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: Molds In Schools And Homes Can Be Dangerous
DEAR DR.PAUL: I am concerned because
my child goes to a very old school and there is a moldy smell.
Are molds a health risk and what can be done about them?
DR.PAUL ANSWERS: This is a very important
and timely issue of concern to parents and school personnel. It
seems that we hear stories about mold and poor indoor air quality
at an increasing rate. Molds are tiny organisms that are found
naturally in the environment. There are hundreds of different
types of molds and we know that they tend to grow in moist and
humid areas.
What are the health risks of mold exposure? This depends on the
situation. Exposure to low level of molds is probably harmless.
However, we do know that certain individuals such as: those with
respiratory allergies (asthma), young children, the elderly and
people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing
complications related to mold exposure. There are two types of
effects of molds. One is an allergic reaction to the molds whose
symptoms include:
Nasal or sinus congestion
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Rash or skin irritation
Worsening or new onset of asthma symptoms
Headache
Runny eyes
Fatigue
The other way molds harm humans is by the production of toxins.
Mold toxins can cause symptoms in both children and adults. In
rare cases, mold toxins have been related to very serious lung
damage in infants, even resulting in death. The more common symptoms
of mold toxin exposure include: fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea,
skin and eye irritation. These symptoms are very non-specific
and can be caused by other conditions too. However, if in the
presence of these symptoms there is evidence of mold exposure,
then molds are the probable cause.
Testing for molds can be quite difficult. Sophisticated and costly
tests are usually needed to detect hidden mold and toxins in schools
or other buildings. When we perform allergy skin tests to molds,
we can only test for about 10 of the hundreds molds in existence.
A skin test confirming an allergy to mold does not confirm the
presence of molds at school or at home. It just confirms that
a child is allergic to molds. On the other hand, a negative allergy
test does not mean that there has been no mold exposure (allergic
or toxin related).
The best way to determine mold presence is by following your suspicions
logically. In many cases it's easy to find mold. They are either
visible or there is a moldy smell in the suspected area(s). If
molds are found, the area has to be cleaned professionally. In
many cases, there needs to be major reconstruction in order to
properly disinfect the premises. Sadly, this is especially true
in older schools with limited (shrinking) resources which are
unable in some cases to afford regular maintenance, let alone
costly mold removal.
On a final note, here some tips to help ensure a mold-free environment:
Respond rapidly to water leaks or floods
Dry wet building materials and other objects within 48 hours
Make sure that ventilation is in working order at all times
Regularly inspect high risk areas such as roofs, ceilings, walls
and carpets for water leakage and mold growth or odor
Water damaged carpeting must be replaced
For more information on mold control please visit:
www.epa.gov/iaq/molds
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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