Mold and Health Issues "We are seeing that 30% of the U.S. population is afflicted with respiratory illnesses -- asthma, allergies or some sort of immunodeficiency," The health affects of mold are generally grouped in the following four categories. Numerous conditions including type and species of mold, exposure levels and methods, environmental conditions, individual sensitivities, etc. are all considered to be factors in the response. 

 

• Irritation    For some people, the "moldy odor" can be irritating to mucous membranes, cause headaches and other symptoms. This odor comes from volatile organic compounds (VOC's) produced by mold as it degrades organic substrates and is generally considered one of the primary causes of irritation.                  
• Allergy        Allergic reactions are typically the most common health problem. Symptoms include respiratory problems and difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion, burning/watery or reddened eyes, dry hacking cough, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, skin irritation, headaches, memory problems, mood changes, aches and pains, and possible fever.                      
• Infection        There are an estimated 100 species of mold known to cause infections in humans and immune suppressed individuals are especially at risk. Infections can be localized or systemic. Aspergillosis is a common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the U.S.  Other fungi can infect hair, skin and nails.                      
• Toxicosis  Many species of mold produce toxic metabolites called mycotoxins which are believed to be most prevalent in spores (both living and dead spores). Mycotoxins are of special concern since some may present a greater hazard to humans than all other conditions including nerve damage, organ damage, and cancer. Symptoms of toxicosis from mold include cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, nosebleeds, memory problems, fatigue, dermatitis, immune suppression, etc. 

The following list represents some of the symptoms reported in literature relative to mold exposure. Other symptoms specific to infectious and/or toxic molds may be experienced.

• Respiratory problems
• Nasal & sinus congestion
• Burning, watery or reddened eyes
• Blurry vision or light sensitivity
• Dry, hacking cough
• Nose and throat irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Skin irritations
• Headache
• Memory problems
• Mood changes
• Aches & pains
• Nosebleeds
• Dermatitis
• Immune suppression
• Fatigue
• Chills/fever

As with any health issue, numerous causative agents can elicit similar symptoms; therefore, the presence of such symptoms is not exclusive to mold exposure.

Where is the Mold in your Home?

 

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Anything above 460 black mold spores per cubic meter is considered a potential health risk.

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 Quick Guide to Tenant Rights

(12) Provide tenants with information provided or approved by the department of health about the health hazards associated with exposure to indoor mold. Information may be provided in written format individually to each tenant, or may be posted in a visible, public location at the dwelling unit property. The information must detail how tenants can control mold growth in their dwelling units to minimize the health risks associated with indoor mold. Landlords may obtain the information from the department's web site or, if requested by the landlord, the department must mail the information to the landlord in a printed format. When developing or changing the information, the department of health must include representatives of landlords in the development process. The information must be provided by the landlord to new tenants at the time the lease or rental agreement is signed, and must be provided to current tenants no later than January 1, 2006, or must be posted in a visible, public location at the dwelling unit property beginning July 24, 2005;

      *Reviser's note: RCW 48.48.140 was re-codified as RCW 43.44.110 pursuant to 2006 c 25 § 13.

     Finding -- 2005 c 465: "The legislature finds that residents of the state face preventable exposures to mold in their homes, apartments, and schools. Exposure to mold, and the toxins they produce, have been found to have adverse health effects, including loss of memory and impairment of the ability to think coherently and function in a job, and may cause fatigue, nausea, and headaches.

     As steps can be taken by landlords and tenants to minimize exposure to indoor mold, and as the reduction of exposure to mold in buildings could reduce the rising number of mold-related claims submitted to insurance companies and increase the availability of coverage, the legislature supports providing tenants and landlords with information designed to minimize the public's exposure to mold." [2005 c 465 § 1.]