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Black Mould Associated With Health
Problems:
Although there are many varieties of mold that are benign or even
beneficial (think of blue cheese and penicillin), some are very toxic
to humans and pets. Many common health problems, including some that
are very severe, have been related to living or working in an
environment that is contaminated with toxic mold. One of the worst
is the black mold known as Stachybotrys atra, a member of a family of
molds that produce airborne mycotoxins which can cause serious
breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like
symptoms, and bleeding in the lungs.
Mycotoxins:
Mycotoxins are produced
by some species of molds as part of their natural defense mechanism
which gives them a competitive edge in nature. The mycotoxin adheres
to the outside of the spores that the molds produce as part of their
reproductive process. Whether the spore is viable (alive and able to
start growing if put into the right environment) or is non-viable
(dead) does not make a difference to the toxicity of the spore from a
health prospective. This is one of the main reasons why remediation
using chemicals does not remove the health risks.
There are over 220 known
and recorded mycotoxins and the number is continually growing as more
research is being done. Many of these mycotoxins are harmful to humans
and animals when inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. The
mycotoxins can produce both long term and short term health effects
depending on the type. These health effects include dermatitis (skin
rashes), sore throats, head aches, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, cold
and flu like symptoms, coughing, asthma and breathing difficulties,
nose bleeds and infections. Mycotoxins have also been linked to
medical conditions such as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary
Hemosiderosis and Cancer.
Some Mycotoxins:
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Aflatoxins:
is one of the most potent carcinogen
known to man and has been linked to a variety of health
problems. Aflatoxins are primarily produced by Aspergillus.
Ochratoxin: is
primarily produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium. This type
of toxin damages the kidneys, liver, immune system and is a
suspected carcinogen.
T-2 Toxin:
is a trichothecene
produced by Fusarium and Stachybotrys and is one of the more
deadly toxins. T-2 if ingested in sufficient amounts can
severely damage the entire digestive tract, causing rapid
death due to internal hemorrhage. T-2 has also been
implicated in toxic aleukia, pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding
of the lungs).
Fumonism: is a toxin associated with
Fusarium. Fumonism causes leukoencephalomalcia or
liquefaction of the brain in animals. In humans it has been
linked to esophageal cancer.
Vomitoxin: is associated with
Fusarium which can cause acute gastrointestinal illness.
Citrinin:
is produced by
Penicillium and Aspergillus. This toxin can cause renal
damage and bronchial constriction.
Satrotoxin H:
are mainly produced
by Stachybotrys charturum and Trichoderma viridi. High doses
or chronic low doses are lethal.
Gliotoxin:
is an
immunosuppressive toxin produced by Alternaria, Penicillium
and Aspergillus.
Patulin:
is a mycotoxin
produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus which causes
hemorrhaging in the brain and lungs.
Sterigmatocystin:
is produced by
Aspergillus versicolor and is considered to be carcinogenic.
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Facts About Toxic Mould:
The following is adapted from The Environmental Assessment Association
- Mould Awareness Inspection
Health
Problems Associated with Toxic Mould:
Is your family at risk? Do you have black mold in your home or
office? Don't take chances with your family's health. If you have
family members, residents or occupants who experience any of the
following conditions, it may indicate that mold is present in their
environment:
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allergies
asthma
skin rashes
fatigue
depression
unexplained irritability
flu-like symptoms
trouble breathing
coughing |
sinus
congestion
nausea
sneezing
runny nose
loss of memory
loss of hearing
loss of eyesight
bloody noses
arthritic-like aches |
chronic
headaches
"crawly" feeling skin
epileptic-like seizures
upper respiratory distress
irritation of the eyes,
nose or throat
restlessness
equilibrium or balance
loss
dizziness or stuffiness |
Once the mycotoxins
are produced they remain attached to the spore.
If you have a wall
with mold and you spray bleach on it
you will kill it.
However, these dead
spores when inhaled still retain the mycotoxins.
You will have the
same health problems.
About Moulds:
Moulds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any
substance when moisture is present. Outdoors, many molds live in the
soil and play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other
plant debris. Without molds we would all be struggling with large
amounts of dead plant matter. Moulds break down plant materials by
digesting them, using the plant material for food.
Moulds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds.
Mould spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When
mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and
digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are
molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, even dynamite.
When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth
will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains
undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate
all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to
control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
All molds can cause health problems such as asthma episodes in
individuals with an allergic reaction to mold, but the effects of
mold on the human body are not fully understood. The Center for
Disease Control in the USA states, "The hazards presented by molds
that may contain mycotoxins should be considered the same as other
common molds which can grow in your house". Even people who seem to
be immune to the effects of mold can become sensitized and start
showing symptoms after repeat exposures.
Mould
health problems can be broken down into 3 groups:
1) Allergenic- Causing allergy
and asthma symptoms. Up to 32% of all asthmatics are sensitive to
molds. A study performed by the Mayo Clinic found 93% of patients
with chronic sinusitis were caused by mold.
2) Pathogenic- A disease caused
by mold. Diseases associated with mold are usually caused by high
exposure or found in immune compromised individuals.
3) Toxic- Mycotoxins are
secondary metabolites (toxins not necessary for survival) produced to
kill other fungi competing for the molds food and water. Mycotoxins
are highly carcinogenic and can cause serious health effects in almost
anybody. They are neurotoxins (cause neurological damage) which can
enter the body through digestion, skin or the respiratory system.
Three of the most dangerous types of mold that produce mycotoxins
are:
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Stachybotrys
Also known as "Stachy", "Black mold" and "Toxic mold",
Stachybotrys is characterized by its slimy shiny appearance. It
is probably the most dangerous of the molds. Stachybotrys needs
a lot of water to grow. It feeds on high cellulose materials
with a low nitrogen requirement like paper, carpet, wood, etc.
It takes 48 hours to begin growing and is often found where slow
leaks have been discovered. Because the spores are heavy and wet
they usually are not airborne, but when the mold becomes
dehydrated or dies, the Stachybotrys poisons take to the air.
Stachybotrys has been linked to lung disorders and brain damage.
Aspergillus
Can be yellow, green or black in colour. There are 150 species,
15 of which are common in dwellings. Aspergillus is easily
airborne and produce aflatoxins which are the most extensively
studied mycotoxins. They are more toxic than many known
industrial cancer causing substances.
Penicillium
Can be white, blue/green, or green in color. Extremely common in
buildings. Penicillium produces over 100 classes of mycotoxins.
Its spores are easily airborne and it thrives in indoor
environments. |
For a Mould
Inspection, please click
here.
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