September 2014 marks the 6th annual Mold Awareness Month started by the National Indoor Mold Society. Executive director Letitia Peters states: “The purpose of National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month is to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the adverse health effects due to exposure of indoor molds and mycotoxins.”
When mold invades schools, illness ensues
What are mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are the toxic vapors produced by mold spores when they sporulate, or grow. These toxins can have serious health effects for both humans and animals.
How bad are they?
Mycotoxins are so poisonous that they have been used as a biological war weapon.
One mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, is the most studied and well-known toxic mold. It produces trichothecene, a mycotoxin so deadly it killed 100,000 people in the Soviet Union when they were exposed to it in their food.
Mold in public schools is a growing problem!
So why have a “mold awareness month”?
There are about 1,000 species of mold that can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide.
Not all of them are poisonous; not all people are allergic to molds and mycotoxins.
When a roof leaks, ceiling mold forms in this public school in Southern New Jersey
There are two schools of thought in the medical community concerning mold and toxicity.
One group believes that molds only cause “allergic responses” like asthma or fungal sinusitis.
The second group has research data that provides compelling evidence demonstrating that inhalation of mycotoxins can cause serious adverse health effects in some people – and not just “allergic responses.” This second group of physicians report that the research data suggests a strong relationship between exposure to these toxins and
mold growth on a classroom ceiling
- exacerbation of asthma
- respiratory infections
- and chronic sinus problems
as well as a host of other diseases including:
and
However, because the debate continues in the medical community, there remain no federal government standards for indoor air quality regarding molds and mycotoxins.
But why pick September for Mold Awareness Month?
There may be several reasons why Ms. Peters picked the month of September to designate as “mold awareness month.” Perhaps it’s because summer heat and humidity increases the growth of mold indoors. But, more likely it’s because September is also the month children across the nation return to school.
Mold in Schools
A report by CNN in 2012 “Are Schools Making Kids Sick?” stated that one-third of U.S. schools have mold, dust and other indoor air problems.
A national survey of school nurses found that 40% knew children and staff who were adversely affected by indoor pollutants. In the CNN interview, allergist Dr. John Santilli, reported that he has treated dozens of students sickened by school air. “Even when children don’t miss school,” he said, “the medications they take for asthma and conditions like rhinitis, an allergic reaction to mold or dust, can make it harder for them to do their best work. They’re on antihistamines, they’re on nasal sprays, they’re on asthma medications, and this limits their ability to perform,” Santilli said. “These kids can’t concentrate. They can’t focus on what’s going on.”
Headaches, fatigue, memory problems and slowed thinking are all present in the people who are susceptible – and this includes the students as well as the teachers!
The mold problem in schools is so prevalent in the U.S. that the Environmental Protection Agency has published a guideline: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings
And, while there are still no federal governmental standards for indoor air quality, some state governments, like the State of New York have developed their own guidelines.
Most recently, in response to John Lee’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability testimony “that the asthma hospitalization rate in some New York City neighborhoods is now four times the national average,” which he attributed in part to the mold problem, New York City’s Mayor de Blasio signed into effect the Green Codes to Promote Environmentally Friendly Building Practices and Legislation to Modify Business Improvement on May 19 of this year.
The new codes require the use of mold-resistant gypsum board or cement board in areas where there is continuous high humidity or direct exposure to water to reduce hazardous mold growth.
But I don’t live in New York.
What can be done to prevent mold growth in my child’s school?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
- Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
- Therefore, the only way to prevent mold growth is to find and correct water damage and leaks and to clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours.
What can I do if I think there’s mold in my child’s school?
While the City of Philadelphia and the State of New Jersey don’t currently have legislation that require a change in building codes to decrease the prevalence of mold in schools, they do have recommendations for safe remediation and removal of mold from schools on their respective Department of Health websites.
For more information for New Jersey Residents: NJ Department of Health
For more information for Pennsylvania Residents: PA Department of Health
But, most importantly, if you believe your child’s health is being adversely
affected by exposure to mold in their school, give us a call at 877-750-7876.
Our trained professionals follow the EPA, State of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey guidelines for safe removal and remediation of mold – in schools, businesses and homes. We’ve helped hundreds of people throughout the Delaware Valley with fast, safe, mold removal
DISCLAIMER:
This blog post is for informational purposes only.
The information is provided to inform the public on the preventable health and developmental problems that may be caused by exposure to mold and mycotoxins in their homes, schools, and communities.
It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician, nor is it intended to serve as legal counsel. Please consult your own doctor or the mold illness treatment professionals listed here: “How to Survive the Heartbreak of Illness Caused by Mold Exposure regarding the treatment of medical problems arising from mold exposure.
