Dr Jackson Kung'u- Mold Specialist

Helping People Resolve Mold Problems

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How Toxic is the Mould?

I have a question regarding mould. Thank you first off for someone that is passionate about what you love to do; its great how much you share about all that you know. I’ve been contacted by a young lady that needs information. She lives in Vancouver, BC in a rancher home built in the late 80’s, or early 90’s and she is having mould problems. She just discovered on a window sill, a yellow golfball-sized fungus, that has orange dots on it. When she touched it to clean, it burst and had green goo inside. She has had a persistent cough for several months now and when she talked to the landlord about the fungus, plus black staining in the bathroom, he threatened to evict them, as he just told them that he will paint over it and not to bother him again.

The Mould Stachybotrys
The Mould Stachybotrys is know to be toxic (toxigenic)

Question: Just how much should they be concerned and/or how toxic is the mould? She is an employee of mine and she had approached me as of today of the incident(s). I thank you in advance for your time.

Answer: It’s hard to tell the type of mould and whether it’s toxigenic or not from the description only. However, all moulds are potentially a health hazard and should be removed (not painted over). The source of moisture that is promoting mould growth should be identified and corrected otherwise mould will continue growing. As for your employee, the best thing to do if the landlord is not willing to remove the mould is to move out or to seek help/advice from the public health department who may compel the landlord to remove the mould. Before reporting to any authority she should be sure that the mould is growing due to the landlord’s negligence and not her own lifestyle.

New indoor air quality guidelines on dampness and mould

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published it’s first indoor air quality guidelines on dampness and mould. The guidelines recommend the prevention or remediation of dampness- and mould-related problems to significantly reduce harm to health. According to the experts who compiled these guidelines occupants of damp or mouldy buildings, both private and public, have up to a 75% greater risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma.

A copy of the guidelines could be downloaded at http://www.euro.who.int/document/E92645.pdf

Adding insult to injury

SYDNEY (AFP) – An Australian woman who claims she developed mould on her lungs as a result of working in a damp basement was told to have sex to cure her health problems, her lawyer claimed Tuesday.

 Regina Senger is suing her employer and the owner of the building where she worked after developing headaches, respiratory and sinus problems, her solicitor Rebecca Jancauskas said.

 The Queensland property manager was allegedly forced to work alone in “pervasive, pungent” dampness with mould growing on the walls and carpet.  And tests revealed spores were sprouting in her lungs, Jancauskas said.

In a show of “flagrant disregard” for her symptoms, she was told that having sex would cure her health problems when she asked to be moved, Jancauskas added.

 “The injury and ill health caused is very substantial in that it impacts on all aspects of one’s life…the compensation could be substantial,” she said.

 Senger left the company to undergo medical treatment in March, and has only been able to return to work part-time elsewhere, Jancauskas said.

Source: Brisbane Times news at http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/have-sex-to-fix-health-woman-with-mould-on-lungs-told-20090708-dc3d.html

Mould in the fridge

Question: I wonder if you can tell me about mould that was in my fridge in my summer trailer. I went to my trailer today and did not realize that the hydro was off during the winter months.  There was mould in the freezer and also all over the inside of the fridge. Of course I threw all of the food and contents out. I washed it with Tilex which was the only thing I had on hand.  The fridge is now absolutely spotless but I am afraid to use it. Would I be better off to buy a new fridge or can I clean it with vinegar, bleach, or some other cleaner. Many Thanks.

Answer: I wouldn’t advise you to throw away your fridge simply because there was mould growing inside. I would suggest you wash it with ordinary dishwashing detergent. Rinse it thoroughly well and it should be safe to use.

Stachybotrys

Question:  Hello there. I work in a boat and recently we discovered that we had a lot of mould on our ceiling. A company came and tested the mould and it came back to be Stachybotrys or some thing similar (sorry about the spelling…). They are planning to clean the area with air cleaners and filters etc. They say that the mould is only in two of the five crew rooms and nothing in the other rooms. Is it possible to have mould so confined, or is this just my superior’s explanation. Also, I have been living here for the past year. What effect can this mould have on me? Should I be worried about any thing..?? Thank you for your help…, It’s always hard to know the truth when you work in a boat. Every thing goes through the captain, and he decides what we should know.

Again thank you for your time.

 Answer: Yes, it’s Stachybotrys or what the general public refers to as black mould. As, to whether mould can be confined to some areas, yes, it can. Generally, mould, and especially the type that requires excessive moisture such as Stachybotrys will only grow in those areas that are extremely wet.

If you’re not feeling sick, I would think there is no need for you to be worried. Not everybody is susceptible to indoor mould. Also, the effect of indoor mould is only likely to persist if an individual who is susceptible to mould continues to be exposed. Exposure to molds such as Stachybotrys is mainly through inhalation. Fortunately spores of Stachybotrys do not become airborne easily unless they are disturbed.

Contact Information

Dr. Jackson Kung'u, PhD.
Phone: 905-290-9101
Fax: 905-290-0499