HealthLine: What's That Smell?

For those of you with basements out there, a musty smell may mean an older home with character and one that has survived years of use.  In other homes, it may indicate a more serious health hazard.

Toxic mold exposure has received a lot of attention over the last few years, because more and more cases are being found.  It has also sparked a controversial debate, especially in the workforce, as to its inherent validity.

Molds are microscopic organisms present throughout the air and are most commonly found in household and workplace dust.  It grows predominantly in damp environments.  Some molds produce mycotoxins which are associated with allergic reactions and, in some cases, severe, irreversible damage to human health.

Most mold poses no threat to health, but certain molds are dangerous; stachybotrys, black mold, penicillium, found in musty basements and aspergillus, an indoor mold.  These molds have been shown to be associated with respiratory illness, skin rashes, memory problems, brain damage, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer, leukemia and liver cancer.

Mold will lead to human illness when it is inhaled or ingested.  There are four environmental factors that create a breeding ground for mold; mold circulating in the environment, food, temperature and moisture.  Of the four factors, moisture is the easiest to control.  A humidity level of 70% is needed for mold to grow.

25% of US homes are suspected of harboring toxic mold.  In the 1970’s construction techniques changed and buildings became more airtight and materials such as drywall came into use.  When you combine sheetrock with a plumbing leak, or other source of moisture, you have an environment for mold to flourish.  25% of the US population has the genetic capability to experience chronic inflammation from toxic mold exposure, but only 2 % experience symptoms.

Toxic mold targets myelin, the sheath surrounding the nerves of the human body thereby negatively impacting the nervous system.  Symptoms of toxic mold exposure are varied and many; memory loss, anxiety, personality disorders, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, hair loss, skin rashes, fatigue, numbness in limbs, headaches, mood swings, pain in the limbs, cough, sore throat, rectal bleeding, tremors and fibromyalgia.

In the home, mold loves to grow in: air conditioning ducts, vinyl wall coverings, washing machines, bathrooms, humidifiers, basement walls, closets, refrigerator drip trays, air conditioners, garbage pails, mattresses, foam rubber pillows, attics, carpet and upholstery.

You can protect yourself from mold by incorporating the following measures; check for water stains, keep the humidity in your home, especially in the summer, under 55%, repair water problems quickly, redirect sprinkler systems away from the walls of your home, keep the air conditioner set at the highest temperature you can tolerate, use a ceiling fan, remove condensation from windows and clean up any mold you find with bleach and water.

Be strong, don’t let the microbes get you!