What Are Molds?
Types of Fungi
Decomposers
- breakdown dead organic material
Reproduce Through Spores
- highly resistant to adverse environmental conditions
- become airborne when disturbed
Very Common Outdoors
The Basic Guide to Mold Awareness
By Lcda. Lydia Silva Boschetti
Action Exterminating
Produce Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins & Indoor Mold
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds formed by certain types of fungi. Mycotoxins are derived from chemicals such as polypeptides, amino acids, phenols, or terpenoids, which the fungus uses in its normal metabolism and physiology. There are hundreds of known mycotoxins produced by molds and macrofungi and additional toxins are discovered each year. Mycotoxins are capable of causing short-term and long-term health effects, ranging from headaches, fatigue, and skin irritations to organ damage and cancer.
What are the symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning?
The symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning are largely dependent on the type of mycotoxin, the dose, route of exposure, and the sensitivity of the person exposed. Here are just a few of the many short-term symptoms that have been documented in the scientific and medical literature. The effects outlined below could occur within hours or days of exposure.
• Headache
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Skin rashes
• Skin lesions
• Nose bleeds
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Blood in feces
• Blood in urine
• Abdominal pain
• Altered breathing
• Altered immunity
Characteristics of Mycotoxins
• Odorless
• Tasteless
• Resistant to degradation
• Production is variable
• Produced on surfaces of spores
• Remain active on dead spores
• May contaminate food products
• Cause short- & long-term effects
• Multiple exposure routes
• Produced by numerous species
Requirements for Mold Growth
Food Source (Organic Material)
- wood, paper, fabric, carpet, glues, organic debris, wicker
Temperature (40º - 100º F)
Moisture Source
- roof leaks, high humidity/excess moisture vapor, flooding, and
condensation on walls around windows
Not all molds are dangerous. You do not always need to see mold to know you have a problem. Moldy or earthy smells and any allergic reactions you are experiencing is a clue that you have a mold problem.
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms whose purpose in the ecosystem is to break down dead materials. They can be found both inside and outside your home and are most prevalent in moist conditions. Mold can be found on plants, dry leaves, foods and just about every other organic material.
Most mold found indoors come from outdoors. Molds thrive where they can find sources of water, food and physical space. Molds reproduce by very tiny particles called spores. The spores float on air currents and find a suitable spot to grow. Mold can be found throughout the home and is found in most bathrooms. Mold also thrives in other moist areas such as areas that are moist from flooding, refrigerator water trays, plumbing leak areas, improperly vented clothes dyers, attics, basements and crawl spaces.
Sources of Indoor Moisture
· Slab foundations
· Flooding
· Backed-up sewers
· Leaky roof
· Humidifiers
· Damp basement or crawl spaces
· Construction defects
· Plumbing leaks
· House plants – watering can generate large amounts of moisture
· Steam from cooking
· Shower/bath steam and leaks
· Wet clothes or indoor drying lines
· Clothes dryer vented indoors
COMMON SPECIES OF MOLD:
Aspergillus spp
Aspergillus is the most common genus of fungi in our environment with more than 160 different species of mold. Sixteen of these species have been documented as causing human disease. Aspergillosis is now the 2nd most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the US.
Aspergillus fumigatus – This is the most encountered species causing infection. It is seen abundantly in decomposing organic material, such as self-heating compost piles, as it grows well at temperatures up to 55 C. Handling contaminated material can cause hypersensitivity to the spores of Aspergillus and may cause severe allergic reactions upon exposure.
Aspergillus flavus – The 2nd most encountered fungi in cases of Aspergillus infection. It is also known to produce the mycotoxin aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. In the 1960s, 100,000 turkey poults in Great Britain died from ingesting contaminated feed. Most countries have established levels for aflatoxin in food. However, the risks associated with airborne exposure are not adequately studied and no exposure standards exist.
Aspergillus niger – The 3rd most common Aspergillus fungi associated with disease and the most common of any Aspergillus species in nature due to its ability to grow on a wide variety of substrates. This species may cause a “fungal ball”, which is a condition where the fungus actively proliferates in the human lung, forming a ball. It does so without invading the lung tissue.
Stachybotrys chartarum (atra)
This group of molds can thrive on water damaged, cellulose-rich material in buildings such as wallpaper, sheetrock, paper, insulation backing, ceiling tiles, etc. In most cases where Stachybotrys is found indoors, water damage has gone unnoticed or ignored since it requires extended periods of time with increased levels of moisture for growth to occur. Stachybotrys is usually black and slimy in appearance.
Stachybotrys is another fungi that has the ability to produce mycotoxins, ones that are extremely toxic, suspected carcinogens, and immunosuppressive. Exposure to these mycotoxins can result through inhalation, ingestion and dermal exposure. Symptoms of exposure include dermatitis, cough, rhinitis, nose bleeds, clod and flu-like symptoms, headache, general malaise and fever.
Cladosporium spp.
These genera of mold are pigmented dark green to black in the front, and black on the reverse with a velvety to powdery texture. One of the most commonly isolated from indoor and outdoor air, Cladosporium spp. are found on decaying plants, woody plants, straw, soil, food, textiles, paint and the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts.
Fusarium spp.
A common soil fungus and inhabitant on a wide array of plants, this fungi is often found in humidifiers and has been isolated from water-damaged carpets and a variety of other building materials. Human exposure may occur through ingestion of contaminated grains and possibly through the inhalation of spores. Fusarium spp. are frequently involved with eye, skin, and nail infections. Most severely it can produce hemorrhagic syndrome (alimentary toxic aleukia) in humans which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding.
Penicillium spp.
These fungi are commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, grains, paint, carpet, wallpaper, interior fiberglass duct insulation, and decaying vegetation. Penicillium may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.
This fungi has been isolated from patients with keratitis, ear infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. Penicillium infections are commonly exhibited in immunosuppressed individuals. For example, P. marneffei is a fungus abundant in Southeast Asia that typically infects patients with AIDS in this area. Infection with P.marneffeiis acquired via inhalation and initially results in a pulmonary infection and then spreads to other areas of the body (lymphatic system, liver, spleen, and bones), and is often fatal. An indication of infection is the appearance of papules that resemble acne on the face, trunk, and extremities.
GHH MOLD FACT SHEET
Molds and fungi are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds and fungi can be found on plants, dry leaves, and other organic material. Molds and fungi play an important role in the environment by breaking down dead, organic material. Mold and fungi spores are very tiny and lightweight, allowing them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be seen as a form of discoloration ranging from white to pink and from green to brown and black.
Molds occur in nature, as such, are always present in the air at ambient levels. Although airborne levels vary according to locale and current environmental conditions, most individuals will not suffer adverse health effects from exposure to background levels. Sometimes, though, conditions indoors can be favorable for fungal growth resulting in increased levels of airborne fungal spores, which can overwhelm the body’s natural defenses. Inhalation of such levels of airborne spores can result in allergic or toxic responses. Although infection can occur in an otherwise healthy individual, those most susceptible include infants, children, the elderly, and immune compromised individuals such as those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from liver disease. The health effects from mold depend on the length and level of exposure (chronic vs. acute) and on individual sensitivity. Health effects from exposure to molds can be divided into four general categories: infection, toxicosis, allergy and irritation.
INFECTION
There is now over 100 species that are known to cause infection in humans. The three classifications of infection caused by fungi are systematic, opportunistic, and dermatophytic.
1. Systematic Infection is usually initiated when fungal spores are inhaled. A large minority of these infections are self-limiting and produce minimal or no symptoms. However, immune suppressed individuals may develop chronic localized infections that may disseminate throughout the body, possibly becoming fatal.
2. Opportunistic Infection is generally limited to immune suppressed individuals where infection is secondary to a primary disease. These fungi can thrive on both living and dead substrates for nutrients.
3. Dermatophytic Infection is caused by a group of fungi that infect the hair, skin and nails. Infection usually occurs through direct contact with an infected individual. Transmission to humans from environmental source is rare although outbreaks from soil have been reported.
TOXICOSIS
Many fungi produce toxic metabolites called mycotoxins. The health effects from exposure to the levels of mycotoxins that may be encountered in contaminated indoor environments are not yet completely known. However, dramatic toxic and carcinogenic effects have been reported for animals and humans exposed to high levels of mycotoxins in laboratory studies. Generally mycotoxins are nonvolatile and exposure usually occurs only after disturbance of a contaminated source. Symptoms of exposure may include headaches, nosebleeds, dermatitis, and immune suppression.
ALLERGY
Allergenic response is the most common symptom associated with exposure to elevated levels of fungal spores or mycelial fragments. Any fungus can be allergenic, producing antigenic proteins and polysaccharides that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These reactions may be similar to those caused by pollen and may be seasonal in nature. Many people experience allergic responses in the fall when outdoor levels of mold are typically high.
IRRITATION
Fungi produce volatile organic compounds during degradation of substrates that cause the “moldy” odor associated with fungal contamination. These compounds can be irritating to mucous membranes causing headaches and other symptoms due to the decaying plant material.
Some of the common molds known to cause health problems include species of Stachbotrys, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria and Cladosporium. These molds, with the exception of Stachbotrys, are very common outdoors.
Common Symptoms of Health Effects
· Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
· Nasal and sinus congestion
· Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
· Dry, hacking cough
· Sore throat
· Nose and throat irritation
· Shortness of breath
· Skin irritation
· Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
· Aches and pains
· Fever
· General malaise
· Chronic fatigue
· Bloody noses
What is the inspectors work?
identify existing mold contamination, both obvious and hidden
identify reasons for moisture which is required for mold colonization
prepare Mold Remediation Scope of Repairs and required Specifications to eliminate existing mold as well as eliminating moisture/water intrusion problems. Collect samples if it is necessary.
Start the process for mold remediation
Nine Things You Should Know About Mold
1. Exposure to elevated levels of molds can cause serious health problems, such as respiratory problems and sinus problems, cold and flu-like symptoms, headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and memory loss. Those most susceptible include young children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and other sensitive individuals.
2. There are many molds that have the potential to cause health problems including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillin, and Stachybotrys. (Just because you can’t pronounce it doesn’t mean it can’t harm you.)
3. Mold spores can cause health problems even if the spores are dead.
4. Mold requires an organic food source, such as cloth, sheetrock, or wood, and a moisture source to grow. Mold can begin to grow if any organic material remains wet for more than 48 hours. The way to control mold growth indoors is to control moisture indoors.
5. Mold spores are very common outdoors and there is no practical way to eliminate all mold spores indoors.
6. Mold can grow undetected inside wall spaces, under carpet, and inside HVAC systems.
7. Mold growth can often be the visible sign of a structural defect that allows moisture to intrude into a building.
8. When doing mold abatement, it is first necessary to find and eliminate the moisture source.
9. Cleanup of large areas of mold growth can cause airborne levels of spores to increase up to 10,000 times that of background levels resulting in acute exposure to those doing the cleanup if personal protective equipment is not worn.
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