Mold in the Environment
What are molds?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how
many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps
three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid
conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive
harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal
mold growth.
What are some of the common indoor molds?
* Cladosporium
* Penicillium
* Alternaria
* Aspergillus
How can people decrease mold exposure?
Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as
compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can
be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating
showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should
clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from
hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of
1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
Note: If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:
* Never mix bleach with ammonia. Mixing bleach and ammonia can
produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
* Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
* Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
* If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation
in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and
commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types.
You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse
at (800) 438-4318, or by gooing to the EPA web site at
http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold remediation.html.
* Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using bleach or any other
cleaning product.
How do molds affect people?
Some people are sensative to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms
such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those
with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur
among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers
working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some
people with chronic lung illinesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Specific Recommendations:
* Keep the humidity level in the house between 40% and 60%.
* Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
* Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans
in kitchen and bathrooms.
* Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
* Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
* Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
* Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
What area have high mold exposures?
* Antique shops
* Greenhouses
* Saunas
* Farms
* Mills
* Construction areas
* Flower shops
* Summer cottages
