Health Effects of Mold Exposure in Public Schools

Investigating the extent of mold contamination in public schools to avoid a wide range of health problems for school children.
By: Katrina Ulibarri
 
Jan. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- According to a Mayo Clinic Study, nearly all chronic sinus infections (afflicting 37 million Americans) are a result of molds. A 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years has been linked to molds.

Mold has certainly made its way into people's homes as well as the headlines recently.  Many people still don't fully understand the health hazards of fungal exposure.  The term toxic mold is somewhat misleading as it exudes an idea that certain molds are toxic, when actually certain types of molds produce secondary metabolites that produce toxins.

Children are especially vulnerable to toxic mold. Their immune systems are not yet fully developed; they have sensitive skin; and their organs are not yet mature enough to filter out toxins. Toxic mold in classrooms and school buildings can trigger many health problems, such mold asthma and mold allergies in many children, as well as skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, and possibly even learning disabilities.

Read more about Investigating and Remediating Mold in Public Schools
====================================================================

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.

It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. Children are especially vulnerable to toxic mold. Their immune systems are not yet fully developed; they have sensitive skin; and their organs are not yet mature enough to filter out toxins.

Toxic mold in classrooms and school buildings can trigger manyhealth problems, such mold asthma and mold allergies in many children, as well as skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, and possibly even learning disabilities. Unfortunately, the first signs of mold contamination in a school building might be the medical symptoms of those who work and attend classes there.

=====================================================================

Read more about School Mold Concerns Irk Middle Parents at: http://www.mold-removal.biz/investigating-remediating-mol...
=====================================================================

omething seemed to be growing inside a first-grade classroom at Middle Township Elementary School No. 1. And it wasn’t the 6-year-olds who sit at the desks. According to parents, a serious mold problem seemed to inhabit the classroom. Toys, glue sticks, and even the American flag, new in September, had mold growing on it, said classroom parents.

According to school Superintendent Michael Kopakowski, “We did have reports that something was going on. We’re not sure if it was HVAC-related or not.” In the meantime, the school custodial staff found themselves at school on Sat., Dec. 3. Not so fast, say some parents. According to them, there’s a mold problem in the building. Kopakowski said having a mold problem this late in the year is very unusual. He said that normally, mold problems occur in the heat and humidity of August, when the school is shut up tight.

When the Herald called Cape May County Health Department, it was told that mold problems are investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Every classroom in the school has been outfitted with a portable dehumidifier, said the employee. Photographs provided to the Herald show mold growing in a classroom dehumidifier.

=====================================================================

Parents of school-aged children should be alert for signs of mold contamination in the school building. Look for signs of black mold staining areas of the ceiling or walls, especially in bathrooms and basements. Be alert to the musty odor of mildew in carpeted areas, coat closets, and gymnasiums, which might indicate hidden mold. Look for evidence of water damage or water leaks anywhere in the building.

Older school buildings are more likely to have damage that might result in mold. School mobile units or portable classrooms are often less protected against the elements and may be more susceptible to water damage and resultant mold. School buildings that have withstood tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, or other natural disasters should be closely inspected for water damage and mold.

If you think your child’s school might be contaminated with toxic mold, talk to the teachers first. They are also at risk from mold exposure and might be aware of having similar medical symptoms. Talk to other parents to find out of their children also seem to be affected.

Read more news about mold removal at: http://www.prlog.org/11758738-mold-infests-carnegie-libra...

Don't take molds for granted, do something about it before it gets worse. Visit http://www.mold-removal.biz for more information about mold removal in your area!
End
Source:Katrina Ulibarri
Email:***@dwenterprise.com Email Verified
Zip:33321
Tags:Mold Removal
Industry:Society, Health, Research
Location:Fort Lauderdale - Florida - United States
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
Mold-Removal.Biz News
Trending
Most Viewed
Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share