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Mold Article

What is it? Molds are organisms in the taxonomic kingdom of fungi that reproduce by making spores. They can be found continuously in outside and indoor air. Mold spores are a microscopic form of fungi. Fungi include molds as well as rusts, mildews, mushrooms and yeasts. Similar, but different, from plants fungi do not have vascular tissue that form true roots, stems or leaves. They have rigid cell walls but lack chlorophyll and can not photosynthesize. Funguses/Molds are heterotrophic and exist as parasitic or saprophytic organisms. Parasites feed off of another organism at the host's expense and saprobes feed on dead, decaying sources of organic substances. All fungi rely on living or dead organic material to obtain energy and grow. In the publication Sampling and Identifying Allergenic Pollens and Molds the author comments that fungi are most recognizable in two of their life forms. These two forms are first, the feeding or energy-accumulating phase and second, the reproductive and dispersal phase (41). Some fungi are considered pathogenic to humans and some molds release toxic chemicals called mycotoxins that are associated with severe and hazardous health risks including poisoning and death. Molds are found both indoors and outside. People are all exposed to some type of mold on a daily basis through the air they breathe, contact with skin and ingestion. Molds are a part of nature, serving as the decomposers of organic substances that are vital to plant and animal life. When molds germinate and grow large amounts of spores can be produced. Allergic, cold and flu like symptoms, or possible health risk or hazard may occur in susceptible individuals.
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Are some molds more hazardous than others? Toxins in the environment can sometimes be poisons/proteins that are created/produced by a living organism that has the potential to damage a living body. This broad associated definition is the possible premise for the common media term "toxic" mold. Specifically to mold Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Chaetomium and Stachybotrys can release chemicals called mycotoxins during the metabolic cycle that can be "toxic" to humans. These chemicals can be released freely into the air, present within the mold, the mold spores, or in the substance where the mold is growing. Exposure to mycotoxins has greater risk/hazard than irritative or allergenic molds. Mycotoxins can be present in homes, food, office buildings, and agricultural environments. The elderly, children, immune compromised individuals, asthmatics and anyone challenged by poor health can be far more susceptible, and at greater risk when exposed to mold.
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How am I exposed to molds? Mold spores cause health problems when they are inhaled in large numbers. You can also be exposed through eating and dermal contact. Most molds given the right conditions have the potential to cause some ill health effects in susceptible individuals.
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How does mold affect my health? It is not healthy for anyone to be exposed to mold inside of buildings. Some people will suffer no ill effects in a moldy environment while others may suffer from relatively brief exposure to fungal contamination. Investigation into mold related health issues are on-going nationwide. It is the subject of study by scientists, in the public and private sectors, universities, physicians, industrial hygienists and local state and federal regulatory bodies.
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What health symptoms are common with exposure? Allergic reactions are the most common mold health problem from exposure such as allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, asthma associated aggravation and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A toxic affect may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue and muscle pain. A lack of concentration and mood swings have also been reported. Rare fungal infections are usually suffered by the seriously immune compromised. Some individuals will have no reaction when exposed to molds while other susceptible individuals may suffer from more severe health risk or hazard.
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Should I have my home/workplace/school tested for mold? Should your health indicate, or circumstances warrant, a professional mold investigation and/or remediation consultation, then a call to Digital Diagnostic Laboratories can provide rapid assistance. Digital DIS-10 Professional Mold Investigators do no remediation work so there is no conflict of interest. Qualified technical and analytical staff including: microbiologists/mycologists, licensed architect, and certified Industrial Hygienist providing remediation consulting and qualified Mold Investigators are available. Laboratory mold testing analytical results reporting are provided when mold sample is received or within 24 hours.
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Why Test for Mold?
* Mold testing has always been advised if litigation is a concern, or if health issues warrant such as a physician isolating a harmful organism.
* Real property transfers are an issue: Realtors, Lenders, Building and Home Inspectors, Landlords, Tenants, Home buyers and Insurance Companies are all aware of health related concerns and associated responsibilities with fungal contamination.
* Client's suffering from a suspected mold related health issue where the indoor air quality has been tested prior to remediation can protect clients in litigation/liability.
* Most molds given the right conditions have the potential to cause ill health effects in susceptible individuals. Some people suffer no ill effects to mold exposure while others may suffer from a relatively small amount of mold mycotoxins.

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