Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.
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What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep the humidity level in the house between 40% and 60%.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What type of doctor should I see concerning mold exposure?

You should first consult a family or general health care provider who will decide whether you need referral to a specialist. Such specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold infections. If an infection is in the lungs, a pulmonary physician might be recommended. Patients who have been exposed to molds in their workplace may be referred to an occupational physician. My landlord or builder will not take any responsibility for cleaning up the mold in my home. Where can I go for help?

If you feel your property owner, landlord, or builder has not been responsive to concerns you’ve expressed regarding mold exposure, you can contact your local board of health or housing authority. Applicable codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and similar issues about mold generally fall under state and local (not federal) jurisdiction. You could also review your lease or building contract and contact local or state government authorities, your insurance company, or an attorney to learn more about local codes and regulations and your legal rights.  You can find information on your state’s Indoor Air Quality program at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm.

I’m sure that mold in my workplace is making me sick.

If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you work, you should first consult your health care provider to determine the appropriate action to take to protect your health. Notify your employer and, if applicable, your union representative about your concern so that your employer can take action to clean up and prevent mold growth. To find out more about mold, remediation of mold, or workplace safety and health guidelines and regulations, you may also want to contact your local (city, county, or state) health department.

You should also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html.

I am very concerned about mold in my children’s school and how it affects their health.

If you believe your children are ill because of exposure to mold in their school, first consult their health care provider to determine the appropriate medical action to take. Contact the school’s administration to express your concern and to ask that they remove the mold and prevent future mold growth. If needed, you could also contact the local school board.

You can also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html. Also, see these Web sites for more indoor air quality tools for schools:

* http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guidtoc.html
* http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guideh.html
* http://www.healthyschools.org/index.html

Not all air-cleaning devices are appropriate for home use — some can be harmful to human health. The ARB recommends that ozone generators, air cleaners that intentionally produce ozone, not be used in the home. Below is a link to approved CA air cleaners for residential use.

www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone.htm

MA Home Inspection Regulations

Massachusetts home inspectors must be licensed.  Below is a link to the Board of Home Inspectors.  Information on Rules and Regulations governing home inspections may be found here (266 CMR 1.00-11.00)

www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/hi/index.htm

Asthma

Homes may be the most critical environment for managing asthma. Homes too often contain known asthma triggers, including secondhand smoke, dampness and mold, cockroaches and dust mites. Below is the link to the American Lung Association

www.lungusa.org

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and has been identified as a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking in the United States. EPA’s most recent health risk assessment estimates that 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year are due to radon. You can’t see or smell radon because it is a colorless, odorless gas. The only way to know whether radon exists in elevated levels in your home, and to protect your family from radon, is to TEST!

www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

Water Testing

If your family gets drinking water from a private well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? The information contained in this web site will help you answer these questions.

www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/index2.html

Phase I ESA’s

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established federal standards and practices for conducting all appropriate inquiries as required under sections 101(35)(B)(ii) and (iii) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The final rule establishes specific regulatory requirements and standards for conducting all appropriate inquiries into the previous ownership and uses of a property for the purposes of meeting the all appropriate inquiries provisions necessary to qualify for certain landowner liability protections under CERCLA.

www.epa.gov/reg3hscd/fr/2005/11/01.htm

Other Web sites of Interest

U.S. EPA

www.epa.gov

MA DEP

www.mass.gov

American Council for Accredited Certification

www.acac.org

Indoor Air Quality Association

www.iaqa.org

Certified Hazardous Materials Managers

www.ihmm.org

ASTM

www.astm.org