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Standing Water & White Fuzzy Mold Dangers

Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that requires moisture to grow. Standing water in dishwashers, bathtubs, basements and outdoor areas provides the ideal environment for mold growth. While it comes in a variety of textures and colors, mold is not readily identified by these characteristics, due to the ability of molds from all color groups to produce toxic substances.

  1. The Dangers of Standing Water

    • While harmless in itself, standing water creates an environment conducive to the growth of dangerous bacteria and fungi. According to msn.com, standing water provides a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like E. coli and tetanus, as well as mosquitoes and other disease-bearing insects.

      Depending on the amount and location, standing water may also increase the risk of injury to children and pets and can cause leeching of hazardous stored chemicals, as sometimes happens with floods.

    Type of Mold

    • Mold is capable of growing anywhere moisture is present. While there are over 100,000 types of mold, fewer than 500 are known to cause serious illness in humans, according to doh.wa.gov. Mold comes in a variety of colors, ranging from common shades of white, black and green to more bizarre hues like pink, blue and fluorescent orange.

      While it is often used to describe mold, color is not an accurate indicator of a particular strain's level of toxicity, according to MouldFacts.ca. This is because molds of all colors are capable of producing pathogenic byproducts under the right conditions.

    Health Effects of Mold Exposure

    • A majority of the health problems caused by mold exposure are caused by allergic reactions, according to doh.wa.gov. Symptoms of mold sensitivity include sneezing, headache, congestion, runny nose and skin rash. In people with asthma, prolonged mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks, leading to an overall worsening of the condition.

      While most molds are relatively harmless to humans, a few types produce toxic byproducts called mycotoxins that can cause serious illness. According to MoldSymptoms.org, symptoms of toxic mold exposure include severe fatigue, nausea, hair loss, nose bleeds and joint and muscle pain. Among the most well-known varieties of toxic mold are Aspergillus, Stachybotrys and Chaetomium.

      Certain types of mold are known to cause specific health conditions upon high-level or chronic exposure. According to cdc.gov, ingestion of aflatoxins produced by molds commonly found on peanuts can cause liver cancer. Aspergillosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis---two potentially dangerous lung diseases--are among the other possible health effects of mold exposure.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Moisture is the single most important factor in mold growth. When attempting to prevent or eliminate the growth of mold in your home, pay special attention to humidity and moisture levels. Keep humidity low by using a dehumidifier in bathrooms, basements and other damp areas, and repair leaks as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

      If mold growth is already widespread, dispose of damaged items and clean salvageable items using bleach or ammonia. Attempt to dry the area as thoroughly as possible, and address the source of water leakage to prevent further damage.

    Warning

    • Acute exposure to high levels of mold can be hazardous to your health. In cases of extensive mold growth, hire a professional mold remediation crew to ensure safe and thorough removal. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily leave the premises or relocate altogether to avoid serious illness.

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