Mold ALert

	Mold Alert Bureau of Environmental Health
May, 2011

Mold and the Environment:

Molds are a natural part of the environment, but human health problems may result when people are exposed to large amounts of mold, particularly indoors. Inhaling excessive quantities of airborne mold particles or spores may lead to allergic illness, trigger asthma, cause respiratory infections, or bring about toxic effects from certain chemicals in the mold cells.

Mold Defined:

Mold is a term used to describe a type of fungus that is an often fuzzy-looking growth that appears on the surface of organic materials in damp conditions, both outdoors and indoors. Molds may be gray, black, green, yellow, orange or various other colors, and may have a velvety or wooly texture. Like other fungi, molds produce tiny spores in order to reproduce. Mold spores continually waft through the air, both indoors and out-of-doors. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Indoors, molds can grow on wood, paper, fabrics, carpet, foods and other organic materials.

When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. However, indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture.

 

Exposure and Risk:

Exposure to mold can occur when airborne mold cells, mostly spores, are inhaled. We breathe in these cells every day, indoors and out. Usually these exposures do not present a health risk. But when exposure is great, some individuals, particularly those with allergies and asthma, can experience illness that could be mild to serious or anywhere in between.

Mold Removal Do's and Don'ts:

• DO remove standing water.
   
• DO Be prompt in cleaning up leaks and spills.
   
• DO keep on top of cleaning, especially in bathrooms, on windows, and under the kitchen sink.
   

• DON’T touch mold or moldy items with your hands .
   
• DON’T get mold or mold spores in your eyes or breathe them in.
   
• DON’T ever use fans if mold is already growing.
   

Symptoms and Health Effects:

Allergy and irritation are the most common symptoms of mold exposure. Although symptoms will vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:

• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes
• Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Cough
• Throat irritation
• Skin irritation, such as a rash
• Headache

For More information:

• KDHE Bureau of Environmental Health:
  Phone number: 785-296-5606
  Email: beh@kdheks.gov
   
• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program:
  http://ephtracking.cdc.gov/showHome.action
  
  
   
• Kansas Environmental Public Health Tracking Program:
  http://www.kdheks.gov/epht
  
  
   
• Kansas Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program
  http://www.kshealthyhomes.org/
  
   
• EPA Mold and Moisture
  http://www.epa.gov/mold/
   
• CDC Mold Link
  http://www.cdc.gov/mold/

 

Our Vision- Healthy Kansas Living in Safe and Sustainable Environments