Olive Branch Newsletter For January, 2003
Health Ministry
Hold That Mold!
Mold is one of the major culprits of poor indoor air quality in homes and offices. Mold and fungi can emit metabolic gases into the air.
Often hidden and undetected, mold can cause occupants to suffer allergies, sinusitis, sore throats, itchy eyes, rashes, asthma and, in rare cases, even death.
Mold usually is the result of water leaks, floods, burst pipes or other water intrusion. In general, most molds and fungi need a moisture content of greater than 20 percent to thrive. Once spores form they are permanent and if they become airborne they can spread to other parts of the building. The key to mold abatement is to find the source and remove it.
Certain types of mold can cause serious respiratory problems, especially in seniors and young children. Two potentially dangerous molds are Aspergillus/ Penicillium and Stachybotrys chartarum, which produce toxic substances on their spores. While serious illness is rare, there have been extreme cases reported.
Not all molds are toxic, but the only way to be certain that a mold is not hazardous is to have it professionally analyzed.
Quick Mold Facts
Molds are members of the fungi family. Other members include mushrooms, wood rot, and yeast.
Fungi feed on organic material and must have moisture, air and warm temperatures to grow.
Mold organisms often thrive in hard to detect places. Indications include a moldy, musty smell or a black substance inside walls, cracks, crevices or on window sills.
Drywall, carpet, upholstery, and other porous materials are difficult to save once mold penetrates, Wood, cement and other hard surfaces usually can be cleaned successfully with antimicrobials.
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