FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TOXIC MOLD

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1. What is mold?
   There are hundreds of thousands of types of molds. All are fungi, which means they are many-celled organisms that reproduce by sending tiny seeds called spores into the air. Molds need four things to grow: food, air, the right temperature and water. Although fungi grow naturally “outdoors", molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is sufficient moisture. They like dark, damp, warm environments, and can grow on anything from basement walls to garbage pails to houseplants, and many building materials. Moisture can come from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, flooding, leaking roofs, leaky plumbing, sewer backups, and frequently overflowing washing machines.
   
   
2. What are the health concerns about molds?
   Mold and its spores contain allergens, meaning that in some people sensitivity to fungi (molds) can cause allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis or asthma. Certain molds can cause infection, in the same way bacteria do. Molds may also produce musty odors known as volatile organic compounds that may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
   
   
3. What is stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra)?
   Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a slow growing, greenish-black mold that needs an environment of constant moisture. It grows only on wood, paper and cotton products and can be found in 2% to 5% of American homes. Under specific environmental conditions, Stachybotrys chartarum may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. These chemicals can be present in spores and small fungus fragments released into the air, but there is currently no evidence that these small levels of exposure are harmful to humans.
   
   
4. What are the health effects of stachybotrys chartarum?
   If Stachybotrys chartarum spores are released into the air, there is a potential for humans to develop symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, particularly if the person has developed an allergy to this fungus. Stachybotrys chartarum has been blamed for pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the lungs) in a small number of infants. However, experts claim that this is “not proved”. Other factors such as second-hand tobacco smoke may be more important.
   
   
5. What should people do if they have stachybotrys chartarum in their building or home?
   Mold growing in homes and buildings, whether it is Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds, indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture, and this should be addressed immediately. Once mold starts to grow in insulation or wallboard the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. Mold under carpets typically requires that the carpets be removed. Walls and other hard surfaces can be cleaned with a weak bleach solution of 10 parts water to 1 part chlorine bleach to prevent mold growth only if done immediately after flooding has occurred. Moldy items should be thrown away. For more information on mold, visit the Environmental Protection Agency Web site, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html.