Newsletter Nims

V OLUME 1, ISSUE 1

N IMS

S EPTEMBE R 5-19, 2008

CE LEBR ATES NAT ION AL IND O OR T OXIC

MO LD AWARE NESS M ON TH The purpose of National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month is to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the adverse health effects due to exposure of indoor molds and mycotoxins. The National Indoor Mold Society spearheaded a coalition of organizations and individuals suffering from toxic mold exposure. They are Sharon Pawlak (TN Toxic Mold State Rep) of www.moldmadness.com, Iris Brooks (GA Toxic Mold State Rep) of www.myspace.com/faceoftoxicmold and Lori Tondini (IL Toxic Mold State Rep), a former school administrative assistant and we formed the National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month Planning Committee. The National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month Planning Committee prepared for publication the first Indoor Toxic Mold Proclamation to observe the National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month, September 5 to October 5, 2008. We acknowledge that in 2004, a group of organizations, doctors, and mold advocates assembled for one week in September for the 1st National Mold Awareness Week. Our goal is to make a significant impact on increasing mold research and dispelling myths that exposure to toxic mold can not cause adverse health effects.

( NIT MA N ) We hope you will join us in supporting this massive endeavor. Together, our voices will be heard as we reveal the truth about exposure to toxic mold, and this continuing and devastating health epidemic. We invite all organizations related to toxic mold exposure, indoor environment, indoor air quality, illnesses caused by toxic mold exposure i.e. autism, toxic encephalopathy), environmental, mold specialists, doctors, physicians, (some have already committed to this effort), businesses (real estate, mold remediation, law firms), clubs, schools, churches, groups, and individuals suffering due to toxic mold exposure to join us in this event. We are asking all who are able to help support this important endeavor. Your help, no matter how great or small your contribution to this effort may be, is needed and appreciated in order to “get the word out” about exposure to toxic mold. We will give a voice to the voiceless. This can be done by partnering together in order to create ONE VOICE. Let's Break the Mold together! If you are interested in participating in the National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month celebration, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call the NIMS Office at 609-403-2046.

I NS IDE TH IS ISS UE : F ACES OF MOLD

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DVD

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N A TIONAL INDOOR TOXIC MOLD AWARE NE SS MONTH

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T OXIC MOL D FA CT SHE E T

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MOLD REFE RE NCE S

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P ROCLAMATIONS ISSUED , DENIED , & UNDER REVIEW A proclamation is a declaration. It is not legally binding, but it is used to create awareness of noteworthy issues or to celebrate events. We have twenty volunteers

representing eighteen states throughout the United States and one international representative who have joined this endeavor by submitting the Indoor Toxic CO N T .

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“U N S UBS C RIB E ” J E C T L IN E.

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Q UE STI ONS OR COMME NT S ? E M AIL U S AT NEWS@ NIM SOCIETY . ORG .

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P ROC L AM AT IONS ISSUE D , DEN IE D , & U NDE R REVI E W ( CON T .) Mold Proclamation in their states. The Governors from the following states have issued National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month Proclamations: Pennsylvania, Florida, Mississippi, Michigan and Nevada (one week). We thank these Governors for their acceptance of these proclamations, and their commitment to healthy indoor environments. We also

thank our representatives for filing these State proclamations! Proclamation denials were received from Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee. Other states that have filed are still “under review” by the Governor’s office. We will keep you posted on the outcome of those still pending.

F AC ES OF M O LD DV D Letitia Engineer (exposed at work in government building)

Iris Singer/Song Writer (exposed at home)

Terry Communications Coordinator (exposed at work)

Before

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As a victim of toxic mold exposure, I would like to help others like me who are suffering from this often misdiagnosed and misunderstood illness. I intend to do this by showing others that we are regular, normal, people; from all backgrounds, races, ages, professions, incomes, etc…I would like to produce a dvd showing the “faces” of mold. This DVD will be made available free of charge to those who are conducting lectures and educational or informative events regarding mold and mold illness. It is my hope that “Faces of Mold” can be played and viewed before/after such presentations. What I need, in order to produce this dvd, are “face shots” of people that have been affected by mold – I need at least 50, but will take up to 200. These photos can but do not have to be- taken when you were very ill, or before you became sick, or both before and after, or can be recent photos. The point I am trying to achieve is that WE ARE JUST LIKE OTHER PEOPLE, and if we got sick from mold, anyone can get sick from mold… Some people have sent me photos of various parts of their body that were severely affected. While these

Letitia After

are really good to have, and I will use them, I would also like a full-face photo to accompany these, if possible. Please include your first name, and, if you wish, additional information, including how your body has been affected, (cancer, stroke, immune deficiency, brain problems, etc.) Send the digital photo (Jpeg) and accompanying info to: [email protected] You will receive no compensation for your photo or information, and, by sending the info to me, you give your permission to be included in the dvd. The National Indoor Mold Society will receive nor dispense any monetary contributions related to the dvd. I am receiving no monetary contribution from any party for the production of “Faces of Mold”. Discretion is left up to the producer of the dvd as to what photos and information are to be included in the “Faces of Mold” dvd, and it is my intent to include all photos sent to me, if possible. Thank you for your help. Lori Tondini, NIMS IL Rep LT Productions

Iris After

Terry After

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N AT IONA L IND O OR T OXIC M OLD AWAREN ESS S EPTEMBER 5 — OC TO BER 5 , 200 8

M ON TH

What is the purpose of National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month?

nose bleeds, cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, general malaise and fever.

The purpose of National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month is to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the adverse health effects due to exposure of indoor molds and mycotoxins.

How can exposure to indoor mold and mycotoxins affect my health?

What are molds? Molds are a common name for fungi. Molds are microscopic organisms that produce enzymes to digest organic matter and mold spores to reproduce. These organisms are part of the fungi kingdom, a realm shared with mushrooms, yeast, and mildews. In nature, molds play a key role in the decomposition of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Molds need moisture to grow.

Mycotoxin exposure can lead to toxic injury that may include multiple illnesses, affecting the skin and the nervous, vascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, urinary, and immune systems; including the formation of cancers and can be life-threatening. Can mold grow inside the human body? Yes. Certain species of molds referred to as “body temperature molds” can live and grow inside the human body, causing recurring infections and numerous other health problems as well as death. Should I use bleach to clean mold?

What are mycotoxins? Mycotoxins are toxic vapors produced by mold spores when they sporulate, or grow, and have serious health effects on humans and animals. Mycotoxins are so poisonous that they have been used as a biological war weapon. Stachybotrys chartarum is the most studied and well-known toxic mold. It is known to produce trichothecene mycotoxins. Aspergillus produces aflatoxin mycotoxins. Aflatoxins are among the most carcinogenic substances known. How do you get sick from mycotoxins? Mycotoxins enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or contact with the skin, and can result in a multitude of symptoms including but not limited to: dermatitis, cough, rhinitis,

DID YOU K NOW? O N O CTO B ER 8, 1998, PR ESID ENT C LINTO N D ES IG NAT ED A S T HE H OM E IND OOR A IR Q U ALITY A CT IO N A ND A WAR ENESS M O NT H.

O CT OB ER H EA LT H Y

No. Bleach combined with certain mycotoxins and VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), can create neurotoxins and brain tumors. OSHA does not recommend using bleach in mold remediation. Ammonia dissolves some molds and neutralizes the mycotoxins. It is important to follow safety guidelines when using cleaners to remove molds. Consult the EPA website for proper personal safety equipment when removing mold. If mold growth is over 10 square feet, the recommendation is to contact a professional who is experienced in cleaning up mold; either a reputable, certified industrial hygienist (CIH) or a qualified mold remediation company. DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this flyer/fact sheet is to inform, not treat or offer legal counsel to the public about mold/ mycotoxin health related issues. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician, nor is it intended to serve as legal counsel. Please consult your own doct or or other qualified health professional regarding the treatment of your medical problem and consult your attorney for legal couns el.

Do you have water damage in your home? If so, did you know that you can contact a public insurance adjuster to represent you against the insurance company. They work on contingency. To obtain the services of a public insurance adjuster in your area, visit www.napia.com.

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N ATI ONAL INDOOR MOLD S OC IETY

T OXI C M OL D FAC T SHEE T The National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month Planning Committee developed this Toxic Mold Fact Sheet to provide information about molds and mycotoxins. Currently, there are no Federal Government Standards for indoor air quality regarding molds and mycotoxins. This information is provided to inform the public on the preventable health and development problems that may be caused by exposure to toxic mold in their homes, schools, and communities. Important Mold Facts: People are routinely exposed to more than 200 species of fungi indoors and outdoors. There are sixty species that produce the 180 trichothecene mycotoxins. Mycotoxins kill other things, like bacteria and viruses, so mold can continue to grow. The American Cancer Society lists aflatoxin mycotoxins as known human carcinogens. The FDA has enforced regulatory limits on aflatoxin concentrations in foods and feeds since 1965. Mold spores, whether dead or alive, can cause adverse health effects. Molds also produce a large number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are responsible for the musty odors produced by growing molds. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Incidences: It is estimated that 500,000 deaths occur yearly in the United States due to exposure to indoor toxic mold. According to an EPA study, an estimated 50% of our nation’s schools have problems linked to poor indoor air quality. Health Causes: Mycotoxin exposure can lead to toxic injury that may include multiple illnesses, affecting the skin and the nervous, vascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, urinary, and immune systems; including the formation of cancers and can be lifethreatening. Studies: In the mid-1990's, a study conducted from Cleveland, Ohio, involved infants who had died suddenly from unexplained pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding of the lungs). Upon investigation, the researchers found that the infants resided in homes with high levels of Stachybotrys atra, linking Stachybotrys atra exposure to serious health effects and even death. A government study is now being conducted, with findings to be released in 2010. A 1997 Mayo Clinic study found that 96% of recurring sinus infections are caused by fungus in the sinuses. When participants were treated with anti-fungal sinus sprays, recurrence of infection was considerably less, and in some cases, no recurring infections were noted. Fifty percent of the 937 children tested in a large multicity asthma study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health showed sensitivity to mold, indicating the importance of mold as an asthma trigger among these children. Molds are thought to play a role in asthma in several ways. Molds produce many potentially allergenic compounds, and molds may play a role in asthma via release of irritants that increase potential for sensitization or release of toxins (mycotoxins) that affect immune response.

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T OXI C M OL D REF E REN CES Aflatoxins - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aflatoxins#cite_ref-0 American Cancer Society-Known Human Carcinogens/Agents and Groups of Agents. Known and Probable Carcinogens. http://www.cancer.org/ docroot/PED/content PED_1_3x_Known_and_Probable_Carcinogens.asp?sitearea=PED Croft, William, DVM. National Indoor Mold Society Internet Talkshow-May 12, 2007. Episode 1 http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=21450&cmd=apop

Croft, William, DVM. National Indoor Mold Society Internet Talkshow-June 16, 2007. Episode 5 http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=24340&cmd=apop

Croft, William, DVM. National Indoor Mold Society Internet Talkshow-November 18, 2007. Episode 7 http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=65154&cmd=apop Croft, William, DVM. National Indoor Mold Society Internet Talkshow- May 17, 2008 Episode 10 http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=114563&cmd=apop Dearborn DG, Yike I, Sorenson WG, Miller MJ, Etzel RA. Overview of investigations into pulmonary hemorrhage among infants in Cleveland, Ohio. Environ Health Perspect. 1999 Jun;107 Suppl 3:495-9. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10346998?dopt=Abstract Institute of Medicine. Clearing the air: asthma and indoor air exposures. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2000. Minnesota Department of Health/Indoor Air Quality in Schools- http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/schools/index.html Morgan WJ, Crain EF, Gruchalla RS, O’Connor GT, Kattan M, Evans R 3rd, et al. Results of home -based environmental intervention among urban children with asthma. N Engl J Med 2004;351:1068–80. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha05.htm Study Implicates Fungus As Cause of Chronic Sinusitis, September 9, 1999 - Rochester, MN- Mayo Clinic Study. Doctor’s Guide Global Edition- http:// www.pslgroup.com/dg/129e7e.htm Stachybotrys Induced Hemorrhage in the Developing Lung- Clinical trials NCT00011700 - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Study Start date- January 1999- Estimated Study Completion Date-February 2010 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00011700 Institute of Medicine. Clearing the air: asthma and indoor air exposures. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2000. United States Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration -A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace-Mold Remediation/Cleanup Methods-Use of Biocides http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib101003.html US EPA/Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings- Investigating, Evaluating, and Remediating Moisture and Mold Problems. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/i-e-r.html#Mold%20Remediation%20-%20Key%20Steps Wannemacher, Robert, Wiener, Stanley L. Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare- Chapter 34: Tricothecene Mycotoxins. Textbook of Military Medicine, Published by the Office of The Surgeon General, Borden Institute, Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washingt on, D.C. Office of The Surgeon General United States Army, 1997. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/medaspec/Ch-34electrv699.pdf Wood, G.E. Mycotoxins in foods and feeds in the United States J Anim Sci 1992. 70:3941 -3949. http://jas.fass.org/cgi/reprint/70/12/3941.pdf

W E A RE O N T HE W E B ! V I S I T US A T : National Indoor Mold Society P.O. Box 77302 Ewing, NJ 08628

W W W . NA T I ONA L IN D OO RM O LD S O CI ETY . O R G OR W W W . N IMS OC I ETY . O RG

Office: 609-403-2046 E-mail: [email protected]

A LS O V IS I T : W W W . M OL DMA DN ES S . C OM

Letitia Peters, Executive Director

W W W . MY S PA C E . C OM / FA C EO FT OX IC M OL D W W W . M OL DCA NK IL LY OU . C OM W W W . MY S PA C E . C OM / T O XI CM OL DS URV IV O R

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