II. Pathophysiology
- See Mycotoxin
- Damp environments have multiple health risks
- Mold
- House Dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Rodents
- Microbial growth
- Mold growth requirements
- Temperature: 40-100 degrees F
- Higher relative humidity
- Most common mold contaminants
- Cladosporium
- Altemaria
- Penicillium
- Aspergillus
III. Symptoms: Mold and damp environment exposures
IV. Complications
- Asthma Exacerbation
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Allergic Rhinitis
V. Diagnosis: Evaluation of Mold Exposure
- No standards of universal guidelines
- Clean-up is often done empirically without testing
- Most cost effective option as testing is costly
- Possible guidelines
- American Industrial Hygiene Association (2001)
- Indoor mold levels should be less than outdoor levels
- Criteria for health harm
- Patient must have come in contact with agent
- Measurements
- Visual inspection (most important)
- Surface sampling (Tape, surface wipe, dust, material)
- Indoor air sampling (Vacuum, Anderson, Culture)
VI. Prevention
- Fix leaking plumbing and leaks in building envelope
- Watch for condensation and wet spots
- Prevent condensation
- Vent moisture from appliances to outside
- Maintain relative humidity <60%
- Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours
VII. Resources
- Institute of Medicine Report on Damp Indoor Spaces