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(not a misspelling but the actual scientific way to spell the word)
January 24, 2006
The evening began with a presentation from Paula Vance, SM (NRM), SM (ASCP) CLS (M), CIE, Vice President, Environmental Consulting and Technical Services for Microbiology Specialists Inc. Ms Vance has worked in public health and hospital microbiology since 1974 with particular expertise in mycology, mycobacteriology, pathogenic bacteriology, and virology. In the mid 1980's she began specialize in investigating and identifying microorganisms involved in building-related problems, demonstrating particular expertise in devising innovative technique for specimen collection, processing, and analysis. She performs bio-burden testing, sterility checks, "clearance criteria" testing and post remediation assessments and testing.
The presentation began with an explanation of the biological agents that contribute to indoor air pollution. The primary agents are; algae, arthropods and insects, bacteria, fungi, pets, plants, protozoa, and viruses, their reservoirs and nutrient sources.
Paula recommended that the mattress and pillow protectors used to control the dust mites found in your bed that unless you go a step further by duct taping over the zippers because the dust mites are so small they slip through the zipper and defeat the intent of the protector. Because mites need about a 60-70% humidity to reproduce when they come out they come out to bread and feed on human tissue.
Mould is a type of fungus. It grows on surfaces in masses of branching threads which resemble dense cobwebs or dust. The fertile threads (minute reproductive cells), often stand up from the surface and release their spores into the air. Spores are carried by air currents or by adhering to insects or animals. Active mould is microscopic. You can not see it until it reaches epidemic proportions. Mould can be any color, depending on the species and what it is growing on.
There are over 100,000 known living species of fungus and mycologists estimate that there may be as many as 200,000 more unidentified species. It is important to understand that just as mould grows outward, it also grows down, into the substrate of the host material be that building materials or books, bindings, paper, or leather.
Potentially toxic are mould glucans, constituents of fungal cell walls, which can cause immune reactions, resulting in mucous membrane irritation, headache, muscular pain, cough, and chest tightness.
Mycotoxins are poisonous secondary metabolites of fungi, chiefly produced by Fusarium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus, all of which are common to buildings and collections. Mould cell walls have a similar material as the cockroach. Mould spores can remain dormant until conditions are favorable and then successfully reproduce. Mould is best removed while in the vegetative state (while wet). Most moulds need between 30-60% humidity to sporolate (reproduce).
Mould investigations should be done by a certified industrial hygienist, certified indoor environmentalist, environmental scientist, Texas licensed mold assessment consultant, environmental engineer, safety engineer or a certified environmental microbiologist. They should evaluate the health of those occupying the living space; identify visible or potential microbial growth, sources of moisture, and pathways for dissemination of microorganisms. They may take samples of dust, building materials, water and or air. The consultant will use the data acquired to recommend a course of action needed. Paula gave many examples of colonizing fungi with correlating indoor construction and finishing materials. For more information contact micro@microbiologyspecialists.com.
The second speaker for the evening was Dr. Mani Skari, Ph.D. a professor at Texas A & M University-Kingsville Citrus Center and a plant pathologist. He focused on proactive construction tactics concerning mould. Dr. Skaria used his personal experience with mould to evaluate mould sources. He found examples of water leakage on the HVAC duct line, concentric water damage on ceiling tiles. He noticed a low attic temperature indicating HVAC duct leak, a source of water condensation and mould growth. He had pictures of dust mites carrying mould spores, corroborating Paula's suggestion for bedding protection.
Sources for mould in buildings are condensation in the HVAC system, moisture from the foundation, water leaks, roof appliances, exterior walls, and windows. Dr. Skaria gave specific solutions he used when building his own home in south Texas. He used special water barrier membranes for the roof, windows and foundation. Proper installation and sealing of windows or stucco wrap is very important. He used foamed insulation on the walls and roof to help reduce the moisture inside the home. Pipe joints and penetrations in the walls were tape sealed. He used and efficient HVAC system and used an improved duct line system. He decided on a tankless water heater and a dry-lock toilet to avoid future water leakage.
The final speaker Sue McDonald gave those gathered an insightful lecture from the human health perspective. She personally has experienced the toxicity of mould. She gradually began experiencing minor health problems such as occasional headaches, joint problems, morning fatigue, allergies, difficulty sleeping, sinus infections, hot flashes, and others. After renovating a 6,000 square foot home her symptoms dramatically increased in severity. Almost over night she became not just sensitive but "wildly" sensitive to almost everything imaginable; foods, fragrances, fabric softeners, paper, plastics, mould, pets, and electricity. Her health was devastated.
The smallest exposure to chemicals she used to be able to tolerate became incapacitating to her. By educating herself about environmental illness (E.I.) and making the necessary changes to her environment she has regained a large part of her health back. She has had a recent set back due to exposure to mould. She had an old pair of gloves. She had them cleaned and did not consider the hibernation period of moulds. After wearing the gloves for about 10 hours she noticed a dramatic decline in her health. She is now rebuilding her immune system. It will possibly take her years to be able tolerate many of the items that just a few months ago were not a problem. Sue provides a service to our community by presenting a free workshop once a month. The name of the workshop is, "What You Don't Know Can Hurt You". If you are interested please call 713-937-8630 or go to www.suemcdonald.net.
The toxicity level of mould to humans by inhalation is serious. Mould inhaled can be forty (40) times greater than that gained by ingestion. And please remember that even if you think you have killed the mould, it is still respirable and still an allergen. It can still have health consequences, even after it is dead.
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