As a Certified Mold Remediator (CMR) I have had the chance to explore many buildings contaminated with fungi. Most species of molds like to grow on moist substrates, and wet surfaces produced by air conditioning condensation are often ideal for spores to take hold and grow. Over the long term, unmanaged problems can become complicated, chronic and occasionally building-wide. Health complaints are legitimate and include exacerbation of allergies and asthma as well as generalized irritations. Molds produce characteristic odors, microbially-derived volatile organic compounds (mVOC’s) and many of their secondary metabolites exhibit toxicity.

The key is to have a dry interior and so facilities must be adjusted to result in such, including the conveying of water into proper drainage systems. Damaged material must not just be painted over, but should often be entirely replaced, as the problem cannot get better on its own and tends to spread. To make matters worse, humid environments are often difficult to deal with from the onset, and therefore the Caribbean climate encourages this “jungle rot” of sorts.

Some dorm rooms for example show not only evidence of Aspergillus and Penicillium species, but that of Basidiomycetes as well, yes that is MUSHROOMS! Unfortunately, most people spend the majority of their time indoors, and poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been shown to result in reduced learning in school settings. It is therefore a requirement that the maintenance staff and students work together towards fixing this problem.

There are a number of resources to investigate when trying to manage such problems. I suggest the following:

“A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home”

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html

“Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings”

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html

“Damp Indoor Spaces and Health”

http://books.nap.edu/catalog/11011.html

“Molds and Fungi”

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds/index.html

As we enter further the study of health, whether it be focused on people or other animals, we need to consider our environmental setting. If you are having a problem with mold, hang tight, and we’ll work together to make our school even better than it is!