| erm "toxic mold" is not accurate. While certain | | | | Spores in the air outside also attach themselves |
| molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce | | | | to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, |
| toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds | | | | bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying |
| themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards | | | | mold indoors. |
| presented by molds that may produce | | | | When mold spores drop on places where there is |
| mycotoxins should be considered the same as | | | | excessive moisture, such as where leakage may |
| other common molds which can grow in your | | | | have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or |
| house. There is always a little mold everywhere - | | | | where there has been flooding, they will grow. |
| in the air and on many surfaces. There are very | | | | Many building materials provide suitable nutrients |
| few reports that toxigenic molds found inside | | | | that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose |
| homes can cause unique or rare health conditions | | | | materials, including paper and paper products, |
| such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. | | | | cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, |
| These case reports are rare, and a causal link | | | | are particularly conducive for the growth of some |
| between the presence of the toxigenic mold and | | | | molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, |
| these conditions has not been proven. A | | | | wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, |
| common-sense approach should be used for any | | | | fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold |
| mold contamination existing inside buildings and | | | | growth. |
| homes. The common health concerns from molds | | | | Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its |
| include hay fever-like allergic symptoms. Certain | | | | synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black |
| individuals with chronic respiratory disease (chronic | | | | mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose |
| obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may | | | | and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, |
| experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with | | | | gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth |
| immune suppression may be at increased risk for | | | | occurs when there is moisture from water |
| infection from molds. | | | | damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, |
| If you or your family members have these | | | | condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. |
| conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be | | | | Constant moisture is required for its growth. It is |
| consulted for diagnosis and treatment. For the | | | | not necessary, however, to determine what type |
| most part, one should take routine measures to | | | | of mold you may have. All molds should be |
| prevent mold growth in the home. | | | | treated the same with respect to potential health |
| Mold spores occur in the indoor and outdoor | | | | risks and removal. |
| environments. Mold spores may enter your house | | | | People with allergies may be more sensitive to |
| from the outside through open doorways, | | | | molds. People with immune suppression or |
| windows, and heating, ventilation, and air | | | | underlying lung disease are more susceptible to |
| conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes. | | | | fungal infections. |