We can organize community seminars which would inform
flood victims on the dangers of mold exposure and also help them learn
how to avoid exposure and remediate the underlying causes of
exposure
once it has occurred. We also offer testing
for toxic molds and symptom surveys to determine the magnitude of the problem
and the effectiveness of the remediation.
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Mold & Mildew Information
Fungi
and Mold
Fungi are a kingdom of organisms that include molds,
mildews, mushrooms, and yeasts. Fungi play a valuable role in ecosystems,
and many have beneficial uses for humans. Penicillin, beer, and bread
are among the many products made possible by fungi. However, other
types of fungi such as poisonous mushrooms and toxic molds may cause serious
health problems.
Fungi
have been associated with health problems since biblical times. The
Book of Leviticus (14:33-34) refers to fungal growth in homes. Some
attribute the spread of the plague through medieval Europe to immune suppression
caused by moldy wheat. A recent Canadian study indicated that children
living in mold-infested homes suffer roughly equivalent health effects
as children whose parents smoke. Growing fungi produce toxins and
fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The VOCs are responsible
in part for the musty smell associated with mold. Fungi cause health
problems primarily through infections, and through allergic reactionsto
mold toxins.
Some molds, however, can be toxic. They produce
chemicals called mycotoxins which may have health consequences in large
enough doses. The most important thing to remember about exposure
to toxic substances is that the dose makes the poison.
Understanding Doses
A dose is an amount of substance per size of the individual
exposed to the substance. A dose of medicine for a two hundred pound
man might be three pills, while the same dose for his seventy pound son
is only one pill. Accordingly, two people could sit in the same room
and breathe the air, yet because of physical differences they would receive
different doses of any substance in the air.
Almost any substance is toxic in a great enough dose. For instance, a twenty-five pound cocker spaniel would have a severe toxic reaction from eating just a pound of baker’s chocolate. In general, health impacts from mold and mildew occur when individuals are exposed to large doses of the mycotoxins. When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores can be released into the air. Exposure can occur if people inhale or ingest spores or mold contaminated material, or if they handle mold contaminated material.
Although molds and fungi are present everywhere and serve important, natural functions, some molds can be toxic. They produce chemicals called mycotoxins which may have health consequences in large enough doses. The most important thing to remember about exposure to toxic substances is that the dose makes the poison.
Remember, mold is natural. We are all exposed every day. But as with any substance, it is the amount of exposure with which we should be concerned.
Potentially Toxic Molds
Stachybotrys chartarum is a species in
the genus of molds Hyphomycetes. It is one of the molds that is
associated with health effects in people. Stachybotrys chartarum
is
a greenish-black mold that can grow on materials with a high cellulose
content, such as drywall, sheetrock, ceiling tiles and wood, that become
chronically moist or water damaged. It is a relatively uncommon mold because
it does not compete well against other molds, and its spores are not easily
airborne.
This species of mold produces macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins such as Verrucarin, Roridin and Satratoxin. Some symptoms germane to exposure to this mold include: cold/flu symptoms, nose bleeds, burning sensation, coughing or difficulty breathing, sore throat, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and rash at the point of contact - especially in areas of heavy perspiration. These mycotoxins can also affect the appetite center of the brain, often reducing the appetite of exposed individuals.
Beware if you think these molds are growing in your
home!
Do not disturb the area of growth! Call a specialist
to identify the species and to advise on proper remediation techniques.
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Recurring or chronic infections indicate that your immune
system might also be under attack. There are other indicators which
suggest that mold and fungus have contaminated your home.
It should be noted that symptoms associated with mold
exposure may also be caused by many other illnesses. If you believe
you or your children have the above symptoms you should see a physician.
Finding
Mold Before It Finds You
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A building may become water damaged any number of ways
and the damage may not be discovered by cursory examination. Materials
such as concrete, carpet, sheetrock and wood act like sponges soaking up
any water that leaks into a building. These materials then provide
the perfect environment for mold growth and amplification. When moldy
materials are disturbed, mold spores may be released and disseminated throughout
the entire building, depending on the ventilation system.
Envirotest Research, Inc. (ERI) has
experience in evaluating mold, fungus, and other indoor air contamination
problems in homes and office buildings, and in developing remediation plans
to give you the confidence that you are in a healthy indoor environment.
With mold and fungus, fast response is the key. Mold grows rapidly,
often within a few short days in moist environments. Simply cleaning
a mold contaminated area is not always a solution, as some toxic molds
have been known to thrive even in areas that are consistently cleaned.
We have expertise solving indoor air quality concerns
that persist as a result of hidden toxic mold growth. We have acted as
expert witness for the insurance industry on related claims. ERI
can relate individuals’ symptoms to types of mold or chemical contaminants
using investigative toxicological procedures and symptom surveys.
Years of experience with dozens of claims has enabled us to develop the
necessary steps to identify the source of contamination and end the ongoing
complaints and resultant liability.
ERI has experience working on claims for condominium/apartment
complexes as well as million dollar private residences. In claims
where the insured is chronically ill and an environmental cause is suspected,
our expertise has been invaluable in determining the cause. Our particular
expertise is providing follow up investigative services after other companies
have performed incomplete repairs resulting in previously undiscovered
damage. We develop protocols for the contractors during demolition
and remediation to prevent common mistakes, such as cross-contamination.
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Please Have Patience.
|
ERI offers a Tape Lift Mold Sampling Kit, which includes
everything necessary to sample visible mold colonies. The $110 price
of the kit includes laboratory analysis of a sample. This kit enables a
home owner to get preliminary data on mold contamination without paying
for a full-blown environmental investigation.
To order your sampling kit, contact:
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Copyright 1998-2000 Envirotest Research, Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
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If
you can smell mold, you have a problem. If you can see mold, you
have a problem. If there is water damage to your home, you have a
problem, or may soon have a problem. Small, slow leaks are often
more troublesome than sporadic flooding, since slow leaks provide fungi
with a constant source of moisture. Regardless of the climate, indoor
moisture can provide an ideal breeding ground for fungi.
ERI uses a variety of techniques to identify what
is affecting you in your home or work environment. Symptom surveys
help find effects of hidden mold when air testing may not indicate a problem.
We collect both viable airborne microorganisms and total airborne particles
as well as surface samples. Through lab analysis and Dr. David Anderson's
extensive experience conducting symptom surveys, ERI can identify the source
of contamination and provide recommendations for remediation. At
ERI our goal is to help make your environment a healthy place to be.
~What to know about these claims~
"An ounce of prevention..."
Please contact us if you have questions regarding our
services.
Remediation
Services
This page is under construction
Envirotest Research,
Inc.
9600 Stone Avenue N.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 522-5449
Fax: (206) 522-5516
E-mail: drdave@airmon.com
Last modified: May 4, 2000
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