Dr Jackson Kung'u- Mold Specialist

Helping People Resolve Mold Problems

Contact Us

Dr. Jackson Kung’u (PhD)- Mold Specialist.
Phone: 905-290-9101
Mobile: 437-556-0254

Home | indoor molds

indoor molds

Health Effects of Mold

All molds are potentially a health hazard. While majority of common molds are not a concern to individuals who are healthy, the health effects of most of the indoor molds are not known. Some symptoms associated with mold exposure are also highly controversial. Health effects of mold include:

1. infection;

2. allergic reactions (i.e., allergy);

3. mycotoxin poisoning.

 Infection

Infection of healthy individuals by indoor molds is very rare. Occasionally, however, immunocompromised individuals may be infected by some opportunistic pathogens such as species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium.

Allergic Reaction

It’s estimated that about 20% of the human population is allergic to normal spore concentrations. The rest 80% would require exposure to higher spore concentrations. Health effects of mold partly depends on the amount of mold an individual is exposed to. However, with the large number of mold species and strains growing in buildings and the large inter-individual variability in human response to mold exposure it’s hard to define what is “normal” or “high” mold spore concentration.

Mycotoxins

Apart from infections the most well known health effects of mold is mycotoxin poisoning. Some common molds such as Aspergillus flavus, Stachybotrys chartarum, Fusarium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, and Trichothecium produce substances (mycotoxins) that are toxic to humans, animals or other microorganisms. A number of mycotoxins are not only toxic but are also highly potent carcinogens. Spores of toxin producing molds contain mycotoxins. Majority of mycotoxins are not volatile and therefore mycotoxin exposure is likely to occur through inhalation of spores and dust. Evidence that inhaled mycotoxins affects human health is circumstantial.

Minimizing Exposure To Mold

The best way to deal with the health effects of mold is to minimize exposure to mold. Exposure to mold can be minimized by improving the indoor air quality. Here are some steps one can take:

  • Controlling humidity and letting more air into the house by ensuring sufficient ventilation. This prevents moisture from building up on walls and windows. If there is excessive humidity, mechanical ventilation such as a fan may be needed to get rid of it.
  • Measuring humidity by using a hygrometer to see if a de-humidifier is needed. The relative humidity should be kept below 50% in summer and 30% in winter.
  • Repairing leaky roofs, walls, and basements.
  • Cleaning moldy surfaces with a detergent.
  • Keeping the house clean and dust-free.
  • Regularly cleaning and disinfect humidifiers, de-humidifiers, and air conditioners.

If you have a question regarding health effects of mold, contact us at 905-290-9101.

How To Get Rid Of Mold Growth

Many people and even institutions would be happy if they could find a way of getting rid of mold. Unfortunately it’s almost impossible to get rid of mold completely. However, if we understand the conditions that support mold growth, we could then try to manipulate those conditions so as to control mold growth. Mold growth has the following requirements:

1. Presence of spores or mold fragments that are capable germinating (viable) and developing into new mold growth.

2. Moisture. Like any other living organism mold requires water for growth.

3. Nutrients. Nutrients are readily available as some components of building materials are made of easily degradable organic materials. Nutrient are also available in dust.

4. Suitable temperature. For most indoor molds the optimal temperature for growth is between 20 and 25 oC.

The last two mold growth requirements would be difficult to manipulate. As mentioned above some materials in buildings are readily degradable by microorganisms. As for the temperature, mold can grow at a wide range of temperature and it’s optimal temperature is similar to that required in buildings for human comfort.

To control mold growth, therefore, we need to try and reduce or eliminate spores/mold fragments and water in our buildings. We could reduce the amount of spores and/or mold fragments settled on interior surfaces in buildings by HEPA vaccum cleaning all surfaces that are prone to dust on a regular basis.

To be able to control moisture, we need to understand the sources and also the mechanisms by which moisture moves through the building. The primary sources of moisture in buildings include:

1 . Liquid water, from precipitation (rain and melting snow) or plumbing leaks;

2. Water vapor (condensation), from the exterior and from activities and processes within the building;

3. Liquid and vapor from the soil adjoining the building;

4. Moisture built-in with materials of construction or brought in with goods and people

 Controlling moisture in the building may require the help of a professional who understands the processes by which moisture moves in and through the building. To completely get rid of mold growth in a building is difficult.