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Environmental Health - Mold

Mold is part of the fungi kingdom in the taxonomy of biological life forms.

Widespread mold contamination indoors can have negative health effects to persons with compromised health conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to allergy, asthma, and suppressed immune system due to chemotherapy or chronic debilitating illnesses such as HIV.

 There is an increased awareness of mold as a potential compromise to indoor air quality following regional publicity at a St. Charles high school. Inhaled mold spores can trigger responses in individuals who are sensitive to a specific  species of mold. Also, the odor of mold has a negative association for many people. There are thousands of varieties of mold. Molds are classified as fungi. Mold can live just about anywhere, feeds on just about anything and reproduces by launching spores into the air. Inhaled spores are responsible for the allergic response in people who are sensitive to them.

SOURCE CONTROL, CLEAN, DRY, VENTILATE

 “Source control” is the term that means eliminating the reason for allergic response. Controlling mold indoors requires removing and disposing of articles or furnishings that are visibly colonized such as shower curtains, rugs, wallpaper or rags. Cleaning with a 5% solution of household bleach with a small amount of detergent and then thorough drying is essential. Quick repair of water leaks can keep indoor moisture at a minimum and avoid new colonization. Maintaining lower indoor humidity also discourages the growth of mold. Ventilation of closed spaces such as crawl spaces, closets, attics and damp rooms also discourages mold formation because the circulating air leads to decreased air moisture. All rooms require good air exchange, ventilation and constant cleaning to control the growth of mold. The use of indoor air cleaners with High Efficiency Particulate Air filters (HEPA FILTERS) is controversial.

There are companies that provide mold remediation if the contamination is severe. They include: