From CDC website.
I heard about "toxic molds" and "black molds" that grow in homes and other buildings. Should I be concerned about a serious health risk to me and my family?
There is always a little mold everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces.
Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically "mycotoxins"). Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. Not all fungi produce mycotoxins and even those that do will not do so under all surface or environmental conditions.
Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be. Any mold should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed.
There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.
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Larry Messerly, RPT
Bringing Harmony to Homes
www.lacrossepianotuning.comljmesserly@gmail.com928-899-7292
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-19-2019 18:16
From: Margaret Jusiel
Subject: Moldy, calcified humidifier pads
...a couple thoughts, but please take these with a grain of salt because I have an unsafe lack of fear of mold. I deal with it constantly. (I'll let people know in 20 years if I've had adverse affects.)
1) Don't add any water for 6 months & let the whole thing dry out? The mold will die & can be more safely removed? I suppose spores would still be a problem.
2) Spray with peroxide which should kill it?
3) Do both?
I'll be curious to see what others say as I deal with this type of thing all the time and am constantly looking for advise. Good luck!
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Maggie Jusiel
Athens, WV
(304)952-8615
mags@timandmaggie.net
Original Message:
Sent: 12-19-2019 18:02
From: James Kelly
Subject: Moldy, calcified humidifier pads
Encountered the worst looking , dried out , calcified humidifier pads that look like they are original . The humidistat is an H5 with a year date of 2009. I am not sure if there is black mold on the pads but whatever it is looks like it . I realize mold needs dark, moisture and organic substance to grow but I do not want to take the chance of spreading spores so am looking for ideas that will allow a safe removal of the tank, smart heater bar and tubing. One thought is to wear a mold respirator with nitrile gloves and gently move the tank into a heavy duty contractor trash bag, tape it all up and dispose at the proper hazardous facility. I also thought that filling the tank with canned foam insulation everything could be encapsulated. The system is on the bottom board of a studio so at least does not have to be lowered from above. All of the tank components - liner, smart heater bar, low water probe,fill tubing would get replaced. Before doing anything I could also take some samples and test them with a mold test kit or send samples to a lab.
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James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
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