Mold are a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors. Mold produce spores, which spread by floating around in the air. Mold spores are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow.
Mold spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow. Mold can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on.
Types of mold
Common indoor mold are including:
Alternaria: This occurs in damp places indoors, such as showers or under leaky sinks.
Aspergillus: This often grows indoors, on dust, powdery food items, and building materials, such as drywall.
Cladosporium: This can grow in either cool or warm areas. It tends to appear on fabrics and wood surfaces.
Penicillium: This tends to grow on materials with water damage. It often has a blue or green appearance.
Mold take a variety of forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like discoloration or stain to a surface. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing.
Common Health Issue related to mold?
The following health conditions are associated with mold exposure:
- Allergies: Symptoms include sneezing; irritation of the nose, mouth or throat; nasal stuffiness and runny nose; and red, itchy or watery eyes. For employees who already have allergies, mold can trigger asthma-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: HP is lung inflammation that occurs in people who develop immune system sensitization to inhaled organic dust. It can be mistaken for pneumonia, but cannot be treated with antibiotics. With continued exposure, the persistent lung inflammation may cause permanent damage.
- Asthma: With this lung disease, the airways develop inflammation in response to sensitizing or irritating exposure. Asthma sufferers may experience shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness and wheezing.
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If employees suspect workplace exposure to mold is affecting their health, we would advise them to immediately report all concerns to their supervisor, visit their doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, and ask their doctor whether they should be medically restricted from the work environment.
If supervisors suspect mold is causing health problems among their employees, they should:
- Regularly inspect buildings for dampness.
- Prevent high indoor humidity with HVAC systems.
- Always respond when employees report health concerns.
- Establish procedures for recording and responding to indoor air quality complaints.
- Develop a plan for response and perform remedial action.
- Follow up to ensure corrective action has been successful.
- Encourage employees who have developed persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms to see a health care provider.
- Follow health care provider recommendations for relocation of employees diagnosed with building-related respiratory disease.