The MOLD FILES
Facts About Mold
The New York City Health Department has developed this fact sheet to address some of the most common questions and concerns regarding mold.
What is
mold and where is it found?
Mold (fungi) is present everywhere - indoors and outdoors.
There are more than 100,000 species of mold. At least 1,000 species of
mold are common in the
How can
mold affect your health?
Most types of mold that are routinely encountered are not hazardous to
healthy individuals. However, too much exposure to mold may cause or
worsen conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. The
most common symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestion, runny
nose, eye irritation, and aggravation of asthma. Depending on the
amount of exposure and a person's individual vulnerability, more
serious health effects - such as fevers and breathing problems - can
occur but are unusual.
How can
you be exposed to mold?
When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores (reproductive
bodies similar to seeds) can be released into the air. Exposure can
occur if people inhale the spores, directly handle moldy materials, or
accidentally ingest it. Also, mold can sometimes produce chemicals
called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may cause illness in people who are
sensitive to them or if they are exposed to large amounts in the air.
Large exposures are typically associated with certain occupations
(e.g., agricultural work).
How does
mold grow?
All molds need water to grow. Mold can grow almost anywhere there is
water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Most often molds are
confined to areas near the source of water. Removing the source of
moisture - such as through repairs or dehumidification - is critical
to preventing mold growth.
What is
Stachybotrys chartarum?
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a type of
mold that has been associated with health effects in people. It is a
greenish-black mold that can grow on materials with a high cellulose
content - such as drywall sheetrock, dropped ceiling tiles, and wood -
that become chronically moist or water-damaged, due to excessive
humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding.
How can
you tell if Stachybotrys chartarum is present in your home?
Many molds are black in appearance but are not
Stachybotrys. For example, the black mold commonly found between
bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys can be positively
identified only by specially trained professionals (e.g., mycologists)
through a microscopic exam.
How can
Stachybotrys chartarum affect your health?
Typically, indoor air levels of Stachybotrys are low; however, as with
other types of mold, at higher levels health effects can occur. These
include allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms), dermatitis (rashes),
sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and aggravation of asthma. Some related
symptoms are more general - such as inability to concentrate and
fatigue. Usually, symptoms disappear after the contamination is
removed.
There has been some evidence linking Stachybotrys with pulmonary hemosiderosis in infants who are generally less than six months old. Pulmonary hemosiderosis is an uncommon condition that results from bleeding in the lungs. In studied cases of pulmonary hemosiderosis, the exposure to Stachybotrys came from highly contaminated dwellings, where the infants were continually exposed over a long period of time.
What
should you do if mold is present in your home or apartment?
Although any visible mold can be sampled by an environmental
consultant and/or analyzed by a laboratory specializing in
microbiology, these tests can be very expensive - from hundreds to
thousands of dollars. There is no simple and cheap way to sample the
air in your home to find out what types of mold are present and
whether they are airborne. Even if you have your home tested, it is
difficult to say at what levels health effects would occur. Therefore,
it is more important get rid of the mold rather than find out more
about it. The most effective way to treat mold is to correct
underlying water damage and clean the affected area.
How should
mold be cleaned?
Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Persons cleaning mold
should be free of symptoms and allergies. Small areas of mold should
be cleaned using a detergent/soapy solution or an appropriate
household cleaner. Gloves should be worn during cleaning. The cleaned
area should then be thoroughly dried. Dispose of any sponges or rags
used to clean mold.
If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may indicate an underlying problem such as a leak. Any underlying water problems must be fixed to successfully eliminate mold problems. If mold contamination is extensive, a professional abatement company may need to be consulted.
Will my
health or my child's health be affected, and should we see a
physician?
If you believe that you or your children have symptoms that you
suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should see a physician.
Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure may also
be caused by many other illnesses. You should tell your physician
about the symptoms and about when, how, and for how long you think you
or your children were exposed.
Who can I
call if I suspect I have a mold problem or if I want more information?
For more information about the health effects of mold exposure and
information on the safe removal of mold, please call the New York City
Department of Health, Office of Environmental Investigations at (212)
442-3372 or the Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology
Unit at (212) 788-4290.
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