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November/December 2003 Alternative Health
Got Mold?

by Dan Stih

In the Pacific Northwest, we joke that mold grows on the sidewalks here. Perhaps because we see so much of it growing outside, we may not think as much about mold growing indoors. But beware. The species of mold growing inside your home or office may be toxic. Certain species of toxic mold flourish indoors when building materials such as drywall, carpet and plywood get wet. They produce toxins to fight off common outdoor types of mold and grow into huge colonies not found in the outdoor environment. There is no "safe" level for indoor mold contamination.

Indicators of a Mold Problem

Trust your nose! If a musty odor is present there is cause for concern. Metabolic by-products produced by mold include acetone and ethanol. These chemicals affect the central nervous system like sniffing glue or breathing fresh paint and impair your ability to think clearly. A mold problem may also be present without a noticeable odor. If your symptoms get better when you are away from home and get worse when you return, there is likely either a mold problem or some other indoor air contamination present. Allergic response may be the most common health problem associated with mold exposure, but not everyone is allergic to mold and individuals have their own levels of sensitivity. In an office building with a typical mold problem, only two out of ten occupants may initially complain.

Sources of Moisture & Mold

Water it and they will grow! Mold cannot grow without moisture. If you want to prevent mold growth, eliminate moisture problems. People often ask me how they can build a home that won’t have mold. The answer is simple – build one that doesn’t have any moisture problems. Moisture problems are not all due to rain and leaky roofs or construction defects. Plumbing leaks, poor site drainage and improperly positioned sprinkler heads, high indoor humidity and condensation, and sudden floods from overflowing toilets, leaky dishwashers and refrigerators are sources for moisture. Shower mildew includes a species of mold called Stachybotrys, considered to be a "toxic" mold. However it is generally not a health threat unless water has penetrated behind the shower walls. Carpeting that gets wet should be dried out within 24 hours or consider replacement. Mold grows within 48 hours. Never cut into walls to look for mold. Unless proper containment is in place, doing so will spread mold spores throughout the building.

Cleaning up Mold

Persons performing mold cleanup may be at risk for developing Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. The EPA document "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" (www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/molds.html) is suggested reading. At a minimum, a respirator, goggles and disposable gloves should be worn. The work area should be contained even if only a small amount of mold is visibly present. Mold can be like cockroaches – you see a little and there is a lot hidden. Containment also prevents respiratory irritants such as drywall dust and fiberglass from ending up all over the building.

It is not sufficient to "kill" mold by spraying it with bleach, essential oils, biocides or by using an ozone machine. The majority of organisms are unaffected and biocides may actually induce mold to produce toxins as a survival effort. In order to achieve a healthy living environment, moldy building materials must be physically removed. Plain soap and water are sufficient to clean remaining surfaces. Alternative cleaners include hot soapy water and borax or vinegar. Always correct the source of moisture or mold will grow back. A good HEPA air cleaner is recommended to filter mold spores and other contaminates in the air, especially if you are pregnant, elderly or immune compromised.

Mold Prevention Tips

• Check for leaky plumbing under sinks.
• Check for dripping at the shutoff valve behind the toilet.
• Repair cracks in grout and missing caulk in the shower and at counter top behind kitchen sink.
• Clear out and inspect storage closets periodically. Mold likes to grow behind items that are stuffed tightly against walls.
• Turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom when showering and in the kitchen when cooking.
• Be careful not to spill when watering plants or filling fish tanks. Inspect under these for mold and check pump for leaks.
• Clean and disinfect with vinegar the refrigerator drain pan twice per year.
• Do not use bleach to clean up mold. Use soap and water.

Dan Stih is a Certified Microbial Consultant by the American Indoor Air Quality Council. He can be reached at Healthy Living Spaces LLC Environmental, Eugene 541-485-9899. The company’s website www.hlspaces.com provides links to additional information.