Clean up That Moldy Mess
Reported March 2008
ATLANTA, Ga. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A musty, mildewy smell is the undeniable odor of mold. And it may be lurking in more places than you know -- having harmful effects on your health. Now, we tell you how to track down mold.
Holly Russo's tub comes clean now, but there was once a moldy nightmare lurking underneath it. "Our first reaction, when we saw the mold, was absolute horror. I could not believe what was under there. I've never seen anything like it," says Russo.
Mold that's made its way indoors can cause health problems, but many people still don't understand the hazards. Now, industrial hygienists are growing mold to learn more about how it grows, what it grows on, and how mold makes us sick.
"I want to know what makes up that moldy, musty smell. I want to know are there compounds there that can cause people to have health problems," says Terri Pearce, Ph.D., an industrial hygienist for The Centers for Disease Control's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
In a lab, with the perfect blend of moisture and warmth, mold spores, or tiny cells, grow on different types of building materials. With the right amount of moisture, mold can grow faster, turning an ordinary ceiling tile into moldy messes.
Researchers learn which materials withstand mold better -- and which moldy smells come from mold that may cause more serious health problems. "Some of the chemicals that make up that odor actually are known to be irritants and so they can cause people to have respiratory health affects," explains Dr. Pearce.
Learning more about mold helps researchers develop better ways to find it, treat health problems, like asthma and allergies, and teach how vital it is to clean up moldy messes.
"If you can see it, don't worry about what kind of mold it is … get rid of it," says Dr. Pearce … Holly did, and she feels better! "The next morning, my allergies were gone. It was great!" Russo says. She is finally mold-free and healthy.
Researchers point out that mold is actually present everywhere, all the time. But when damp, humid conditions are present, mold can grow out of control and cause problems.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.
Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:
Fred Blosser, Public Affairs Officer
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(202) 260-8519
fbb0@cdc.gov
American Industrial Hygiene Association
Melissa Hurley
(703) 846-0740
mhurley@aiha.org
|
This Month's TV Reports
Detecting Carbon MonoxideA lethally high level of carbon monoxide in the blood is to blame for countless mysterious deaths. Now, a new test can tell quickly if you've been contaminated.
Building the Perfect NoseCancer patients and accident victims are getting a second chance to see the faces they lost.
Better Treatment for Torn AortasWhen the aorta tears it's a life-threatening condition. Now, survivors have a better chance of regaining a normal life.
Ditch Your Crutches!Crutches are a pain in the neck … and the armpit! This invention may put those crutches in the closet for good.
High-tech ClassroomNo more textbooks or binders for these tech-savvy students. They've got everything they need at the touch of a screen.
Dangerous DecibelsIt's no secret that teens like their music loud. But how loud is too loud? This young girl is putting her peers to the test.
New Meth TestMeth labs are raided everywhere from inner cities to suburbia. This new test is making it safer for law enforcement to get down to business.
How Safe is this Bridge?An aging bridge poses a threat to millions of drivers everyday. Now, new technology can alert engineers when a bridge is about to give way.
Watch Where You Walk, Soldier!We all know the dangers of driving distracted, but did you know walking distracted could be just as dangerous?
Clean up That Moldy Mess!It's easy to recognize … that moldy, musty smell that makes us all cringe. But when does that unpleasant smell become dangerous?
Kids Discovering New AsteroidsThese young astronomers don't even have their diplomas but they're already making their mark in the sky.
Moon RoverThis rough and tumble rover makes trekking through sub-zero temperatures over treacherous terrain look like a walk in the park.
Prior Reports
|
