What is Mold and where is it found?

• Molds (fungi) spores are present EVERYWHERE - indoors and outdoors - and are a natural part of our ecology.
• They serve an important, positive role, by helping to break down organic matter, and have the potential to utilize any material as long as an available carbon source is present.
• There are more than 100,000 species of mold and their spore sizes range from 1.5 to 200 microns.
• At least 1,000 species of molds are common in the U.S.
• Some of the most common molds found are species of Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.
• Mold is likely to grow where there is water or dampness -- such as in bathrooms, kitchens, and walls with moisture intrusion, due to poor maintenance and leaks.

How can molds affect your health?

• The most common types of mold generally are not hazardous to healthy individuals. Some types of mold can cause more serious health problems, but this is much more rare.
• All fungal spores are potentially allergenic and people who have asthma, hay fever or other allergies, or have weakened immune systems are more likely to react to mold, which can result in allergy attacks and other health effects.
• Individuals exposed to high spore concentrations can all react differently, and the most common symptoms are running nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, shortness of breath and aggravation of asthma.
• Generally, about 20% of the population are not affected by normal spore concentrations, while a small percentage can develop more serious effects -- such as fevers and breathing difficulties

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 around us.
• Exposure can occur if people inhale the spores or directly handle mold-containing material and accidentally ingest it.
• Some molds can produce chemicals called mycotoxins and aflotoxins, which are secondary metabolites that may cause neurological, synergistic and cardiovascular effects when persons are exposed to large amounts in the air (typically associated with certain occupations).

What should you do if mold is present in your home or apartment?

• Although any visible mold can be tested 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 if they are airborne.
• Even if you had your home tested, it is difficult to say at what levels mold would cause health effects. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and AC maintenance, and prompt repair of water damage.
• Therefore, it is more important to get rid of the mold than find out how much and what kind is present.
• The most effective ways to treat mold are:
  • repair the defects that lead to water accumulation and/or high humidity levels
  • correct the underlying water damage and clean the affected area.
• All persons desiring to be licensed in the state of Florida as a mold assessor or mold remediator are required to take and pass a state administered examination by July 1st 2010. For more information please contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations at (850) 487-1395.

How should mold be cleaned?

• Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. The use of respiratory protection, gloves and eye protection is recommended.
• Persons cleaning mold should be free of symptoms and allergies.
• The use of common household detergent solutions is recommended.
  • Nonporous (metals, glass and hard plastics) and semi-porous (wood and concrete) materials that are structurally sound and are visibly moldy can be cleaned and reused.
  • Porous materials (ceiling tiles, insulation and wallboards) with more than a small area of contamination should be removed and discarded.
• You can add a little dish soap to a bleach and water mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to cut any dirt and oil on the wall that can hold mold.
  •  CAUTION: Do NOT add either Ammonia or Pool Acid. This can result in dangerous vapors.
• Apply the bleach and water mix to the surface with a sponge, let it sit for 15 minutes, then thoroughly dry the surface.
• 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?

• Broward County Health Department Indoor Air Quality Program
  • Mr. Imad Madi at (954) 467-4237

Other Resources on Mold

• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
• Indoor Air Quality - Environmental Protection Agency
• National Air Duct Cleaners Association