Mould Species
Aspergillus - This is a very common mold and while exposure to it by people with normally functioning immune systems rarely results in disease at least sixteen species have been found to cause disease. However, people with allergies and/or asthma are susceptible to lung infection. The wife of a good friend had to retire in her early fifties, giving up a teaching career, due to lung infection by mold. This was caused by her putting old living room carpet down in a warm damp basement, where the mold thrived.
Penicillium - There are over 180 species of Penicillium and only a few are used to make antibiotics. Most grows on damp carpet, wallpaper, and fiberglass duct insulation. Toxins produced by Penicillium include penicillic acid (of course), peptide nephrotoxin, and potentially, dangerous mycotoxins.
Stachybotrys - Is easily the most infamous of the common house molds, being linked to sudden infant death syndrome. This mold likes to live on moist common building materials, such as sheet rock, ceiling tiles, cellulose insulation, and wall paper. Exposure to Stachybotrys can cause nose bleeds, cold and flu like symptoms, headaches, fever, and general listlessness. Many people experience a burning sensation in the mouth and nasal passages. This mold can also cause skin rashes.
These are just the three most common molds, usually test results will indicate eight to twenty different types of molds or fungus, of which each type may represent hundreds of species. The kinds of molds and fungus found will vary according to the ambient conditions, region of the world, and the time of year
Immediate Protective Actions
If mold is found to be contaminating a building the first thing is to check it for visible mold growth, temperature and humidity. Roofs and condensing equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioning units should be checked for leaks. Stand pipes and the HVAC system should also be checked. Visible mold may be scrubbed with detergent and thoroughly ventilated until it is dried.
Mold Abatement Techniques
Most mold abatement jobs are undertaken by the same professionals who work with asbestos and lead paint. A good contractor will understand the importance of complete cleanliness when preparing, or clearing an abatement site. The aggressive use of the HEPA vacuum and periodic sterilization of vacuum tools is very important to a successful abatement.
Usually it is only necessary to block off the ventilation ducts and put plastic sheeting over furniture to be protected from the abatement process, especially file cabinets. Window treatments and other removable textiles are usually removed prior to treatment and sent out for cleaning. Then damaged building materials are removed.
When treatment is completed the areas are re-tested to assure the successful abatement of the building.
