Mold still causes problems on Coast

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Posted on Thu, Mar. 09, 2006

Mold still causes problems on Coast

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/thesunherald/news/special_packages/renew

al/long_beach/14053725.htm

Biloxi,MS

Dear readers:

The following column was originally published Sept. 29, 2005, but

due to the continuing problem of mold and questions associated with

mold, we thought it would be appropriate to publish it again.

Hurricane Katrina devastated our Mississippi Gulf Coast. The

rebuilding has begun, but the effects of this storm will be with us

for years.

From a health care standpoint, one of the first problems will be the

prevalence of mold in our community. As many of us have already

experienced through the removal of carpet, Sheetrock, furniture and

other personal belongings from flooded homes, there is mold

everywhere.

To discuss the effects of mold, and its relationship with health, I

have invited Clay R. Bratton, M.D., to give us some insight.

Q: What types of mold are there, and how can it affect our health?

A: In general, mold spores cause an allergic reaction when they are

inhaled from the environment.

Molds can be broken down into indoor and outdoor molds.

Both will thrive in moist, dark environments and are typically more

prevalent in the summer months secondary to the increased humidity

but are present year-round.

The outdoor molds, surprisingly, reach their peak levels in the

evening when the temperature decreases.

Often, people will cut and water the lawn in the evening, which will

dramatically increase the circulating mold spores in the air.

Rain will also cause the release of mold spores, which is in

contrast to pollen, which will decrease with rain exposure.

The indoor molds are present year-round, and will be found anywhere

moisture collects.

Common places include under sinks, drains, drip pans beneath

refrigerators and freezers, condensers of air conditioners, old

books or newspapers, and shower curtains.

Due to the conditions created by Hurricane Katrina, both indoor and

outdoor molds will be much more prevalent, and Coast residents are

already beginning to feel the effects.

With the amount of tree damage, there will also be a significant

outdoor mold exposure risk as many people are working in the yards

trying to clean up.

It is advisable to wear a mask when working around any grass, leaves

or trees. Again, the mold spore count tends to increase in the

evening hours, so it would be best to avoid yardwork during these

times.

Q: What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

A: The symptoms of mold exposure can vary from person to person, but

in general, will affect the upper respiratory system and may include

sneezing, runny nose, cough or burning in the chest, wheezing, sore

throat, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, headache, irritation of

the eyes, burning of the nose or rashes and blistering of the skin.

These symptoms may then lead to recurrent sinus infections and even

pneumonia.

There are many people who are currently being treated for chronic

allergy problems with either medication or allergy injections; for

others, these symptoms may be a new experience.

There is some concern for those patients who are undergoing allergy

injections.

If they are already being treated for mold allergies, this dramatic

rise in the mold count in our environment could trigger a

significant worsening of the symptoms, and it is advised that you

contact your allergy physician immediately.

Q: How can someone decrease exposure to mold?

A: For most people, avoiding environments with visible mold or

situations known to have high mold counts will control the symptoms.

It will be a difficult task, however, given the current situation in

South Mississippi.

Any home that received any water damage should be considered to have

an increase in mold spores.

Homes that have had standing water are likely to have mold behind

the Sheetrock and in the insulation.

It is advisable to have these areas examined and cleaned

professionally, including removal of any structures that were

exposed to the water.

If there was mild water damage, and there are small patches of

visible mold, those can be cleaned with commercial mold and mildew

cleaners, or a dilution of bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts of

water).

Placing a dehumidifier in water-exposed areas can also be beneficial.

The best way to treat the symptoms related to mold exposure is

avoidance of mold.

Once again, however, this will be a very difficult task on the

Mississippi Gulf Coast for some time.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or have questions

about mold exposure, contact your physician immediately.