Articles

Editor's note: In February, Pest Control Technology magazine, in conjunction with the Certified Pest Control Operators Association of Florida (CPCO) held a one-day conference titled "What You Need To Know About Toxic Mold Seminar," in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The seminar featured a speaker faculty of leading public health, regulatory, legal and insurance experts who handle toxic mold issues. The following excerpt "Mold vs. Wood Decay Fungus," was taken from a presentation given by attorney Mark Ruff of Alvarez, Sambol & Winthrop, P.A., Orlando, Fla., and Michael Beckers, Wilson & Schmidt, Orlando, Fla.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - Recently, there have been several news articles and television reports dealing with mold and "toxic mold." Stories have been circulated of damage occurring in homes and persons suffering various health effects. The stories reached a point near hysteria when Ed McMahon and Erin Brockovich, well known personalities, claimed they were affected by "toxic mold."

Molds and mildews were growing on Earth millions of years before the first humans appeared. They are grouped with other organisms such as mushrooms and yeasts under the name fungi. The single most important factor in the growth of any fungus (including mold) is an abundant sources of water. Fungi drive nutrition from the surfaces they grow on. A few types of fungus can actually cause structural damage to wood. This is sometimes referred to as "dry rot;" however, as is the case with all fungi, the original growth of the fungus requires a water source. In structures, this water source is typically a roof or plumbing leak. Many types of fungi, including molds, reproduce by releasing spores into the air. These spores are so small they cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Since they exist in the air by the billions, we are constantly exposed to them. Some types of mold, such as Stachybotrys, Aspergullus and Penicilium have been linked to adverse health effects in humans. Stachybotyrs, for example, is just one of many so-called "Black Molds." At present, the validity of these links is an issue of intense debate in the medical community.

Many people have expressed concerns regarding mold and the health of their families. There are many opinions and theories in the media on this topic, some of which are misleading. As PCOs, you must present the following information about wood-decay fungus and "toxic mold."

Fungi associated with wood decay are known by the names brown rot, white rot and Poria Incrasatta. When a PCO conducts an inspection for a real estate transaction, or as part of termite work, these are the only species of concern. The most common is brown, or cubical, rot. In most cases, the actual fungus is long dead, the wood has dried out and only the damage remains. The wood appears to be stained brown and broken into small cubes.

These species of wood decay fungi are NOT considered to be "toxic molds." Again, in most case the PCO only observes the damage caused by a PREVIOUS infestation of the fungus.

The PCO does not inspect for, nor is he or she trained or qualified to identify, other types of fungi or "toxic molds."

The most common type of "toxic mold" is Stachybotrys. It appears like a common black mold and only a qualified expert can identify it. Certified industrial hygienists are professionally trained in the identification and remediation of all types of molds. If questions dealing with molds arise, it is advisable to contact a certified industrial hygienist or the local health department. Many problems with mold are started when construction defects such as roof leaks and plumbing leaks allow water to accumulate in wall or ceiling voids. Again, these problems fall outside the realm of pest control. If PCOs suspect the presence of leaks, it is suggested they contact a certified building professional.

By: Brad Harbison PCTOnline.com Tuesday, March 4, 2003