|
|  |
|
|
Tech Scientists Conclude Black Mold Is Toxic
by KAMC 28
Tech Scientists
Conclude Black Mold Is Toxic
|
|
KAMC 28
|
Scientists
at Texas Tech prove for the first time that black mold in homes and buildings
can be toxic to people.
|
Scientists
and doctors have believed for years that stachbotrys, or black mold, was
making people sick. But a team of scientists at Tech are the first people in
the world to conduct a study that proves it.
Dr. David Straus, a professor in the Microbiology and Immunology Department
at Texas Tech, has been trying to prove for years that toxins from black mold
can get in the air and make people sick.
"We always have believed these mycotoxins that stacybotrys produces are
what make people sick," he said. "We didn`t have the equipment that
would allow us to collect high concentrations of air until the Spincon came
along."
The Spincon was initially built back in 2001 after the 9-11 attacks, when
anthrax threats swarmed the U.S. Straus and four other scientists heard what
the Spincon could do and decided it was just the machine they needed to prove
black mold is toxic.
"What we have shown is when mold produces, and they actually are inhaled
and get into human beings, it causes tissue damage," said Straus.
Straus says some of the symptoms of exposure to black mold toxins are stomach
problems, hair loss and mental confusion.
He says using the Spincon to prove black mold is toxic means fewer peole will
be exposed in the future.
"What this study allows people to do is alert people that poisons are
present in the building," he said.
Dr. Straus says black mold grows in houses and buildings after some type of
water damage. He says if you think you have a mold problem, do not try to
remove the mold yourself; hire professionals to do it or you could easily
inhale the dangerous toxins.
|
Pure Air
Control Services
1-800-422-7873
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Request a FREE Copy of the Bioaerosol Guidelines
|
|
|
|
|
Win a Portable DVD Player!
|
|
|
|
|
Your IEQ Hotline! Toll Free 800-422-7873
|
|
|
|
|
Free Subscription to The IEQ Review
|
|
|
|
|
Tell A Friend About the IEQ Review!
|
|
|
|
|
