Mold Allergy Mold, mildew, and fungus are all terms generally used to describe a group of diverse plants which appear as woolly, powdery and sometimes slimy growth. Thousands of different types of mold exist, but only a few dozen varieties are allergenic. It is microscopic mold spores that cause allergic reactions when inhaled. Because mold spores are windborne they are found indoors and outdoors, in every type of climate, and in every social and economic condition. They grow in unexpected places and may be present even if not visible. Mold allergy is detectable with skin testing and may be treated with immunotherapy. Indoor molds are likely to proliferate in poorly ventilated, damp areas. Common household products and components made of paper, cardboard, wood, carpet and fabric are just a few examples of places molds can grow easily. Handling old books and magazines, cleaning out pet litter and sleeping areas, or cleaning your closet can bring on symptoms associated with mold allergy. Damp showers, tubs and sinks, as well as laundry machines, refrigerators and garbage disposals are areas that should be cleaned or treated regularly to inhibit mold growth. Outdoor molds are found in soil and in decaying leaves, straw, grains, and wood. Mowing grass, raking or blowing leaves, tilling soil and working in garages, barns, hay fields, or grain bins may cause or aggravate symptoms. Any contact with these affected items or areas can expose you to mold. Molds are elusive and will be more prevalent at different times of the day or night depending on the type of mold. Molds need moisture, food (which can be any organic matter), and preferably warm temperatures to grow. Relative humidity below 55% discourages mold growth. A single mold can germinate and produce hundreds of thousands of airborne spores in 4-9 days. Surveys have shown that high mold and pollen counts frequently occur at the same time of year, though molds are considered perennial (year-round) allergic offenders. Molds may also be associated with food items. Mushrooms and truffles are edible fungi (some varieties are poisonous and NOT to be consumed) and many types of cheeses are infused with molds to create, influence and enhance flavor. Because foods are ingested and interface at the gastro-intestinal level rather than the respiratory system, they generally cause a very different type of reaction than molds that are inhaled. Any individual with mold sensitivities should be cautious when consuming such products. Where Do Molds Grow? 1. Cat litter 15. Frost-free refrigerator drain pans 2. Bird cages 16. Laundry room 3. Books, newspapers or magazines 17. Hot tubs, whirlpools, and saunas 4. Heavily draped windows 18. Double-paned windows 5. Roof or plumbing leaks 19. Worn shoes and clothing 6. Unsealed concrete slabs 20. Bathroom and kitchen 7. Chimney Swift droppings/feathers 21. Dirty dishes 8. Any moist carpet 22. Behind baseboards and walls 9. Poorly ventilated closets 23. Soiled trashcans and compactors 10. Air conditioning drain pans 24. Upholstered furniture 11. A/C duct work and vents 25. Shrubs and leaves near a house 12. Blocked A/C drain pans 26. Houseplants 13. Vaporizers and humidifiers 27. Garbage disposals and water traps 14. Standing water in or under a house 28. Leather products (e.g., old shoes, handbags, ball gloves)

Suggestions To Reduce Mold Exposure

! Decrease moisture and the food source for mold on all surfaces. ! Inspect walls, ceilings, carpets, windowsills, drain pans, ductwork, vents, bathrooms, and wall board for excessive moisture and

any darkened or discolored areas ! Regularly check faucets, pipes and ductwork for leaks. ! Drain and ventilate areas under and around the house. ! Remove decaying debris from the yard, roof and gutters. ! Avoid raking leaves, mowing lawns, or working with hay, mulch or peat; if you must work with these or similar items, wear a

protective mask and do NOT do such work on hot, humid days. ! Use a high performance electrostatic air filter in the central air system. ! Be sure to use a filter large enough for the area to be cleaned. Inefficient or insufficient filter allow dirt to accumulate on coils,

drain pans and duct work which becomes “food” for molds. ! Clean and maintain central air system. ! Use a room air purifier in the bedroom. ! Use air conditioning rather than ceiling fans to reduce humidity. ! Use a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity below 55%. ! Frequently use a HEPA vacuum cleaner on carpets and furniture. ! Clean visible mold from surfaces using products that reduce or eliminate fungal growth. ! Remove moldy carpet. ! Ventilate cabinets and closets when possible. ! Keep shrubs and grass trimmed from around the foundation of your house. ! Wear a mask when doing any activity that could expose you to mold spores. ! Do not allow dirty dishes, dirty clothes or refuse to collect in your home. Even allowing these items in a proper receptacle (sink,

hamper or trash can) for any length of time is discouraged.

Mold Allergy Penicillium – This blue-green mold is commonly found in homes. It is the cause of common bread molds; a factor in the ripening of Camembert and Roquefort cheeses; present in apples, pears and citrus fruits as the blue mold rot; and may be found in nuts. Cladosporium – This is an atmospheric mold, brown in color, found on living and dead plant material. Indoors it may grow in areas where there is moisture. It may also be found in spoiled meat and tobacco. This mold also affects leather, rubber, cloth, foods, and wood. Aspergillus – Most commonly found in damp, musty houses; in dirty air conditioning units; in compost heaps; in damp or flood-damaged housing; or on dried fruits (such as figs and dates). Aspergillus may also be found on onions (a black mold), fowl (chicken), damp hay and grain, damp cloth, leather, spoiled foods (bacon, sausage, etc.), damp paper, decaying plant and vegetative material.

Mucor – This grayish-white fungus is commonly found in soil and on plant surfaces. Growth known as whiskers may be observed on meat surfaces as a result of this mold. It is also found in decaying fruit and vegetable matter. Alternaria – An atmospheric mold that is dirty gray to brown in color. It is commonly isolated from plants, soil, food and indoor air environment. It is found in dead, dying or decaying plants and vegetative materials. It causes disease in potato and beans, and m ay be a factor in house dust sensitivity. Dreschlera – A fungus commonly found in cereal grains, plants, and grasses. It is a common plant pathogen. Epicoccum - A common soil and litter fungus, and is also a secondary invader of plant material. Often found growing outside in soil, plant litter, decaying plants and/or damaged plant tissue. Often found growing inside

on a variety of building materials including but not limited to paper and textiles. Rhizopus – Rhizopus is often isolated from soil and plant material, and some species can also be plant pathogens. It is commonly indoors and can be isolated from dust, wood pulp, food and food products (such as breads, cured meats and root vegetables). Bipolaris – Bipolaris is found in indoor building materials, plants, and grasses. It can also be called leaf spot and is seen on leaves and grasses in a spotty formation that is either brown, purple or red. Aureobasidium – Aureobasidium is commonly found on caulk or damp window frames in bathrooms. This is one type of mold that is a type of mildew commonly found growing on siding. Aureobasidium (Pullularia) may be pink or black in color. Mold Remediation (as proposed by the US EPA) Lesson 1: Dry Quickly – Dry items before mold grows, if possible. In most cases, mold will not grow if wet or damp items are dried within 24-48 hours. Lesson 2: Assess Mold Problem – Before planning a remediation effort, the size and extent of the mold problem and any continuing moisture problems should be assessed. Lesson 3: Remediation Plan – The highest priority in a remediation is to protect the health and safety of building occupants and remediation workers. Plans vary according to the size and complexity of the damage and may require updating if circumstances change or more extensive contamination is discovered. Lesson 4: Mold Remediation Procedures – A variety of methods are available to remediate damage to buildings and furnishings caused by moisture-control problems and mold.