Could your house be making you sick? Could you be suffering from symptoms of toxic mold and not know?
 
One of Pennsylvania's leading experts on mold, Dr. Hernando Perez of Drexel University in Philadelphia has been studying the effects of mold on the human body for more then ten years.
 
"Mold is everywhere. It's been around forever. Ever since there's been inhabitants in the world," said Dr. Perez. He said mold spores float in the air coming into our homes from outside. They then stick to a surface and if that surface has moisture, the spores grow.
 
You typically see small amounts of mold growing in places such as bathtubs and sinks. What isn't typical is active mold growth in your home, or what experts call colonizing. That means your home has a moisture problem. If left untreated over a period of time, the colonizing can lead to toxic mold.
 
The three most common groups of mold that can produce mold poisons are Stachybotrys, which has been linked to deaths, Penicillium, which can cause hay fever-like symptoms and Aspergillus, which has been linked to mold growth in the lungs.
 
"These molds are microscopic. Sometimes we see them growing on walls but the real problem is what we can't see, the ones in the air that we breath in. These small particles are the perfect size to get into our lungs and cause problems," explained Perez.
 
The link between toxic mold and health problems prompted Pennsylvania to create a new task force on mold. The task force met for the first time in April.
 
Dr. Perez is on the panel and describes some typical symptoms a person might suffer from mold exposure.
 
"Watery eyes, runny nose and sometimes a dry cough. Symptoms you normally would associate with a hay fever type of illness," said Perez. Other symptoms believed to be associated with toxic mold are certain types of hyper-sensitivity to breathing, skin infections, lung infections and bleeding, such as constant nose bleeds.
 
State Representative Jim Wansacz is also on the state's task force. He said toxic mold is a serious problem. "New construction of homes in which houses are tighter, mold is creating a lot more problems. People are getting sick.
 
This is the first step, studying this, which we've never done before," Wansacz explained.
 
He wants guidelines for the construction of homes or additions. He said leaving wood exposed to rain and moisture for months can create perfect conditions for mold growth. When the home is framed and sealed, mold may begin to grow inside the walls.
 
David Gleason said he and his family experienced all of these symptoms while in their house in Moosic. Gleason said after several years of being sick and treated by doctors for everything except toxic mold, he contacted Dr. Ed Montz of Indoor Air Solutions in Pottstown.
 
Dr. Montz is considered one of Pennsylvania's leading experts on air quality and has testified in many court cases involving toxic mold and its effects on people. He tested Gleason's home and found toxic mold.
 
"The reason you're going through some of these ailments is you're having hyper-sensitivity to the molds in your home. I bet other chemicals are bothering you too, like perfumes? I said yes. He said get out of your house, leave everything. Find some place to go immediately because you are definitely killing your family. Two weeks later we got the full report showing our readings were off the charts," recounted Gleason.
 
That was five years ago and even though they left their home in Moosic, Gleason said he and his family still have health problems. He said doctors have told him those health problems may never go away.
 
Montz said mold can grow anywhere but there are two hot spots. "Attics and basements. Roofs are prone to leak. You get mold on sheathing material, even on the rafters of the roof," Montz explained.
 
The doctor said basements are also a hot spot because they're often damp and that can lead to mold growth.
 
"You can develop a considerable amount of mold growth. We've seen people get ill from as little as a 12 inch area of mold on something as simple as a ceiling tile," said Dr. Montz.
 
If you do find a small area of mold no larger than nine square feet, you can clean it yourself. First find the water source and stop it. If you don't the mold will continue to grow.
 
"The CDC says you can use a weak bleach solution or a regular house detergent and lightly wipe the mold off. Don't use excessive moisture and make sure you allow treated areas to dry," Montz said.
 
If you find a larger area of mold, the doctor recommends hiring a professional to clean it. They will also test each room in your home for toxic mold.
 
Finding a professional to test your home thoroughly can be expensive. The cost could exceed $1,000. Using a reputable company is very important, according to Representative Wansacz. His office is receiving a lot of calls from people who say they have been taken advantage of by companies who say they can clean up mold.
 
To determine if you have a moisture problem or mold growth, use a flashlight look in those areas. Check the surface of the wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpeting and even ceiling tiles. Any areas which appear to have odd colors such as black, green or white are probably mold growth.
 

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Pure Air Control Services, Inc.

1-800-422-7873