Home Inspection Property Zip Code
Home Inspection Property Zip Code
Since Biblical times it has been known that indoor mold growth can be a health hazard. In the 1930s, mold was identified as the cause behind the mysterious deaths of farm animals in Russia and other countries. ''Stachybotrys chartarum'' was found growing on wet grain used for animal feed. In the 1970s, building construction techniques changed in response to the energy crisis|energy crises. As a result, homes and buildings became more air-tight. Also, cheaper materials such as drywall came into common use. This combination of increased moisture and suitable substrates contributed to increased mold growth inside buildings. Today, the agriculture industry keeps a close eye on mold and mycotoxin levels in grains in order to prevent the contamination of animal feed and human food supplies. In 2005 Diamond Pet Foods, a US pet food manufacturer, experienced a significant rise in the number of corn shipments containing elevated levels of aflatoxin. This mold toxin eventually made it into the pet food supply, and dozens of dogs died before the food could be recalled.
Since common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to an indoor water or moisture problem. Leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, or indoor plumbing problems can lead to mold growth inside homes, schools, or office buildings. Another common source of mold growth is flooding.
Human bodies can tolerate molds and mycotoxins in small
quantities. In larger quantities, they can be a health hazard.
Molds are a very common human allergen. Because exposure to
mycotoxins is relatively rare, allergic effects are more common
than toxic effects.
The health effects of mycotoxin exposure are different from
allergic reactions to mold spores. Toxic effects can include
flu-like symptoms, respiratory problems, headaches, cognitive
problems, and skin irritation.
Another health threat from mold exposure is systemic fungal
infection. Immunocompromised individuals exposed to high levels
of mold, or possibly individuals with chronic exposure paired
with mycotoxic exposure may become infected. Sinuses and
digestive tract infections are most common. Lung and skin
infections are also possible.
Systemic fungal infection can be a serious health problem.
Alcohol and mycotoxin production may result from the fungal
growth, leading to myriad symptoms. Sudden food allergies and
digestive problems can mislead diagnosis. Treatment can be
long-term (many years).
Systemic infection may be of the environmental mold itself, or by
other common food-related molds consumed under a weakened immune
system. A weakened immune system may also result in other
opportunistic infections, for example bacterial infection.
Environmental illnesses can be difficult for healthcare
practitioners to diagnose. Those who are living in houses
contaminated by the mold may not be able to smell the mildewy
odor, and may be unaware that the problem exists.
The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping
the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Here
are the most common remedies for small occurrences of mold.
* Sunlight
* Ventilation
* Non-porous building materials
* Household cleansers
Significant mold growth may require a professional cleanup
service and removal of affected building materials. A
conservative strategy is to discard any building materials
saturated by the water intrusion or having visible mold
growth.
