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The New York City Health Department has
developed this fact sheet to address some of the most common
questions and concerns regarding mold.
What is mold and
where is it found?
Mold (fungi) is present everywhere -
indoors and outdoors. There are more than 100,000 species of
mold. At least 1,000 species of mold are common in the U.S.
Some of the most commonly found are species of Cladosporium,
Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Mold is most likely to grow
where there is water or dampness - such as in bathrooms and
basements.
How can mold affect
your health?
Most types of mold that are routinely
encountered are not hazardous to healthy individuals. However,
too much exposure to mold may cause or worsen conditions such
as asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. The most common
symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestion, runny nose,
eye irritation, and aggravation of asthma. Depending on the
amount of exposure and a person's individual vulnerability,
more serious health effects - such as fevers and breathing
problems - can occur but are unusual.
How can you be
exposed to mold?
When moldy material becomes damaged or
disturbed, spores (reproductive bodies similar to seeds) can
be released into the air. Exposure can occur if people inhale
the spores, directly handle moldy materials, or accidentally
ingest it. Also, mold can sometimes produce chemicals called
mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may cause illness in people who are
sensitive to them or if they are exposed to large amounts in
the air. Large exposures are typically associated with certain
occupations (e.g., agricultural work).
How does mold grow?
All molds need water to grow. Mold can grow
almost anywhere there is water damage, high humidity, or
dampness. Most often molds are confined to areas near the
source of water. Removing the source of moisture - such as
through repairs or dehumidification - is critical to
preventing mold growth.
What is Stachybotrys
chartarum?
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as
Stachybotrys atra) is a type of mold that has been associated
with health effects in people. It is a greenish-black mold
that can grow on materials with a high cellulose content -
such as drywall sheetrock, dropped ceiling tiles, and wood -
that become chronically moist or water-damaged, due to
excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding.
How can you tell if
Stachybotrys chartarum is present in your home?
Many molds are black in appearance but are
not Stachybotrys. For example, the black mold commonly found
between bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys can
be positively identified only by specially trained
professionals (e.g., mycologists) through a microscopic exam.
How can Stachybotrys
chartarum affect your health?
Typically, indoor air levels of
Stachybotrys are low; however, as with other types of mold, at
higher levels health effects can occur. These include allergic
rhinitis (cold-like symptoms), dermatitis (rashes), sinusitis,
conjunctivitis, and aggravation of asthma. Some related
symptoms are more general - such as inability to concentrate
and fatigue. Usually, symptoms disappear after the
contamination is removed.
There has been some evidence linking
Stachybotrys with pulmonary hemosiderosis in infants who are
generally less than six months old. Pulmonary hemosiderosis is
an uncommon condition that results from bleeding in the lungs.
In studied cases of pulmonary hemosiderosis, the exposure to
Stachybotrys came from highly contaminated dwellings, where
the infants were continually exposed over a long period of
time.
What should you do if
mold is present in your home or apartment?
Although any visible mold can be sampled by
an environmental consultant and/or analyzed by a laboratory
specializing in microbiology, these tests can be very
expensive - from hundreds to thousands of dollars. There is no
simple and cheap way to sample the air in your home to find
out what types of mold are present and whether they are
airborne. Even if you have your home tested, it is difficult
to say at what levels health effects would occur. Therefore,
it is more important get rid of the mold rather than find out
more about it. The most effective way to treat mold is to
correct underlying water damage and clean the affected area.
How should mold be
cleaned?
Mold should be cleaned as soon as it
appears. Persons cleaning mold should be free of symptoms and
allergies. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using a
detergent/soapy solution or an appropriate household cleaner.
Gloves should be worn during cleaning. The cleaned area should
then be thoroughly dried. Dispose of any sponges or rags used
to clean mold.
If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it
may indicate an underlying problem such as a leak. Any
underlying water problems must be fixed to successfully
eliminate mold problems. If mold contamination is extensive, a
professional abatement company may need to be consulted.
Will my health or my
child's health be affected, and should we see a physician?
If you believe that you or your children
have symptoms that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold,
you should see a physician. Keep in mind that many symptoms
associated with mold exposure may also be caused by many other
illnesses. You should tell your physician about the symptoms
and about when, how, and for how long you think you or your
children were exposed.
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