March 1, 1998

BBJ MicroBiocide, the only EPA registered product specifically for HVAC systems, is highly effective in preventing or inhibiting the growth of active microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, mold and other fungi that grow in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning ("HVAC") systems for months at a time. Although BBJ MicroBiocide effectively kills these microorganisms upon application, what makes this product unique is its ability to make that same treated surface uninhabitable to future microbial growth for months at a time. As Dr. Yang reported in his article entitled Biological Contamination in the HVAC System, by preventing the growth and establishment of colonies, you effectively eliminate the various health effects caused by microbes in the HVAC system.

This INFO SHEET on Mold and Fungi includes excerpts from the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Program. It was produced in March 1998 by the CA DHS Indoor Air Quality Section.

Mold and Fungi

What is it? Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds are needed for breaking down dead material. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight, and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. When molds are present in large quantities, they can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.

Should I be concerned about mold in my home?

Yes, if the contamination is extensive. When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems for people. Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an allergy to the mold. Mold can also cause structural damage to your home. Similarly, when wood goes through a period of wetting, then drying, it can eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally weak.

What does mold need to grow?

For mold to grow, it needs:

• food sources - such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt
• a source of moisture
• a place to grow

Who is at greater risk when exposed to mold?

Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings. It is important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems develop. The following individuals appear to be at higher risk for adverse health effects of molds:

• Infants and children
• elderly
• immune compromised patients (people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, liver disease, etc.)
• pregnant women
• individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma.

What symptoms are common?

Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination) include:

• respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
• nasal and sinus congestion
• eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
• dry, hacking cough
• sore throat
• nose and throat irritation
• shortness of breath
• central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
• aches and pains
• possible fever

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to amount and type needed to cause reactions. In addition, certain types of molds can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, that the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead mold spores. Materials permeated with mold need to be removed, even after they are disinfected with cleaning solutions. Allergic and toxic effects can remain in dead spores. Exposure to mycotoxins may present a greater hazard than that of allergenic or irritative molds. Mycotoxins have been found in homes, agricultural settings, food, and office buildings.

Can Ozone air cleaners help remove indoor mold, or reduce odor or pollution levels?

Some air cleaners are designed to produce ozone. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent used as a disinfectant in water and sometimes to eliminate odors. While Ozone is often used in water to kill microbes, it is not effective in air as a biocide (i.e. killer of bacteria and fungi), except at extremely high, unsafe levels. Also, Ozone is a known lung irritant. Symptoms associated with exposure include cough, chest pain, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Ozone generators have been shown to generate indoor levels above the safe limit. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that ozone is not effective in controlling molds and fungi, even at high concentrations far above safe health levels. Also, ozone may damage materials in the home. Questions often arise whether ozone air cleaners are appropriate for use in unoccupied spaces. They are sometimes promoted to treat homes, furniture, and clothing after fires to remove smoke odors. Ozone is a strong oxidizer that will accelerate the degradation of rubber, upholstery, paints, and other materials. Hence, even when used in unoccupied areas, ozone generators can cause damage to building materials and electronic devices. For these reasons, the California Department of Health Services strongly recommends that you do not use an ozone air cleaner in any occupied residential space.