Published: February 19, 2007 10:41 am            

Officials working against mold

What is it that causes learning disabilities, trouble with concentrating at work, asthma, a congested and runny nose, flu-like symptoms and fatigue? The reason for these problems might be due to something that is microscopically small and pervasive in the indoor environment. But it’s not necessarily a virus or bacteria.

When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita roared ashore, wreaking havoc with their winds and ocean surges in 2005, the Gulf Coast had only seen part of the way in which nature is dangerous. In the ensuing days following the floods, the carpets, plasterboard, wood and ceiling tiles in homes that were still standing began to once again host life. This time, however, the life form was not human.

The Gulf Coast had become a massive toxic waste dump of mold. As people returned to the remains of their homes, many found that, while still standing and structurally sound, their homes were not salvageable after all. Remediation of the mold infestation in these homes, businesses, schools and churches, it turned out, was more expensive than tearing them down and rebuilding. There was even question as to where the mold-ridden wreckage could be disposed of safely. The problem of disposal of mold-laden materials is that mold is a potentially major threat to health.

Though largely hurricane-free, Johnson County nonetheless suffers from loads of moisture.

“It’s a big and controversial problem because we have lots of humidity here in Johnson County,” said Dr. Arthur Raines, Johnson County’s medical examiner.

He added that the problem is not only a medical one, but also a legal one and that its effects are not limited to people.

“After a rash of lawsuits, the insurance companies decided they weren’t going to pay off on damage caused by mold any longer,” Raines said. “I went to a conference at Hill College some time ago, and one speaker was a veterinarian who spoke about what a big effect mold toxins had on horses, so it’s not just human beings who are affected by the problem.”

Molds gradually eat away at whatever material they use for a host. There are molds that live on wood, paper, carpet, insulation and foods.

Though many parts of the country do not experience hurricanes, many experience soaking rains, high humidity or melting snow and ice. When buildings have leaks in their roof or plumbing, or considerable condensation, the beginnings of a mold colony are not far behind.

Mold spores and pieces of mold can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Toxic molds produce chemicals, known as mycotoxins, that cause neurological damage, respiratory problems and death. Some of these molds are so toxic that, to remove them or destroy the structures they’ve infected, workers have to wear respirators.

The best-known toxic mold is called Stacybotrys chartarum, better known as black mold. But toxins from mold can come from other species as well.

Symptoms arising from exposure to some of these more toxic molds include organic dust toxic syndrome, fatigue, lack of concentration, nausea, headaches and eye irritation.

There is some concern about the relationship between the presence of mold in schools to learning disabilities in children. The Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia suggests to parents of children who have been deemed learning disabled to first rule out the possibility that either the child’s school or home might be at the root of the problem.

“We started down that road regarding mold some years ago,” said Lisa Magers, CISD community services director. “It’s a very big problem and a touchy issue.” It is an issue the district takes very seriously.

Mold was a major consideration in the construction of the district’s new schools and in retrofitting its older ones.

“A big factor in our efforts has been that we have switched from carpet to tile,” Cleburne ISD Assistant Superintendent Mike Bailey said. “The carpet just traps dust and allergens, so we went with a hard surface instead.”

The district’s efforts don’t end with carpet, though.

“We have a regular replacement schedule for air conditioner filters, and whenever we find a wet ceiling tile, we wait for the rain to stop and then we replace it,” Bailey said. “Our buildings have flat roofs, so there are always going to be leaks. If a leak is found, we wait until the rain stops and then we call in a contractor to patch up the roof. We’re also making a strong effort to assure that fresh, outside air is constantly filtering through our schools.”

Cleburne schools also use vacuums with HEPA filters to trap as much as possible, Magers said.

While the Environmental Protection Agency has not set standards for mold in workplaces or public buildings, it provides recommendations for prevention of mold and eradication of existing mold.

“For the most part, molds thrive on moisture and materials containing some form of cellulose,” Raines said. The EPA offers the following advice for dealing with mold in your home or in your workplace:

F Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.

F Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.

F Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

F Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.

F Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

F If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.



Michael Mager can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2338, or features@trcle.com.

        

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