A brief introduction to mold. How to recognize it, prevent it, clean it, and protect yourself from it.

1. Mold
AHEC EH&S
Julie Maeuser

2. Topics
Mold
• What is mold?
• Types of mold/ recognition
• Regulations
• Exposure symptoms and health effects
• Prevention
• Control and cleanup
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3. What is mold?
Mold
Mold is a furry growth of minute fungal
hyphae occurring typically in moist, warm
conditions, especially on food or other
organic matter. There are many types of
mold, all of which need moisture to grow.
When excessive moisture accumulates in
buildings or on building materials, mold
growth can occur.
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4. How does
mold
spread?
Mold
Mold spreads by producing tiny reproductive cells called
spores that waft through the air. Mold spores usually can
not be seen without magnification and are naturally
present in both indoor and outdoor air. Spores may remain
able to grow for years after they are produced, meaning
the allergens in and on them may remain allergenic for
years.
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5. Types of Mold
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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

6. Acremonium
Mold
Typically begins as a small colony of
pink, grey, orange or white moist mold
that turns powdery. Often found in home
humidifiers, HVAC cooling coils, drain
and drip pans, and near leaky windows.
It is often found with black mold. Needs
professional cleanup.
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7. Alternaria
Mold
Dark green or brown velvety texture with
protruding “hairs”. Most often found in
shower stalls, bathtubs, and near sinks.
It’s presence usually signifies water
damage has occurred and mold will
quickly spread. Unless the colony has
grown extremely large, it can be safely
removed with proper cleaning.
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8. Aspergillus
Typically has grey or green spores that
can form thick layers of mold. However,
multiple species of Aspergillus appear as
different colors. Often appears on
wooden surfaces. Extensive infestation
should be removed by a professional.
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9. Aureobasidium
Mold
First appears as a pink, brown, or black
mold but turns dark brown as it grows and
matures. Found in dark wet and water-
damaged areas such as under carpets,
behind wallpaper, and on wooden surfaces.
Protective clothing, including eye protection
and gloves, should be worn during cleanup
of small infestations.
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10. Chaetomium
Mold spores begin as white and cotton-
like but darken to gray, brown or black.
Distinguished by a musty odor. Thrives in
water-damaged drywall, wooden
surfaces, wallpaper, and under wet
carpet and roof shingles. Often mistaken
as black mold, removal is best handled
by professionals.
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11. Cladosporium
Mold
Found in both cold and warm
environments, it has a suede-like texture
and is brown or olive green in color.
Usually found on carpet, upholstery,
drapes, and under floorboards. Small
colonies can be cleaned away by the
homeowner, but larger ones require a
professional.
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12. Fusarium
Mold
Growth is pink, red, or white. Often
found growing on food. It spreads
quickly and can be found in carpet,
wallpaper, and water-damaged
materials. Treat any cleanup with
caution.
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13. Mucor
Grows quickly to develop thick patches of
white or gray mold. Found in extremely
wet spaces where condensation has
formed such as near air conditioners,
HVAC ductwork, and leaky windows and
doors. Classified as an allergenic, small
patches can be cleaned up by the
homeowner. Larger infections require a
prefoessional.
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14. Penicillin
Mold
Surface of the mold colony is velvety-like
and blue-green in color. The mold
spreads quickly. Often found in HVAC
ducts, wallpaper, mattresses, and
carpet. Small colonies can be cleaned
by the homeowner with care. Larger
infestations should be removed by
professionals.
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15. Stachybotrys
Mold
Known as black mold, the colony has a dark
green or black slimy texture. Most often
found in areas inside a home that have been
exposed to excessive water and humidity for
weeks. Typically develops behind walls and
ceilings on wood. Removal and disposal of
affected building areas must be done by
professionals.
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16. Trichoderma
Typically appears as white or green wooly
colonies. Can grow on wallpaper, carpet,
fabrics, and surfaces exposed to excessive
moisture. Usually non-pathogenic,
Trichoderma can be cleaned by a
homeowner using proper protective
measures. It produces an enzyme that
attacks wood, textiles, and paper and can
cause damage to building foundations.
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17. Ulocladium
Mold
Typically black and formed in clumps.
Typically found in kitchens, bathrooms,
and basements that have suffered water
damage or areas that stay wet for long
periods. Caught early, cleanup can be
done by a homeowner.
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18. Regulations
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19. Are there regulations for mold?
Mold
There are no federal, state, or local
regulatory limits for mold in the home or
work environment. Because of this, air
sampling may or may not prove useful.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
offers remediation tips.
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20. Exposure
Symptoms and
Health Effects
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21. Mold Categories
Allergenic Mold
• Unlikely to cause illness
(though it may aggravate
mild allergies). Possible
sneezing, congestion,
runny nose, asthmatic
episode in those with
allergies
• Alternaria, Aspergillus,
Cladosporium, Penicillium
Pathogenic Mold
• Can cause infection in
humans, even if they are
in good health.
• Usually found in soil or
bat/bird droppings
• Outbreaks most likely
cause by large scale
construction projects
Toxic Mold
• These molds can create
mycotoxins which can
cause a toxic response in
humans
• Fusarium, penicillium,
aspergillus, stachybotrys
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22. Symptoms of Mold Allergy
Mold
• Itching in the nose, eyes, and/or throat
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Mucus in the throat
• Asthma symptoms if you have allergic
asthma
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23. Treatment for Mold Allergy
Mold
• Avoid contact with mold
• Take medicine for nasal or other
allergic symptoms
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24. Toxic Mold and Mycotoxins
Mold
Much of the data on mycotoxin
poisoning is unreliable. However, the
most common cause of exposure is
through the ingestion of contaminated
nuts, cereal, spices, dried fruit, apples
and coffee. Chronic exposure could
result in cancers and other health
consequences.
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25. Prevention
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26. Conditions for Increased Risk
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Temperatures above
70 degrees
High humidity
Water damage Dampness

27. Preventative
Measures
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28. Control and
Cleanup
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29. DIY Mold Cleaning Methods
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Chlorine
Bleach
Hydrogen
Peroxide
Distilled White
Vinegar
Baking Soda

30. If mold does start to grow…
Mold
• Fix plumbing leaks. Dry all items
completely
• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with
detergent and water, and dry completely
• Throw away absorbent or porous
materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet
• Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces
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31. Personal Protective Equipment
Mold
• N-95 respirator (ensure it fits properly)
• Gloves from natural rubber, nitrile,
neoprene, polyurethane or PVC
• Goggles without ventilation holes
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32. “If they can make penicillin
out of moldy bread, they
can sure make something
out of you.”
Muhammad Ali
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33. Thank you
Julie
Maeuser
AHEC EH&S
Questions?
Julie.Maeuser@ahec.edu
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