What are molds?
Molds are microscopic members of the fungus family. They typically grow in large colonies that appear like fluffy or fuzzy masses, ranging from white to blue-green or black in color. Molds are beneficial in many ways to both humans and the natural environment. For example, molds are responsible for the production of life-saving antibiotics, such as penicillin, and foods, such as cheese.
 
Most molds are filamentous, comprised of living thread-like structures that grow by the division of cells at their tips. These structures also produce spores that enter the environment through surrounding air and water.
 
Where are molds found in the environment?
Everywhere! Molds have been found in all sorts of indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, molds grow best wherever damp or humid conditions persist--basements, bathrooms, kitchens, carpets, and heating/air conditioning ducts. Outdoors, they can be found in dark, damp locations where leaves or other organic matter are slowly decomposing. Molds also tend to grow on the outside surfaces of houses, such as siding, gutters, windowsills, and railings.
 
How do molds affect your health?
Most molds are harmless to healthy individuals. However, some people, who have allergies, asthma or weakened immune systems, are sensitive to molds and react to the airborne or waterborne spores that molds release. If these people inhale the spores or handle moldy materials, they may experience a runny nose, irritated eyes, coughing, congestion, wheezing and other asthma-related symptoms. Some molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, can cause more severe symptoms, but this is not a common occurrence.
 
What is Stachybotrys chartarum (SC)?
Stachybotrys chartarum (SC) is an uncommon, greenish-black mold that can grow on materials, such as drywall, wood paneling, and ceiling tiles, which become moist due to humidity, leaks or condensation. You may have heard about SC on a "60 Minutes" special that investigated the health effects associated with this mold.
 
How can SC affect you?
It is difficult for SC spores to become airborne; thus, it is very rare to find indoor air contaminated by SC. Nonetheless, if indoor air is contaminated with SC, it is only harmful to your health if it is present at high levels. In these instances, sensitive people can experience cold-like symptoms (runny nose, irritated eyes, coughing, sneezing), as well as asthma-like symptoms (wheezing, labored breathing) and skin rashes. These symptoms generally are not chronic, disappearing when the mold is removed from the environment.
 
Some studies have also indicated that the presence of SC may be associated with hemosiderosis in young infants. Hemosiderosis is a very rare condition characterized by bleeding in the lungs. The documented cases of this condition occurred when infants were exposed to highly contaminated indoor air over an extended period of time. However, a definitive association between SC and hemosiderosis has not been proven.

Nonetheless, if you are worried that you or your infant may be experiencing any mold-related symptoms and there may have been a possible exposure, contact your pediatrician or family doctor.
 
For more information, contact:
Alan L. Wozniak, CIAQP
800-422-7873 ext. 802
info@pureaircontrols.com