Mold Links

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

 Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds/

Molds produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne. They can also produce toxic agents known as mycotoxins. Spores and mycotoxins can have negative effects on human health. For those people who are affected by mold exposures there can be a wide variation in how they react. People at greatest risk of health effects are individuals with allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other respiratory conditions, as well as infants and children, elderly people, and pregnant women. In addition, individuals with a weakened immune system are at risk.

• NEW Mold Hazards during Disaster Cleanup(PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet FS-3713, (2013, September).
• NEW Mold (PDF*). OSHA Quick Card, (2013). ASpanish version (PDF*) is also available.
• Mold Hazards During Hurricane Sandy Cleanup(PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet FS-3619, (2012).
• Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace (PDF*). OSHA Publication 3304-04N, (2006). Provides building owners, managers and occupants with basic information about mold, mold sources, and building-related illnesses.
• A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2003, October 10). Provides recommendations for the prevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention.

http://www.medicinenet.com/mold_exposure/article.htm

• Some types of mold are commonly known as mildew.
• Mold may live indoors or outdoors and thrives in damp, warm, and humid environments.
• Although shower stalls and basements are typical moist areas prone to the growth of molds, any moist area in the household may harbor mold.
• Allergic reactions to mold are the most common health effects of mold. Mold allergy symptoms and signs include
  • wheezing,
  • rash,
  • watery eyes,
  • runny nose,
  • itchy eyes,
  • coughing,
  • redness of the eyes.
• The best way to prevent mold in the home is the control of moisture.
• There are no EPA or government standards that have been established for mold or mold spore levels, so it is impossible to prove that a building or room is in compliance with any regulations concerning mold exposure