The Real Estate Browser Volume 9, Issue 9 | Page 19

18 — Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — Volume 9 Number 9
www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com
“Toxic Mold Syndrome”
By Drew Howard , President, HomePro, Inc.
The original publication about pulmonary
hemorrhage fueled concerns and speculation
about the health effects of Stachybotrys char-
tarum, or “black mold”. “Black mold” is indeed unsightly, but
has not been identified as a cause of human illness.
“Toxic mold syndrome” is a legal construct, rather than a
medical diagnosis, involving unidentified disease processes,
a constellation of disparate symptoms, and reports of illness
uncorroborated by a physical examination of the patients or
a professional examination of their surroundings. Although
“black mold” or “toxic mold” has been identified in litigation as
a cause of human illness, there is no established cluster of symp-
toms or physical findings associated with this alleged disease.
There are neither diagnostic criteria nor any valid scientific
publications establishing Stachybotrys or other molds as a cause
of these diverse symptoms.
There are many practitioners who advertise themselves on
web sites as experts in “treating” victims of “toxic mold disease”,
an entity which does not exist. For large sums of money, they
will advise on numerous supplements and restrictive diets to
“extract” mold from people. Since mold is not retained within
human organs, it is pointless to spend money on such processes.
“Sick Building Syndrome”
The Environmental Protection Agency defines “sick building
syndrome” as “situations in which building occupants experi-
ence acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked
to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can
be identified”. Those effects might include headache, fatigue,
and irritation of skin, eyes, or throat, among others. Most often,
these symptoms are linked to indoor air quality problems when
a building is insufficiently ventilated or maintained.
It is possible for mold to be an indoor air contaminant, for
example in heating ducts or other areas where moisture can
accumulate and stagnate. Any number of other contaminants
may be responsible for symptoms, though; a lengthy list ranges
from bacteria, to body odors, plumbing exhaust, copy machine
fumes, cleaning agents, pesticides, bird droppings, carpeting,
and furniture.
Preventing and eliminating indoor mold
Mold spores are literally everywhere; controlling moisture
is the key to preventing their growth. Sources within homes,
businesses, and schools include leaks through roofs, walls,
and basements; condensation on windows and in bathrooms;
standing water in drains, on floors, and in heating, cooling, and
dehumidifying equipment; heating/cooling ducts; and wet floors
and carpets. Preventing mold growth requires preventing leaks,
removing standing water, venting areas prone to condensation
(especially bathrooms and kitchens), and immediately drying or
removing damp carpets and furniture. Mold-inhibiting paints
can be used indoors, and air conditioners and dehumidifiers can
be used in humid weather.
If mold is present or suspected, it is possible to assess the
building for mold and mold spores. However, there are no
nationwide standards for mold inspectors, testing methods, nor-
mal amounts of mold, or reporting formats. This makes it diffi-
cult to interpret test results and their potential implications.6,27
A process developed by EPA identifies DNA of some molds in
indoor spaces, even if the mold is hidden; this testing method is
being used experimentally.
If mold is clearly present, as determined by visual inspection
or a reputable inspector, it should be removed because it can
destroy the materials it grows on and is associated with human
health problems. Small amounts of mold on hard surfaces can
be removed with commercial mold and mildew removers, or
with a solution of bleach and water (one cup bleach to one gal-
lon water).27 Follow product instructions carefully to avoid
breathing fumes, irritating skin, or splashing chemicals in the
eyes.
Large amounts of mold require specialized removal
techniques and personal protective equipment. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency described the necessary
steps in a document entitled “Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings”. However, this document is applicable to
mold removal in homes as well.
Summary
Moisture is required for indoor mold to grow. Indoor mold
damages or destroys whatever substances it grows on. That, plus
associated odors, causes diminished quality of life in people who
spend time in such spaces. There is considerable disagreement
in the scientific community about whether adverse health effects
are actually caused by indoor mold, though most seem to agree
that spending time in damp/moist environments can contribute
to such respiratory illnesses as allergy, asthma, cough, runny