05.07.2014 Views

Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace - Seton ...

Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace - Seton ...

Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace - Seton ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Toxic mold<br />

The phrase “toxic mold” has been used by journalists and many<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs to refer to molds that have been implicated <strong>in</strong> severe health<br />

effects <strong>in</strong> humans. Although not a scientific term, it is typically<br />

used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> press to refer to those molds capable of produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

mycotox<strong>in</strong>s and <strong>in</strong>correctly implies that <strong>the</strong>se molds are more<br />

dangerous than o<strong>the</strong>rs. In fact, all molds under <strong>the</strong> right conditions<br />

have <strong>the</strong> potential to cause allergic reactions, <strong>in</strong>fections, and<br />

tox<strong>in</strong>-mediated conditions (32).<br />

Individuals who believe that <strong>the</strong>y are suffer<strong>in</strong>g from moldrelated<br />

symptoms should seek medical attention. Although <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is no s<strong>in</strong>gular medical specialty that addresses <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>door air<br />

environment, an occupational medic<strong>in</strong>e physician has specialty<br />

tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g address<strong>in</strong>g diseases associated with <strong>the</strong> work environment.<br />

See page 12 of this document for assistance <strong>in</strong> select<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

qualified professional, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a health care professional.<br />

22

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!