Will Toxic Black Mold In My Home Poison Me?

Toxic black mold or stachybotrys is found by certified mold inspectors about 6% of the time in indoor air samples and about 1% of the time in outdoor samples.

According to literature and according to this inspectors experience it grows almost exclusively on very wet cellouse containing materials including paper, carpet backings, ceiling tile, and especially on drywall.

It is the most feared of all molds, due to the numerous news reports, newspaper articles, and magazine articles attributing possible brain damage, infant deaths, expensive property damage and other horrible consequences surrounding its growth in residential settings.

Many molds produce mycotoxins (toxic chemicals that molds use in a type of microbial warfare). Living things that do not possess claws, fangs, or a hard shell to use in self defense or fast legs to run away from predators, will typically revert to the use of camouflage or the production of poisons. This is very common in nature.

In reality, toxic molds like Stachybotrys also known as toxic black mold and others may have to be either consumed in mold contaminated foods, or physically handled so that excessive physical contact is made between human skin and the mold in order for toxic reactions to develop. At this time most scientists do not believe that breathing in toxic mold spores can have toxic effects on humans when inhaled at the levels typically encountered in homes and offices.

Public opinion may not be in support of the above statement and in the future we may find that the above statement is not true and perhaps one day we will find that toxic molds cause toxic reactions via inhalation but currently scientific evidence does not support the view that toxic molds can poison you via inhalation at levels found in indoor environments. To support this statement please review the following abstract from the International Journal of Toxicology Volume 23, Number 1 / January-February 2004 pages 3 to 10.

"Risk from Inhaled Mycotoxins in Indoor Office and Residential Environments

Bruce J. Kelman A1, Coreen A. Robbins A1, Lonie J. Swenson A1, Bryan D. Hardin A1 A1 GlobalTox, Inc., Redmond, Washington, USA

Abstract:

Mycotoxins are known to produce veterinary and human diseases when consumed with contaminated foods. Mycotoxins have also been proposed to cause adverse human health effects after inhalation exposure to mold in indoor residential, school, and office environments. Epidemiological evidence has been inadequate to establish a causal relationship between indoor mold and nonallergic, toxigenic health effects. In this article, the authors model a maximum possible dose of mycotoxins that could be inhaled in 24 h of continuous exposure to a high concentration of mold spores containing the maximum reported concentration of aflatoxins B1 and B2, satratoxins G and H, fumitremorgens B and C, verruculogen, and trichoverrols A and B. These calculated doses are compared to effects data for the same mycotoxins. None of the maximum doses modeled were sufficiently high to cause any adverse effect. The model illustrates the inefficiency of delivery of mycotoxins via inhalation of mold spores, and suggests that the lack of association between mold exposure and mycotoxicoses in indoor environments is due to a requirement for extremely high airborne spore levels and extended periods of exposure to elicit a response. This model is further evidence that human mycotoxicoses are implausible following inhalation exposure to mycotoxins in mold-contaminated home, school, or office environments."

Regardless of if toxic mold can poison you with mycotoxins via inhalation, it is a fact observed by this inspector many times that mold can make some people very sick. Asthma attacks, allergies, and sinus infections from mold appear to be very common. Such conditions in turn can cause people to loose sleep, loose energy and concentration, miss work, and in general feel as if they were being poisoned by mycotoxins.

Daryl Watters has a bachelors degree in education for teaching biology and general science and is a certified mold inspector, certified home inspector, and certified indoor environmentalist providing building inspections in South Florida since 1993. For more information visit http://www.floridamoldinspectors.us http://www.florida-mold-inspection.com

Mold Spores In Your Home

The below information was not provided as final and defenitive mold spore level specifications because health responses to mold spore exposures differ from person to person. Also, health responses to mold spores can be affected by the length of time you are exposed to spores, the size or type of spore you are exposed to, the levels of dust mite and roach allergens, individual sensitivity to allergens, emotional stress, general health, as well as other substances and factors that have not yet been discovered by mold inspectors. Thus, as a result mold spore levels alone at your property cannot always be relied on to always answer questions such as "Are molds in my environment making me sick."

The following information is just offered as some general helpful information and should not be relied on as any type of medical advise, see your doctor if you feel sick.

"Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments" published in 2000 by the New York City Department of Health."

The most widely accepted guideline by mold inspectors to help determine if indoor mold spore levels are indicative of a possible mold problem is the comparison of indoor and outdoor mold spore levels. Indoor mold spore levels should be similar to or lower than levels found outdoors, and the types of mold spores found indoors should be similar to types found outdoors. Most mold inspectors, certified indoor environmentalist, and industrial hygienists also will generally support the above mentioned comparison method and have determined that indoor mold spore levels should be similar in number and type to outdoor mold spore levels and types. The below listed organizations and governing bodies also support the above view.

ACGIH 1989, Canada M&H CO. 1991, ACGIH 1993, OSHA 1994, and Brazil 2000.

Burge 1990

If indoor microbial aerosols qualitatively differ from outdoor, and indoor levels are consistently more than double the outdoor levels and exceed 1000 cfu per cubic meter of air, investigate.

The following are additional helpful general guidelines all from well known and respected industry experts.

They show actual numbers of spores or coloney forming units per cubic meter of air.

Remember that> means greater than so

> 1,000 contamination means greater than 1,000 spores per cuic meter or air indicates indoor fungal contamination.

OSHA 1992 findings

> 1,000 Contamination

ACGIH 1993 Findings

> 1,000 High

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

(Air Sampling Instruments for Evaluation of Atmospheric Contaminants 1995)

100 cfu or less per cubic meter of air is low.

100 cfu to 1000 cfu per cubic meter of air is intermediate.

1000 or more cfu per cubic meter of air is high.

Much of the below information is from Worldwide Mold Exposure Standards for Mold and Bacteria, Robert C. Brandys, PhD, MPH, PE, CIH, CSP, CMR and Gail M. Brandys, MS, CSP, CMR:

Brazil Government Findings 2002

100-500 normal indoor mold spore levels per cubic meter of air, can be higher in summer.

Norway Government Findings
2,000 Health complaints.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/National Allergy Bureau findings 2002

1 - 6,499 Low- Only individuals extremely sensitive to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms.

6,500 - 12,999 Moderate - Many individuals sensitive to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms.

13,000-49,999 High Most individuals with any sensitivity to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms.

50,000 Very High - Almost all individuals with any sensitivity at all to these pollens and molds will experience symptoms.

Extremely sensitive people could have severe symptoms.

Please note that the above National Allergy Burear findings are not trying to indicate what are expected spore levels, but what levels may effect various populations if exposed to such levels outdoors. By no means should you try and use the above findings to determine what moderate indoor spore levels are. They they are not talking about indoor spore levels but outdoor spore levels. Your indoor levels should in most cases be several times lower than outdoor levels.

Caoimhin P. Connell

As a general rule, the normal indoor total fungal spore counts across the central portion of the U.S. (bounded by a latitude of, say, 35? north to 45? north), for healthy buildings (buildings not experiencing fungal problems) is usually less than 500 counts per cubic meter (counts/m3); with indoor concentrations exceeding 900 counts/m3 less than 15% of the time.4

According to my database, the viable fungi concentrations of non-symptomatic, healthy environments is not dissimilar; 383 colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3), with a 95% probability that one sample in five (21%) samples will exceed 900 CFU/m3.

The above information is from Caoimh?n P. Connell. who is a Colorado area mold expert with over 20 years experience as an industrial hygienist, he is also a law enforcement officer specializing in the identification and processing of clandestine drug labs.

He has served on three of the ASTM International Standards Committees: D22 (Indoor Air Quality), E30 (Forensic Sciences) and the E50 (Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action).

Recommended References Materials on Indoor Spore Levels For Mold Inspectors
*Worldwide Mold Exposure Standards for Mold and Bacteria, Robert C. Brandys, PhD, MPH, PE, CIH, CSP, CMR and Gail M. Brandys, MS, CSP, CMR

Daryl Watters is president of A Accredited Mold Inspection Service, Inc. He provides home, mold, and indoor air quality investigations in South Florida. He is also the creator of MIR forms designed to aid inspectors in the production of computer generated indoor air quality and mold inspection reports. For more information visit: http://www.florida-mold-inspection.com http://www.freemoldinspectionreporting.com

Deadly And Toxic Black Molds

When to talk on Molds, its removal and troubling aspects, the first thing we should know what is mold. Molds are neither animal nor plant. Molds, microscopic organisms of fungi kingdom produce the enzyme to digest organic part of the human body and spores to reproduce.

The studies show that Fungi like mildew have the well defined link with the ubiquitous airborne allergens and cause human disease especially in respiratory tracts. Stachybotrys are renowned as the black molds that are highly toxic and cause fatal pulmonary disorder. In addition to this there are some several health issues like allergies, sinus, asthma and deadly cancer are the courteous to molds.

Molds generally grow most common areas like papers, wooden surface, concrete stature, winter insulation and potted painted houses. In nature molds play an important part in decomposition in plant leaves, wood, food particles and other plant debris. Mildew is kind of a mold that is used to grow on the inaccessible areas of the houses or in commercial buildings.

Mildew are retained the presence with out any urge of food. Initially it is found that the mildew has become the visible threat when it comes in front of the eyes for the first time with tiny shape. After some time it turns itself into the bigger colonies.

There are some several ways to set steps for mold removal. They are the most renowned and easy steps to remove molds from the house or the commercial buildings.

Stop all water leaks first. Repair leaking roofs and plumbing fixtures. Move water away from concrete slabs and basement walls and allow then remain dry most of the time.

Increase air circulation within your home, especially along the inside of exterior walls, and ventilate with fresh air from outside.

Provide warm air to all areas of the home. Move large objects away from the inside of exterior wall just a few inches to provide good air circulation.

Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to make the air circulation uphold. Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Cover earth floors in crawl spaces with heavy plastic.

Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings.

Vacuum and clean your home regularly.

To stay free from the molds and mildews the natural mold removal ingredients are of immense help. The natural mold cleaners contain no harsh fumes, chemicals and even no harmful acid and it also ensures the hygienic atmosphere in the premises.

Mold can take over a home or business. Find out which mold removal products can destroy before it spreads. Learn which mold cleaners can block mold from returning.

I am a Moldy Dirty Dumpster Diver and Lovin It

When I was born they threw out the mold but I fooled them ...I grew back. Some say I was born born a dumpster diver. I will always be a dumpster diver. I love waste. Especially in Doylestown Pa my hometown. I'd rather go without most things, than buy them new, because I will wait until someone near my home will throw it away for me to find, first. I have even collected toilet paper and soap, new of course.. But I get my shoes, housewares, clothing, linens, furnishings, cleaners, paints, nuts and bolts, tools, tractors, lumber, computers...you get the idea why I am a dumpster diver.
Now what I can do with all these treasures. Some end up at Milan Hirst Nursery and Treasures which is our store at our nursery located in Milan Pa. along rt. 220 in Bradford county. Some I use as freebies.

The net is a free market at is best. I have merged my dumpster diving with my farm. I try to use and recycle as much as possible. I just love free stuff. I have found that so do a lot of other people. So we try to give them what they want. Free items. This is a lesson that I learned many years ago. I always try to offer a customer something that is free. Customers remember the free item more than items that they buy. Of all the different types of adds that I have run over the years, its the free offers that people cut out and save. After all think about coupons that people save. They don't collect product adds they will collect coupons. That is why I like to always advertise my free items. I even plan days around free give aways. When customers are at nursery I will even make up a free offer on the spot many times such as when I ask the customer, " Do you know what day it is? Do you know its free Lilac day? Let me show you a Lilac that is free today". I will then give them a lilac and say such things as every landscape needs at least one lilac. I can them show them all the different lilacs that we have and promote many different lilacs. I never give away a teaser. I make the free plant a quality gift of real value. This is what is remembered by customers.
This is a copy of my most recent email newsletter. This was an overwhelming success. We had an estimated 600% weekly sales gain by using this newsletter add.
January 2006 The Early Bird Gets the Worm---Don't Delay Free Tree Day Jan. 28Th is a Free Higan Weeping Cherry Tree Day Greetings! January 28, 2006 is free Weeping Higan Cherry Tree Day.....All members of our email club can receive a free Higan Weeping Cherry when you bring your pickup to our 5275 West Swamp Rd. Fountainville Pa. location. These trees are 10-12' tall and in 24" baskets. These trees must be picked up on the 28Th, before 5pm. sorry, no rain checks. There is a limit of one per family and you must have been a member on or before January 27, 2006 of our email club. Sincerely, Bill Hirst Free Tree Day Jan. 28Th, 2006 is Free Tree Day 5275 W. Swamp Rd. Fountainville, Pennsylvania 18923 January 28, 2006 8:00AM-5:00PM Reasons to Come to this Event We are selling 150 acres of our nursery and we must liquidate many trees and plants. Some of of plants are in quantities that would supply us for many years of sales. But we can't move that number of trees. Thus they will be either sold at a discount, destroyed, or given away. I like the last option. Thus if you bring your pickup to the farm today, Saturday the 28Th, we will give away 1 free Higan Weeping cherry to each email newsletter subscriber to Highland Hill Farm that picks up the tree by 5PM. Sorry you must be have be signed up by Jan. 27Th, to qualify. There are no rain checks. These trees are in 24 and 28 inch baskets and are app. 10-14' tall. We will help load them in your pickup. We have a total of 75 trees ready to give away while the supply lasts. All other trees and plants are 20% off today. Driving Directions to the Farm Highland Hill Farm 5275 W. Swamp Rd. Rt. 313 Fountainville, Pennsylvania 18923 myhirst@yahoo.com HTTP://www.seedlingsrus.com We will have other free tree offerings each month. So keep in touch. Within 15 minutes of this email being sent people started to arrive to make selections. We would have had no customers on this day. Yet we sold enough other stock to make this offering possible. We gave away 52 trees and this was even covered by the press showing up and giving us exposure in local papers.

Bill likes to dumpster diver and is Americas most sucessful Urban miner - farmer. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.highlandhillfarm.com http://www.huntingrelics.com and http://www.zone5trees.com