[5] _Mold and Moisture - Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings_ (http://www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html) 07-05-2008
Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds need both food and water
to survive; since molds can digest most things, water is the factor that
limits mold growth. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors.
_http://www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html_
(http://www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html) (HTML)
[6] _Mold and Moisture - Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/append_b.html) 07-04-2008
Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds need both food and water
to survive; since molds can digest most things, water is the factor that
limits mold growth. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors.
_http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/append_b.html_
(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/append_b.html) (HTML)
[7] _Regional Center for Environmental Information_
(http://www.epa.gov/Region3/rcei/faq/Mold.htm) 07-04-2008
Regional Center for Environmental Information
_http://www.epa.gov/Region3/rcei/faq/Mold.htm_
(http://www.epa.gov/Region3/rcei/faq/Mold.htm) (HTML)
[8] _EPA - Children's Health Initiative: Toxic Mold_
(http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/child.htm) 07-01-2008
Outbreaks of the fungi Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum) are under
investigation for an association with the deaths of infants in Cleveland, Ohio,
and serious health problems in other areas of the U.S. Although not widely
found, Stachybotrys chartarum has been studied for the last 20 years. The follow
ing is documented. Chartarum produces toxigenic spores that are potentially
hazardous, especially when the air-conveyance system is involved.
_http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/child.htm_
(http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/child.htm) (HTML)
[9] _Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals_
(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html) 06-30-2008
Indoor air pollution poses many challenges to the health professional. This
booklet offers an overview of those challenges, focusing on acute conditions,
with patterns that point to particular agents and suggestions for
appropriate remedial action.
_http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html_
(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html) (HTML)
Aflatoxin B1 is perhaps the most well known and studied mycotoxin. It can be
produced by the molds Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and is
one of the most potent carcinogens known. Ingestion of aflatoxin B1 can cause
liver cancer. There is also some evidence that inhalation of aflatoxin B1
can cause lung cancer. Aflatoxin B1 has been found on contaminated grains,
peanuts, and other human and animal foodstuffs. However, Aspergillus flavus and
Aspergillus parasiticus are not commonly found on building materials or in
indoor environments.
Much of the information on the human health effects of inhalation exposure to
mycotoxins comes from studies done in the workplace and some case studies or
case reports._*_ (http://www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html#Note:_) Many
symptoms and human health effects attributed to inhalation of mycotoxins have been
reported including: mucous membrane irritation, skin rash, nausea, immune
system suppression, acute or chronic liver damage, acute or chronic central
nervous system damage, endocrine effects, and cancer. More studies are needed to
get a clear picture of the health effects related to most mycotoxins.
However, it is clearly prudent to avoid exposure to molds and mycotoxins.
