What is mold?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, molds are a type of fungi. They lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting organic materials for food. Molds produce tiny spores from which they reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold spores land on organic material and begin to grow in the presence of moisture. They digest what they are growing on in order to survive. They gradually destroy the organic materials on which they grow. Mold spores are everywhere. Mold spores are lightweight and travel through the air, including in air-conditioning systems which circulate air throughout a home or building. Molds can consume a wide variety of organic materials, including many materials such as paper and glue, which are used in homes and buildings. The key to controlling mold growth is moisture. Molds vary in color from green to black to purple. They are sometimes characterized by a strong "earthy" smell. Mold spores are lightweight and travel through the air, including in air-conditioning systems which circulate air throughout a home or building.
What causes mold growth?
Mold growth requires three components:
1. A source of food - such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt
2. A source of moisture
3. A place to grow
Can mold exposure present a health-risk?
Yes. The body can react adversely to both mold material itself (living or dead), and the spores which mold produces. Some types of mold also produce toxins. Scientists have not yet identified all of the molds which produce toxins, nor the exact effect of mold toxins on humans. Some of the molds which are known to produce toxins are: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus versicolor, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys chartarum. Aspergillus Fumigatus and Trichoderma are known to cause infections in the human body. That is, they actually grow in the human body. People with weakened immune systems due to disease or age (children and the elderly) are particularly susceptible to mold-related problems.
Exposure to mold is believed to enhance sensitivity to molds, increase the severity of asthma, or in some cases, to onset the development of asthma. The human body may respond to mold exposure with one or more of the following reactions:
- Allergic reaction
- Toxic poisoning
- Infection
Occasionally, mold may cause permanent lung damage (hypersensitivity pneumonitis). Health care providers believe that mold can also produce long-term or even permanent neurological problems such as memory loss and decreased ability to concentrate.
What are the common symptoms of mold exposure? When exposed to certain mold spores or particles, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Itchy throat
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to odors
- Shortness of breath
- Memory loss
- Skin discoloration
- Itching
- Vomiting
How do I know if I have a mold problem?
If you can see or smell mold, you likely have a mold problem. Water-damaged buildings are at high risk for a mold problem because the accumulation of excessive moisture promotes mold growth.
What are My Legal Rights Concerning Mold in my Home or Workplace?
You may have insurance claims related to mold; claims against a builder or repair person who is responsible for water-intrusion; claims against a landlord who permits rental of a mold-contaminated space; or against an employer who permits a mold-contaminated workplace to exist. You should contact an attorney for further information on your legal rights. You can obtain more information about mold from the Environmental Protection Agency, including a publication entitled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Visit the EPS website to view this publication.
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