News Reports

Friday, November 11, 2005

Peña: Toxic molds?

By Rox Peña

MOLD, according to the dictionary, is a very large group of microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Most are filamentous organisms and produce spores that can be air-, water-, or insect-borne. We see them everywhere, even inside our homes. Outdoor, molds play a part in nature by breaking down organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Indoors however, they have a potential to cause health problems.

Molds grow on wet and damp spots, that's why they are usually found in our bathrooms, laundry area and kitchen. Molds produce allergens and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

In some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins are released by molds. "Myco" means fungus. Mycotoxins are designed for chemical warfare against other organisms or other types of molds to discourage them from growing in the same territory. Inhalation of mold spores or dust containing mycotoxins can result in human exposure with potentially severe health effects.

A news item in the Environmental News Network about molds caught my attention a few days ago. A family in California was awarded $22.6 million dollars in settlement, the highest on record, against a lumber company over toxic mold in their home. They said that mold, which grew on framing studs that had been improperly stored by the lumber company, caused brain damage in their baby.

There's no need to panic however. Not all molds produce mycotoxins, and those that do produce don't produce them in all situations. Even when mycotoxins are present in our homes and offices, the quantities may not be large enough to cause health problems.

The best thing we can do is avoid the growth of molds in our dwelling places. The key to mold control is moisture control. Mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Here are some tips:

* When water leaks or spill occur, act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours after leak or spill occurs, in most cases molds will not grow.

* If there's mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing the ventilation, by running a fan or opening a window, and frequent cleaning will keep mold from recurring or at least keep them to a minimum.

* Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.

* Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.

* Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold first and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

* Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.

* Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

* Reduce humidity by providing vent for appliances that produce moisture like clothes dryer and stoves.

* Use exhaust fans or open the window when using showering (bathroom), cooking, running the dishwasher, etc..

* Make sure water does not collect around the foundation of buildings and houses. Check the ground slope.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, as they say. But it also means being free of potentially harmful substances like molds.