Important Information About Mould Exposure
What is Mould?
Mould Exposure Information – Moulds are members of the biological kingdom Fungi. Which is distinguished, along with bacteria, from the other kingdoms. By the way, it grows and derives nutrients (through absorption rather than ingestion). There are over 100,000 identified species of moulds and it is likely another 100,000 have yet to be discovered. Of these, only a relative handful have been studied for their benefits and health risks.
Mould requires moisture to grow. In the presence of moisture, moulds secrete enzymes. These enzymes break down the nutrient source. Hence allowing it to serve as food, which supports continued growth. The key to controlling mould growth is to control the moisture within the building.
What Species of Mould are Risks to Health?
Several species moulds associated with health risks. Which could also be associated with water-damaged buildings.
Stachybotrys chartarum which is probably best known of moulds. The species of mould that is mostly referred to as the Toxic Black Mould or the killer mould. S. Chartarum (also known as S. atra). As well as S. chlorohalonata. These fungi are all frequently associated with poor indoor air quality and feature frequently in medical reports and journals. Found on TV Articles and in the press (Media) which the public then tends to make it an enemy.
Mould Exposure Information
No:1. Other mould species may be equally as hazardous health-wise, as there are hundreds of moulds that are “black” in colour. The colour of many moulds varies with a food source and other factors. Stachybotrys being a killer mould, there have been some cases where Stachybotrys or other moulds have been suspected as the primary cause of death in a healthy individual, but these instances are very rare.
The More Dangerous Species of Mould
Several other groups of moulds related to water-damaged buildings include species of the Penicillium, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Trichoderma, and Cladosporium genera, to name a few. Many of these moulds may, when conditions are appropriate, produce chemicals called mycotoxins during their growth cycle. Mycotoxins may be capable of causing adverse health effects at very low concentrations.
Active mould growth produces a musty odour you notice when you enter a mouldy building. Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC’s) are a by-product of mould digesting its food and are the cause of these malodours.
The difference is that mould exposures inside are generally both quantitatively and qualitatively different. They disperse when mould spores grow and are released into the air outside. Exposures for people in the vicinity are limited.
Mould Remediation in Schools and Buildings
During the germination phase. The spores settle on the surfaces and remain inactive until they can absorb moisture and nutrients from the substrate.
Mould growth can occur when moisture problems begin. Building occupants may start reporting odours or a variety of health problems could start.
Mould Removal
Symptoms associated with mould exposure can include breathing difficulties, headaches, allergic reactions, skin rashes, and aggravated asthma symptoms, among many others.
The safety of building occupants and workers performing any mould repairs (remediation) must always be taken into consideration.
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The most effective way to eliminate mould growth is to remove it from materials that can be cleaned and to discard materials that cannot be cleaned or are physically damaged beyond use.
Experts must provide Provide natural or local exhaust ventilation during all cleaning steps.
All Moulds Can Be Dangerous
All moulds have the potential to cause health effects. Allergen production and irritant mould can affect the well being of occupants and remediation workers.
Hence, the reactions of the individuals exposed to mould and the severity of the symptoms may vary based on the types and concentrations of moulds present. The duration of the exposure and the sensitivity of the individual(s) exposed.
Some building materials, such as drywall with vinyl wallpaper over it or wood panelling, may act as vapour barriers, trapping moisture underneath their surfaces and thereby providing a moist environment where mould can grow.
Exposure to mould can include the following types of reactions:
Allergic reactions to mould are common and can be set off by breathing spores or by skin contact with mould when the person has an increased level of sensitivity. Reactions can be immediate or delayed. They may include sneezing, runny nose, and/or itchy eye irritation exposure to a sufficiently high concentration of mould that may cause a previously non-sensitive individual to become sensitive. Mould spores and spore and cell fragments may be capable of producing allergic reactions whether the moulds are dead or alive (viable).
Mould spores range from ~1 micron to over 100 microns in size. Most moulds associated with water-damaged buildings have spores that range from 2 to 10 microns in size.