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IS IT BLACK MOLD OR IS IT MOLD THAT IS BLACK? DOES IT REALLY MATTER? Connie A. Morbach, M.S., CHMM, CIE, ASCS Sanit-Air, Inc. 966 Livernois / Troy, MI  48083 248 616-0477 cmorbach@mcleodusa.net

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Mold Facts Necessary to our environment Decay of organic materials Some are our friends Cheese Beer Bread Antibiotics

Mold Facts Always present in the indoor environment Not a problem until AMPLIFICATION occurs Growth Requirements Nutrients Proper Temperature Moisture

Mold Facts Building Materials are good nutrients High cellulose Low Nitrogen Drywall is optimum Temperature Requirements are the same as for people 58o - 85o F Moisture is limiting factor

Common Outdoor Molds Cladosporium soil, decaying plants Alternaria soil, decaying plants Epicococcum soil, decaying plants

Common Molds in Water Damaged Buildings Pencillium wood, tapestry, fiberboard, drywall moderate moisture Aspergillus wood, fiberboard, wallpaper, drywall moderate moisture Stachyboytrys Drywall, cardboard, paper, ceiling tiles High moisture requirements

BLACK MOLD “Toxic Black Mold” in Media refers to Stachybotrys More than 2000 molds are colored black Can depend on substrate CDC and EPA state all molds should be treated equally epa.org cdc.org

Bottom Line Molds can be potentially harmful and mold growth indoors should be avoided Prevention through moisture control If Found, remove mold according to EPA guidelines  (found at epa.gov)

Most Common Health Effects Asthma Activation Difficult y breathing, wheezing, coughing, can be deadly Allergic Reactions runny nose, cough, eye irritation, congestion Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Farmers Lung

Less Common Health Effects Infections rare, usually occur in immune compromised hosts young elderly HIV Chemotherapy patients Aspergillosis - problem in hospitals

Less Common Health Effects Toxicosis Mycotoxins - metabolic by-products Stachybotrys excessive bleeding fatigue headaches nausea eye irritation dermatitis difficulty concentrating

Mold Toxins Aspergillus carcinogen Penicillium kidney, liver toxins Trichoderma similar to Stachyobtrys

Building Practices That Cause Water and Mold Insufficient roof ventilation Crawlspace design Double vapor barriers Door and window installation Roof installation Basement leaks

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