Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment

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Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment

287 Lacewood Drive, Unit 103, Suite 178

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 3Y7

902 / 457-3002, 861-1851, 443-6237, 885-2395

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www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/education/CASLE/mould_iaq.html

Mould and School Indoor Air Quality

Mould overgrowth has been a common problem in Nova Scotia Schools,

and there are serious health concerns surrounding this. Allergic

reactions depend on the susceptibility of the individual. Once one

becomes sensitive, very low exposure levels can cause symptoms. For

sensitive individuals these can be severe.

Moulds can, however, also adversely affect the health of non-

allergic individuals. " Responses to inhalation may be mild and non-

observable, may be acute and severe with flu-like symptoms, may

cause irreversible change in lung functions after continuous chronic

exposure, or may cause death. " (Significance of Fungi in Indoor Air,

Health Canada, p.S9, 1987)

" If there is mouldy odour in any indoor space, that is sufficient

indication that mould is present, and that remediation should be

done without regard to the kind of mould present. (Personal

communication, Dr. Harriet Burge, Harvard University School of

Public Health)

The basic classifications for mold are infectious, allergenic and

toxic. Allergic reactions are the most common and can include the

following symptoms: watery eyes, runny nose, itching, rashes, hives,

nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties,

headache, dizziness, fatigue and in extreme cases tremors. An

allergic reaction occurs only after repeated exposures and the

reaction may become more severe after multiple exposures. Mold is a

known irritant to asthma sufferers.

Toxic mold produces mycotoxins that can cause damage to a variety of

organs and tissues in the body including the liver, central nervous

system, lungs, digestive tract and immune functions. Some of the

symptoms related to toxic mold exposure can be in the form of

dizziness, fatigue, tremors, headaches, body bruising, nosebleeds,

mood swings, depression, breathing difficulties, and

immunosuppression. The mold Stachybotrys chartarum has been blamed

for the death of ten infants in the Cleveland area. This mold

produces the toxin trichothecene satratoxin H which attacks the

respiratory system to produce coughing, congestion and bleeding of

the lungs. Other molds which produce toxins include some strains of

the following species: Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus,

Fusarium, Penicillum, Trichoderma, and Trichothecium.

A few fungi can invade living cells and cause infectious diseases.

Two such types of fungi are Aspergillus and Fusarium. Most

infectious diseases caused by fungi occur to those individuals who

are immune-compromised such as those with severe burns, AIDS, those

hospitalized for cancer treatment and those individuals who have

lung diseases.

Mould Removal:

The most effective way to control moulds is to eliminate moisture.

Repair leaks, remove damaged/contaminated plaster wood and etc.,

clean and disinfect the remaining hard surfaces. Increased

ventilation can also assist in discouraging renewed mould growth by

drying surfaces and by limiting dampness from condensation.

When dealing with mould removal, experts recommend using the safe

work practices used for the removal of asbestos. Persons removing

moulds should be healthy and free of symptoms. Isolation of the work

area, protection of workers and others, and thorough clean-up

afterward are essential. If the mould growth is extensive, it may be

wise to hire a professional abatement company.

CAUTION: Chemical Sprays that coat surfaces and inhibit further

mould growth may be useful tools as long as they are not used to cut

corners where more expensive remedial work is needed. Also, some of

these are less toxic than others, and care in choice is recommended.

Examples of Toxic Mold

Alternaria sp.- It is often found in carpets. textiles, and on

window frames. It has been associated with hypersensitivity

pneumonitis. Alternaria alternata is capable of producing mycotoxins

which can be related to asthma attacks, bronchiospasms and pulmonary

emphysema.

Aspergillis veriscolor - It is commonly found in soil, hay, cotton,

dust and dairy products. It can produce the mycotoxin

sterigmatocystin and cyclopiaxonic acid. These toxins can cause

diarrhea and upset stomach, eye, nose and throat irritation,

respiratory irritation, headaches and fatigue. It is reported to be

a liver and kidney carcinogen.

Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Penicillium brevicompactum - They

can be found on paint, in soil, decaying plants, foods, and

textiles. These two types of Penicillium release mycotoxins into the

air. Pencillium spores may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis,

allergic skin reactions, headaches, itchy eyes, and asthma attacks.

Stachybotrys chartarum - It is found in building material with a

high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content, which is wet.

This mold can produce trichothecene mycotoxins which can be

responsible for the following symptoms: cold and flu symptoms, sore

throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, memory loss,

asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and tremors. The toxins

produced by this fungus will suppress the immune system. It has been

known to kill hogs and cattle. It has also been blamed for the death

of several infants. The dead spores are still allergenic and

toxigenic when inhaled.

Trichoderma sp. - It is found in soil, dead trees, paper and pine

needles. It produces antibiotics which are toxic to humans. This

mold can often be found on window ledges.

When considering mold test results, the following occurrences should

be of concern:

_ mold that is not found in outdoor samples, but is found in indoor

samples,

_ molds producing mycotoxins which are found in an indoor building,

_ high counts of spores, or spore counts that are higher indoors

than outdoors.

- S. Moser and K. , for CASLE

References:

" Airborne Fungal Glossary " , University of Minnesota. 1996.

Indoor Air Quality in Schools. Cutter Information Corporation. 1996.

, ,MS, CIH. " The Toxic Moulds Among Us " , 1994.

Kloeppel, . " Emissions from Mold and Fungus May Cause Indoor

Air Problems " , Georgia Tech

Research Corporation. 1996.

Rand, T., PhD. Saint 's University. 1997.