Mold exposure poses health risks

By Karin Haugrud | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, June 23, 2007

Children, pregnant women and the elderly have immune systems that are more vulnerable. That makes them at a higher risk for serious health problems from mold exposure.

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust.

The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply: moisture, nutrients and a suitable place to grow. Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.

n Can mold make my family and me sick? Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments.

People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict.

The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.

n What symptoms might you see? Generally, the majority of common molds are not a concern to someone who is healthy although the most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as nasal and sinus congestion, cough, breathing difficulties, sore throat, skin and eye irritation, and upper respiratory infections

n Are the risks greater for some people? Long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone, however infants and children, elderly people, individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma persons having weakened immune systems. Those with special health concerns should consult with their doctor.

n How do I tell if I have a mold problem? If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.

Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings.

Search areas with noticeable mold odors. Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage such as water leaks, standing water, water stains, or condensation problems. For example, do you see any watermarks or discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpet, woodwork or other building materials?

n Should I test for mold? The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors.

This article is made possible with Older Americans Act dollars from the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging. Call the Senior LinkAge at 800-333-2433 to speak with an information specialist, or check out our website at MinnesotaHelp.info.

The site includes more than 12,000 agencies and 44,000 services across the state of Minnesota.

Karin Haugrud is a Senior LinkAge specialist in Fergus Falls.