It is good to remember that not every mold is a health hazard. However, all molds are potentially hazardous. For more information on hazard classes of molds visit this page http://www.moldbacteria.com/learnmore/moldlist.html.
It Is Good To Remember Dead Mold Is A Health Hazard
It is good to remember that while dead mould would not continue growing, it is still a health hazard. People who are sensitive to mold spores would still react if they are exposed to airborne dead spores. That’s why physical removal of mold from occupied spaces, even after treating it with biocides, is recommended.
What Are the Health Effects of Black Mould (Stachybotrys chartarum)?
Many times people tell us they have seen black mould in their houses and they want to know the health effects associated with it. There are a number of moulds such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, Memnoniella, Ulocladium and a few others that may appear black. However, when people talk of black mould they often refer to Stachybotrys chartarum. In many cases black mould that people see in their kitchens, bathrooms, window sills, and ceiling tiles is not Stachybotrys chartarum. The only way to tell whether the black mould is Stachybotrys is through laboratory mould testing. In the laboratory the mould is examined by a qualified microbiologist or mycologist and identified. After identification, the lab may give information (if available) on the health effects associated with the identified mould. It is important that a laboratory with a qualified mycologist is used because if the mould is incorrectly identified, then the information provided would be misleading.
Health Effects Associated with Black Mould (Stachybotrys chartarum)
The scientific community is still divided on the health effects of indoor moulds. Some believe there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove Stachybotrys chartarum is the sole cause of health problems reported in various publications. Health effects often associated with Stachybotrys chartarum and a few other species of moulds include:
- Allergic reactions
- Fatigue,
- Headaches,
- Chest tightness,
- Irritation of the mucous membrane,
- Pulmonary haemorrhage (breeding of lungs) in infants,
- Sore throats,
- Flue symptoms,
- Recurring colds,
- Diarrhoea,
- Dermatitis,
- General malaise
Regardless of the health effects, extensive mould growth indoors could be an indication of an unhealthy living environment.
If you have a question regarding the health effects of black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) please give us a call at 905-290-9101.
What Are Acceptable Levels Of Mould Spores And What Are The Effects Of Spores On The Human Body?
After analysing air samples for total spore counts, we often get asked whether there are acceptable levels of mould concentrations in air and what effects mould spores have on human health. Unlike many other indoor pollutants, there are currently no set acceptable levels for mould spores. The scientific community including medical doctors is polarized on the effects of mould on human health. However, it is generally accepted that mould can:
- Elicit allergic reactions to sensitized (or atopic) individuals and that not all moulds are allergenic
- Infect humans especially those with weak immune systems
- Produce toxic metabolites (mycotoxins) that can kill or cause other complications if ingested in food.
While scientific evidence to prove that mould is the cause of some illnesses is lacking, there is enough evidence to support the need to remove mould from occupied environments.
Moulds as Indicators of Dampness in A Building
Some moulds and bacteria when found growing in indoor environment are indicative of the level of dampness in the building or potential health hazards.
Indicators of severe moisture damage in a building
Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma spp, Exophiala, Stachybotrys spp, Phialophora spp, Fusarium spp, Ulocladium spp, yeasts such as Rhodotorula, Actinomycetes and Gram-negative bacteria and Phoma spp.
Indicators of moderate damp building environment
Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus sydowii, Emericella nidulans, and Cladosporium spp
Indicators of relatively dry building environment
Aspergillus versicolor, Eurotium spp, Wallemia sebi, Penicillium spp such as Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium aurantiogriseum.
Do you have a mould question? Contact Jackson at (905)290-9101