Radio Shows | What's Hiding in Your Home — Fungus | mp3 … wma … wav

There is a fungus among us - to quote my college microbiology professor. It's true because everyone is actually constantly exposed to fungi. What varies is the intensity and type which include everything from yeasts to mushrooms and to our focus today and that's molds. Molds can make us and even our homes sick.

Hmmm… Sick houses - are you talking home health care?

Very funny Dave. Sick building syndrome is well known and a major cause can be mold. Believe it or not, in North America 20-40% of buildings have mold growth. You see it on walls that are discolored and if it's black, you'll want to get rid of it.

These black molds can form mycotoxins which can make you very sick. One you've probably heard of is Stachybotrys which can cause coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, rashes and diarrhea.

The intensity and diversity of fungi depends on things like the season, weather and geographic location. The challenge is distinguishing normal background exposures to mold from the amplification of fungi in a "sick building". In 2002, nearly 29 million people in the US had allergic mold disease.

Usually mold grows indoors after water damage from something like a leaky roof. The mold can derive nutrients from building materials and grow on such things as wood, paper, glue, sheet rock, carpet, and paint. Once you remove the materials in a process called remediation, the mold growth should stop and go away.

If you're wondering whether mold is in your home and making you sick, environmental surveys can compare the airborne mold levels indoors with those outdoors. Only then can a linkage to disease be made.

Check with your local health department for advice if you suspect a "fungus among us" is the culprit in your home.

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