Which of those two reactions is appropriate, given the risks associated with mold and the context of the various challenges industrial hygienists and occupational health professionals deal with every day? The answer, for those of us who pride ourselves on good science, risk assessment, and safety and health programs, is “Neither of the above.” The answer can be found in having a complete understanding of mold causes and risks, assessing the specific risks, and responding in a timely, efficient manner.
Understanding the Risks
So just how hazardous is mold, and what are the real risks to a facility and its occupants? Here’s what we know: Mold is naturally occurring fungi that can thrive wherever moisture is present, especially in combination with poor ventilation and humidity above 60 percent. As an allergen, mold can be particularly troublesome for the elderly, the very young, and those whose immune systems are already compromised by illness or disease. In general, mold should be of greatest concern in schools, day care centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and apartment buildings. According to a 2002 study, as many as one-fourth of all occupational asthma cases may be related to exposure to mold or mold spores.
The hype about mold peaked during the late 1990s. It helped to focus attention on the issue but also scared people unnecessarily. Fears about “toxic” mold and “black” mold may have been good for business, but there is little value in talking about “toxic” mold because that implies there is “non-toxic,” health effects-free mold. The reality is that the impact of mold is generally believed to be dose-related: The more exposure you have, the greater the potential health effects–although the dose-response relationship is not well-established and there can be wide variations in people’s symptoms.
For a local professional mold removal service from your basement or crawl space, give Barrier Waterproofing Systems a call at (615) 257-1060 | (931) 536-116 today.
