Q&A: Is my home or health at risk?
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Advertiser Staff
Q: What are molds?
A: Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. No one knows how many species of fungi exist, but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps 300,000 or more.
Q: What are some of the common indoor molds?
A: Cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, aspergillus and mucor.
Q: How do molds affect people?
A: Some people are sensitive to molds. For them, exposure can cause nasal stuffiness, eye irritation or wheezing. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions including fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Q: Where are molds found?
A: Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected indoors and outdoors year-round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions.
Q: How can I decrease my exposure to mold?
A: Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass and wooded areas. Inside, mold growth can be slowed by reducing humidity and ventilating showers and cooking areas. Mold growth can be removed with commercial products or a weak bleach solution (1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water). Bathrooms should be cleaned with mold-killing products. Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
Q: How do I test the mold growing in my home?
A: Generally it is not neces sary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and routine sampling is not recommended. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the illnesses most often associated with molds. If you are susceptible to mold, and see or smell mold, there is a potential health risk, so you should arrange for its removal no matter what type of mold it is. Reliable sampling can be expensive, and no standards have been established for acceptable quantities of mold.
Q: How can I get more information?
A: Contact the state Depart ment of Health's Noise, Radiation and Indoor Air Quality Branch at 586-5800 for more information or to request a free information packet. You can also check the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site.
— Source: National Center for Environmental Health
