For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2003

Contact:
Aaron Winslow or
Randy Maley
573-751-6102

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Offers Information, Guidelines on Dealing with Indoor Mold

Spring is here and with the warm, rainy climate has come Missouri's notorious allergy season. One of the many allergens that thrive in warm, moist climates is mold. Indoor mold has gained a great deal of attention over the past two years as reports of "black mold" and "toxic mold" have raised anxiety and fear about this common, but often misunderstood, issue.

In an effort to provide useful information and dispel some of the misconceptions about indoor mold, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) released today some facts about mold along with guidelines for preventing or dealing with indoor mold. Attached is a fact sheet providing facts about indoor mold, information about related health concerns, guidelines for controlling mold growth, guidance on testing for mold, and resources for more information.

"Because so many Missourians have mold allergies, and because so much attention has been placed on 'black' or 'toxic' mold, we believe it is important to provide information to the public that they can use to make informed decisions if they have mold in their homes or want to prevent it from starting," said Aaron Winslow, Environmental Public Health Specialist in DHSS's Section for Environmental Public Health.

"While indoor mold does pose some health risks, there is little need to panic, take drastic action, or spend a lot of money for environmental testing," noted Winslow. "There are some simple steps people can take to control mold growth in their homes as well as less expensive ways to clean up the mold if it has started to grow. We hope these guidelines will be helpful."

Fact Sheet
Mold in the Indoor Environment

Why do molds grow indoors?

Molds are part of the natural environment and are found nearly everywhere outdoors, breaking down organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. As they grow, they reproduce by producing tiny spores that float through the air. Since molds are very common, spores are widespread in the environment and will drift indoors. If these spores land on wet or moist organic material (e.g., sheetrock, wood, ceiling tiles, cardboard, etc.) they will grow, producing fungal colonies that decompose the organic matter to stay alive. This can cause some property damage and present health problems.

What health problems do molds cause?

· Allergic reactions: Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This is the most common health problem caused by mold. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).

· Asthma: Molds can trigger asthma attacks in persons who are sensitized to molds, and may worsen asthma even in non-sensitized people.

· Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Relatively uncommon, and linked mainly to agricultural workers with high exposures to mold, this disease may develop after either short-term or long-term exposure to molds, and resembles bacterial pneumonia.

· Irritant Effects: Mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and sometimes can cause a burning sensation in these areas.

· Opportunistic Infections: People with weakened immune systems may contract mold infections. Often species of the Aspergillus molds are the source of the infection, and can grow in the lungs or sinus passages of immune-compromised individuals.

But what about "black mold" or "toxic mold" (Stachybotrys)?

· Increased media and public attention on mold has generated terms like "black mold" and "toxic mold". Both terms are more descriptive than scientifically valid and they tend to increase fear and anxiety. Mold is a very common problem and not typically life threatening. Molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, as well as microbial volatile organic compounds. Claims have been made that exposure to these substances can cause severe health effects such as lung bleeding, memory loss, and lethargy. These claims have not been scientifically substantiated.

If mold is suspected, is testing for the mold needed?

· In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary and the money spent on testing could be better spent on clean-up.

· Remember, there are no federal or state regulations regarding indoor mold growth or individual exposure limits for homes or offices.

· Clean-up methods will be the same no matter what mold species are identified.

· Most health problems related to mold exposure are from allergic reactions. Knowing the types of mold present won't help unless one knows what species of mold causes the allergic reaction.

How do I prevent mold or control it once it starts?

· Water leaks in a home should be treated as an emergency. If wet or damp materials are not dried or removed within 24-48 hours, mold will grow.

· Clean-up will not be effective without removing the moisture source.

· Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.

· Scrub mold off hard surfaces with soap and water, and dry completely.

· Use a disinfectant (1½ cups household bleach in a gallon of water) if needed, especially if the water damage occurred because of floodwater or sewage backup.

· Discard absorbent or porous materials not dried within 48 hours, such as ceiling tiles or carpet, or if the damage was caused by floodwater or sewage backup.

· If the item is expensive or has sentimental value, consult a cleaning and restoration specialist.

· Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores; wear an N-95 dust mask when cleaning.

· Avoid touching mold; wear gloves, and clothes that cover the skin.

· Avoid mold exposure to the eyes; wear goggles.

· In special circumstances, such as if the mold damage is extensive or if the person available for cleaning is immune-compromised or otherwise mold sensitized, a cleaning contractor may need to be hired. The state does not license or "certify" any individuals or companies representing themselves as mold remediators.

Where can I go for more information?

· Visit with your local physician concerning illness that may be mold related.

· Consult the EPA web page at www.epa.gov/iaq. Especially helpful at the EPA site:

ü A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

ü Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

ü The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality

· For more health information go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/ and click on State of the Science on Molds and Human Health.

· Or, contact DHSS's Section for Environmental Public Health at (866) 628-9891.