoor air dew point temperatures to be greater than 80° F! When this occurs, the colder gypsum wallboard condenses the moisture out of the air that is flowing along its rear surface on its way to the electrical outlet that is serving as its pathway into the air conditioned home. As illustrated in the figure below, this can result in moisture accumulation within the wallboard, which, in turn, can result in significant Mould growth.

Shut Interior Doors: Interior doors are kept shut when the AC is on. This results in space pressurization problems in the home (ibid).

Comparison of Wall Systems Moisture Contents

                       

The diagrams in Fig. 9, based on detailed computer simulations that model the combined impacts of heat, moisture and air transport illustrate the importance of this air flow phenomena. The wall on the left bounds a space that is pressurized with respect to the outdoors and the one on the right bounds a space that is depressurized. The 2 Pa (Pascal) pressure gradient is very, very small — there are 101,325 Pa in one atmosphere. Clearly, it is the direction of the pressure gradient rather than its magnitude that is critically important here. You very much want your home slightly overpressurized in hot, humid climates so that dry, cool indoor air is pushed out of the home through the walls (figure on left) rather than have hot, humid outdoor air sucked into the home through the walls (figure on right). Fortunately, it is relatively easy to pressurize a home — all that is necessary is that slightly more air be brought into the home than is exhausted. This normally requires a positive mechanical ventilation system (ibid).

Other items that cause depressurization in homes:

·         Exhaust fans (bathroom, kitchen, attic, crawlspace, etc.)

·         Clothes dryers

·         Supply duct leaks

Sundry items that foster Mould in homes

You can't Mould-proof your home, but you can make it Mould-resistant. Look out for:

·         Leaking Pipes. The worst leaks are those that go undetected because they are hidden out of view, like inside a wall. By the time you discover them, Mould has usually started to grow already.

·         Leaks in the Roof. A roof that leaks into the attic might not be discovered until it's already led to Mould growth. Check the attic regularly for leaks.

·         Wet Clothes. Clothes left in a pile waiting to be washed for more than a day and clothes left wet for over a day after being washed may also foster Mould.

·         Drying your clothes. Drying your clothes in a dryer instead of outside on the line releases a large amount of moisture into your home if the drier is not vented outside the house. Clothes drying inside on indoor clothes lines or racks will also create a buildup of moisture inside unless the room is well ventilated.

·         Damp Basement. Basements often contain higher amounts of moisture or humidity than other rooms because they are usually not well ventilated. Basements are also often colder meaning more condensation occurs which leads to dampness and humidity. Also any water from leaks in your home will often end up running down to the basement since it is lower than all the other rooms. Not only is Mould more likely to grow in basements but because they are usually neglected Mould growth may not be discovered until it is well set in.

·         Flooding. This is a dangerous after effect of a calamity. Your house will be very wet for a long time during a flood, taking days or even weeks to dry out. Since Mould only needs a suitable surface to be wet for 24 hours before it can grow this means there is a huge risk of Mould growth.

Some dangerous toxic Moulds require more extreme conditions than common Moulds do, such as Stachybotrys Chartarum, which requires material to be very wet for several days to grow. Your home is at great risk of being infested with dangerous toxic Moulds (ibid).

·         Water at the house's foundation. Water building up in the yard and ground around the base of your house can cause frequent water problems for the foundation of your home. If the ground around your home slopes towards the house rainwater will end up building up at the foundation. If this causes constant problems you might even need to do some landscaping to modify the slope of the ground so water drains away from the house. Alternatively ditches and drains can be dug to channel water away from the home.

·         Lack of Sensors. Install a digital temperature and relative humidity (RH) sensor and observe your indoor relative humidity. During the hot summer, with the AC on, the RH should not exceed 55 percent during the day on a regular basis. If it does, you probably have problems either with leaks in your duct system or with your air conditioner unit itself – it could be too large, improperly charged or have insufficient air flow across the coil. Consult a qualified AC expert.

The highest relative humidity in your home is likely to occur during mild weather when your AC is not needed during the day. In tropical climate, the outdoor relative humidity reaches very near 100 percent on most nights, regardless of daytime temperatures. If your home is open to the outdoors during these periods, the materials in your home will adsorb moisture from this very humid air, regardless of the temperature (ibid).

If this moisture is not removed during the following day, the moisture of the materials in your home can stay at or above 75 percent for extended periods and Mould is likely to grow on these surfaces. If you have RH levels exceeding 70-75percent for extended periods, and find it difficult to control Mould growth on surfaces in your home in spring, fall and winter, you may need to invest in some type of dehumidification system. Consult a qualified mechanical system expert.

·         Whole-House Ventilation Fans — Opened Windows: Ventilation fans induct moisture when it is humid outdoors, especially if you have noticed Mould growth in your home or you are having trouble controlling the relative humidity in your home. In addition, windows open for long periods when it is humid outside (e.g., during nights and evenings) will create unnecessary bother if you are experiencing Mould growth problems in your home.

·         Vinyl Wall Covering: Impermeable interior surfaces like vinyl wall coverings can result in severe

Mould problems in hot humid climates. Moisture coming from outdoors can accumulate within

the gypsum wallboard behind the vinyl wall covering. This normally occurs as a result of house depressurization where outdoor air is being sucked into the home through the very minute air pathways that exist in all normal wall systems.

As stated, outbreaks of Mould often occur beneath the wall covering on the surface of the gypsum wallboard, normally characterized by pinkish to yellowish "splotches" on the vinyl wall covering. The moisture accumulation also can be severe enough to cause the gypsum wallboard to badly deteriorate and become "mushy." If you have noticed these symptoms, a building science professional should be called in. Positive pressurization of your home is one method of minimizing the potential occurrence of this problem.

·         Return Air Pathways: It is important that there be sufficient air flow pathways for the supply air that is delivered to each room of a home to return to the AC’s air handler unit (the box with the blower fan). Otherwise, the part of the home containing the main return to the air handler unit will be "starved" for air, resulting in depressurization of this space with respect to the outdoors. If this occurs, outdoor air will be drawn through the small pathways that exist in the exterior building envelope. In hot, humid climates, these air flows can result in the accumulation of moisture within the gypsum wallboard, especially if it has vinyl wall covering. This, in turn, can result in the rapid and abundant growth of Moulds —the cellulose (paper) on gypsum wallboard makes an excellent, preferred Mould food.

If room doors are kept open, there will be sufficient return air pathways. However, if rooms doors are closed, the rule-of-thumb is that there should be about 50 square inches of "free" air transfer area for each 100 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of supply air to the room. The term "free" means a simple, clear hole in the wall between the room and the remainder of the home. If, for appearance and privacy reasons, this hole is to be covered by grilles on each side of the wall, then the overall return air pathway area needs to be increased by about 40 percent to account for the air flow resistance of the grilles, or about 70 square inches per 100 cfm of supply air flow.

·         Bathrooms: In most bathrooms, tiles in and around showers and tubs are regularly wet. As a result, most bathrooms grow Mould and require regular cleaning. A weak solution of water and common household bleach can be used to regularly clean these areas and keep them free of Mould. Silent exhaust fans are also recommended to remove excess moisture when somebody is bathing or showering.

·         Exterior Water Management: Redirect water away from the home's exterior — redirect sprinklers so that they don't spray on the walls. Landscape with hills that direct water flow away from the home to forestall Mould.

·         Water Damage: Water damage from major water intrusion in homes should be dried within 24 hours if at all possible. For severe flooding and severe water damage for more than 48 hours, a trained restoration professional should be consulted regarding cleanup procedures.

·         Small Leaks: Even small water leaks will cause Mould problems. Rainwater leaks from improperly flashed windows, wall and roof penetrations and plumbing leaks should be promptly repaired. Periodically inspect under sinks and vanities for signs of water leakage. Use your nose and smell for "musty" or "earthy" odors – they usually indicate the presence of Mould. Fix all water leaks promptly.                                                           

·         Moisture Condensation: Single-pane, metal-frame windows generally condense water on the inside in winter. It is good practice to remove this condensation before it can run off and be absorbed by porous materials like wood casing or gypsum wallboard. Condensation can also occur on other surfaces in homes. If condensation is noticed on interior surfaces in summer, it may indicate a number of problems, including inability to control indoor humidity, AC supply registers aimed directly at interior surfaces, duct leakage problems and pressure imbalances or all of the above. Contact a professional to help diagnose the cause.

·         Closets: Fungi like the dark and closets are rarely supplied with conditioned air as a standard part of AC systems. As a result it is not all that uncommon to have Mould or mildew occur in closets, especially on leather. Leave the closet doors open to provide more conditioned air circulation inside.

·         The Kitchen. One reason why is because there's lots of moisture in the kitchen, e.g., water from running taps, steam from boiling water, fridges and dishwashers, etc. Another reason is there's always plenty of food in the kitchen for Mould to start to grow on.

·         Lack of Ventilation and Stagnant Air. Poor circulation throughout the home sustains dampness or potential moisture, especially in attics, basements, crawlspaces and laundry rooms. Overly “tight” homes designed for energy efficiency can have Mould problems due poor circulation.

Prepare for Melting Snow

Water is always eager to make its way into our living spaces. One crack is enough to cause a serious problem in any indoor environment. As temperatures increase after a snowy winter, homeowners should be aware of vulnerable areas such as rooftops, windows, and other possible ports of entry.

Basements are typically the area of a structure most at risk for water damage because they are located below grade and surrounded by soil. Soil releases water it has absorbed during rain or when snow melts, and the water can end up in the basement through leaks or cracks. Water can even migrate through solid concrete walls via capillary action, which is a phenomenon whereby liquid spontaneously rises in a narrow space, such as a thin tube, or via porous materials. Wet basements can cause problems that include peeling paint, toxic Mould contamination, building rot, foundation collapse, and termite damage. Even interior air quality can be affected if naturally occurring gasses released by the soil are being transmitted into the basement.

Potential Signs of Mould

If you have Mould growing in your house, it will be a gracious visitor and indicate its presence. Some common signs to watch out for are:

Ø  Smelling a Mould Odor

§  When you have Mould growing hidden away in your house, often a Mouldy smell might be the only clue that it's there. Don't ignore Mould odors if you can't see any Mould. You should thoroughly inspect your home before any Mould problems get worse.

Ø  Seeing Signs of Mould Growth

§  Visible Mould growth might seem like an obvious sign of Mould. However many people don't notice small amounts of Mould growth or they think it's just soot or dirt. Sometimes people simply ignore visible Mould in their house. If you can see Mould growth, even if it's only small, you should take action immediately to remove the Mould. Small Mould patches can spread and the fact that there is any Mould shows that the conditions in your home are right for Mould to grow. If you don't take care of Mould it will soon become a bigger problem. Visible Mould growth could also be a sign that there is a much larger Mould colony growing hidden away from view.

Ø  Signs of Water Problems

§  If you have had any long term moisture problems in your house it's usually inevitable they will lead to Mould beginning to grow. So if you know you've had some water problems in your home then it's a pretty good sign you could have Mould. Some signs that you have a moisture problem include water stains or discoloration on walls, floors or ceilings in your house. Seeing these could be a clue that there is Mould growing within or behind the material.

§  Another sign of a moisture problem is surface abnormalities like peeling, bubbling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper. If your walls are bowed, bulging or warped it probably means moisture has got into them. Yet another clue is the surface of walls or other materials feeling damp.

Ø  Water Leaks

§  The above signs of water problems in homes are usually created by leaks. If you already know that you have had a water leak (such as leaking pipes or a leaking ceiling) then just that knowledge by itself, even if you don't see signs of water damage, is a good sign that you might have Mould growing in your house around the area where the leak was.                                   

§  Mould growth from leaks can often be hidden. If the leak was behind a wall or other surface then any Mould will probably be hidden behind the surface too. Even if the leak was not behind a surface there could still be Mould hidden out of view behind a wall or other surface from water which seeped through.    

§  On the exterior of the house there are areas that appear to be “wet” or do not dry out for days after rainy weather. There could be some water in the walls or cavities that are holding water indicating a leak and nowhere for the water to escape.    

Ø  Past Flooding

§  If your house has been flooded in the past then it's likely that Mould would've started to grow. Any Mould would probably be growing in places where flood water remained the longest such as in the basement. Floods can often create Mould growing out of view behind walls or under floors.

Ø  Condensation

§  If you see a lot of condensation in your home then it's a sign that you have a high amount of moisture and hence a sign that you could have a Mould problem. Condensation will occur on surfaces such as glass windows or metal pipes. Mould could be growing where the condensation builds up and collects. Rusting indoor pipes are a sign that you could have a lot of condensation in your house.

§  Besides the fact that condensation creates a buildup of moisture for Mould to grow on, condensation can also be a sign that you have a humidity problem in your home. A high humidity level can feed Mould, another sign that you might have a potential Mould problem.

Ø  Paint

§  When there is a lot of moisture, paint may start to come off surfaces. Paint, or wallpaper, may be peeling, cracked, bulging or bubbling, if moisture is building up behind it.

Ø  Rust

§  Rust in the home is a sign of a moisture problem. You might see rust on nails or metal pipes, meaning you have high humidity, condensation, a water leak, or some other water problem.

Ø  Warping

§  When moisture gets into wood, drywall and other materials it can cause bowing. If you see warped walls, or other surfaces, you probably have a moisture problem.

Ø  Deterioration

§  Water problems can deteriorate materials in your home. Seeing building materials which have deteriorated from moisture can be another sign of Mould.

§  Blocked Gutters

§  When it rains, you may see water building up on the ground near your house. This is usually caused by blocked gutters, or ground sloping towards your house.

§  It can be a sign of indoor moisture problems, because the water can seep into the walls or the foundation. Blocked gutters can also cause water to run down into the roof, or down the walls.

Ø  Allergy Symptoms, Headaches or Memory Problems

§  Sneezing, runny nose, red eyes - if you just can’t seem to kick the allergy symptoms no matter what the season the problem could be inside your home not outdoors. When Mould is growing in your apartment it can cause severe allergic reactions when it’s inhaled or touched. If you’re allergic to Mould serious health concerns like asthma attacks can occur. If you’re allergy symptoms are worse at home than they are outdoors or at other locations then it’s quite possible you have a Mould problem.

§  The biggest cause for concern when it comes to Mould is mycotoxins. These are produced by toxic strains of Mould and can cause serious health problems. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, short attention span, memory loss and trouble concentrating. This essay will look at toxins in detail later. For the moment, the pecking order is Stachybrotys, Aspergillus,

Acremonium and Alternaria.

§  Lots of House Plants - House plants require consistent watering, which increases moisture levels inside. Bonzai lovers, beware!

Some Moulds that Affect Humans

Acremonium and Alternaria: Both these species, though not considered the most dangerous types of Mould, do give off toxins that cause ill health effects or allergies in people. Acremonium is often found growing very close to the Stachybrotys Mould – the most dangerous type of Mould found so far.

Aspergillus: Studies show this specie of Mould is the second most dangerous Mould type next to Stachybotrys.

Mould spreads quickly. Do remember that Mould spreads – quickly. The best time to take care of a Mould problem is immediately after finding it. The longer remediation is put off, the more will Mould grow – as will the job of removing Mould. If you wait too long it can be impossible to remove all the Mould. Moreover, even if there is just a slight trace of one toxic Mould type, and a large amount of a not so dangerous Mould – each gives off spores and both reproduce at a fast pace. It won’t be long before the area is overrun with toxic Mould looking for a new area to permeate.

Who is Most At Risk?

Certain individuals are more at risk for developing complications when exposed to dangerous household Mould. If you fall into one of these groups you need to be aware of your risk:

Ø  People with allergies:

·         Although this seems obvious, it’s important to consider how they are exposed to Mould. People with allergies to dust will realize that Mould may trigger an attack. However, what if you aren’t allergic to dust, are you safe around Mould? Surprisingly, no. Many people are allergic to Mould that is ingested instead of inhaled. This means that for a person without a dust allergy they can have a serious reaction if they eat something containing Mould. Foods such as mushrooms, dried fruits and soy sauce can cause this reaction.

Ø  People with compromised immune systems:

·         Our immune systems work to ward off illness and allergies. If a person has been through chemotherapy, is living with HIV or has an inherited autoimmune disease, they are more likely to react to being exposed to Mould. Mould is a very strong allergen and for someone without their immune system to protect them, they can quickly develop complications.

Ø  People with lung disease:

·         Just as a person with a compromised immune system may be more prone to complications caused by Mould, the same is true of those with an underlying lung problem. Mould, when breathed in, can become lodged within the lungs. For someone with a lung condition, this can lead to a worsening of their symptoms or in some cases infection.