Know the Risks: Indoor Air Quality.
- Is mold making me sick? Am I at risk?
- I think mold is making me sick. What do I do?
- What is mold?
- How can I tell if I have mold?
- Are all molds harmful?
- What makes mold grow in my house or building?
- What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
- Learn More: Other available resouces?
Have a question not listed here? Call Tim VanAmburgh @ 1.800.673.7830. EMG welcomes your environmental inquires which we will discuss without charge or obligation.
Is mold making me sick? Am I at risk?
There are no federal or state regulations (laws) on mold exposure levels but there are guidelines, standards, and recommendations established by the World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as various state and local regulatory groups. In addition, specific molds are known to cause health problems even at very low levels. It is important to know what types of mold are present, their concentrations, and how much time occupants are exposed to them to determine the specific risk level. Testing is the most accurate determinant of significant risk. There are three standard sampling methods: air sampling, swab, and tape lift samples. Each method can be analyzed for a myriad of compounds and organisms.
I think mold is making me sick. What do I do?
If you are experiencing any health concerns, please contact your doctor immediately.
If you and/or your physician believe Indoor Air Quality may play a role in your health concerns, EMG may be able to help. EMG evaluates and samples both chemical and biological contaminants as well as hazardous chemicals such as volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, solvents, molds and air pollutants.
What is mold?
Molds are naturally occurring organisms that thrive in moist conditions. Toxic molds are organisms that produce spores and mycotoxins that when touched or inhaled cause people to become ill. Not all molds are dangerous. Many factors determine the severity and categorization of a mold problem including the type of mold present, the concentration of airborne spores, and the duration of exposure. Primarily, health complications occur from inhalation and contact with live, toxic mold spores but people can experience allergic reactions to any mold and even to dead mold. In susceptible people like the young, old, chronically ill, or immunocompromised, mold can trigger a severe health crisis.
How can I tell if I have mold?
Two simple ways to identify if you have a mold problem:
- Sight– Do you see any discoloration or water damage?
- Smell- Are there any damp or musty odors?
If you see Mold growth or smell a musty odor, you should evaluate the possibility of a mold exposure problem. If you experience allergy-like symptoms or worsening of health issues after water infiltration to a structure where you spend a lot of time, you should evaluate the possibility of a mold exposure problem.
Are all molds harmful?
No, and yes. Many factors determine the severity and categorization of a mold problem including the type of mold present, the concentration of airborne spores, and the duration of exposure. Primarily, health complications occur from inhalation and contact with live, toxic mold spores but people can experience allergic reactions to any mold and even to dead mold. Toxic molds and their by-products most often cause health affects from allergic reactions, cold and flu-like symptoms to chronic illnesses. In susceptible people like the young, old, chronically ill, or immunocompromised, mold can trigger a severe health crisis.
What makes mold grow in my house or building?
The most significant factors affecting mold -related, indoor-air quality are water and humidity.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency “one-third to one-half of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage the development of pollutants such as mold s and bacteria.” The variety and inconsistency in color and appearance of molds make it difficult to distinguish one type from another and hinder visual identification of potentially hazardous ones. In addition, many are not visible but concealed within carpets, HVAC systems/air ducts, walls, ceilings and construction and furniture materials.
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is having sufficient, healthy, comfortable air inside a building. It includes adequate ventilation air, control of airborne contaminants, and maintenance of acceptable temperatures and relative humidity. Health concerns can arise with any of these factors. Common sources of contamination include fungus, bacteria and other microbiologicals from water damage, damp basements, or inadequately maintained HVAC systems. Sewer back ups can promote E.coli and coliform contamination. Other sources include unusual odors, gases, and fumes like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organics (formaldehyde, solvents, pesticides, cleaning agents, petroleum products, etc.). Although there are rare life-threatening conditions like Legionnaires’ disease and carbon monoxide and gas poisoning, most IAQ health-related concerns manifest as a cough, eye irritation, headache, rashes, and/or allergic reactions. In susceptible individuals, these reactions can be life-threatening.
EMG uses standards and sampling methods recognized by the American Industrial Hygiene Association(AIHA), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), World Health Organization(WHO), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).