Much-in-Demand Author/Editor
SHARON BEVERLY
WINNER OF A 2008 AW AWARD
Writing Selection 1
THE MOLD AND MENOPAUSE CONNECTION
As certified professionals of indoor air quality and environmental standards, we diagnose, evaluate and correct problems. Besides informing clients of our findings, we must educate them, as well.
INSPECTION AND EVALUATION
I encountered such a case one recent summer at the home of a Boca Raton, Florida resident. My investigative reconnaissance of the residence started with an inspection of the HVAC system, which had been regularly maintained.
The homeowner mentioned that the house was warm, but inspection of the thermostat and verifying calibration indicated the actual temperature was 71.8 EF, which is 1.2EF below the ASHRAE maximum standards.
My inspection of the attic identified areas where condensation had formed at the air ducts; there was visible microbial growth and evidence of duct condensation on the floor surrounding the supply drops. Light bio-film was identified at the supply air ducts.
Moisture mapping was conducted at perimeter walls, specifically around windows and sliding glass doors. I also tested the wall cavities (along plumbing lines) for condensation.
Inspection of a first floor bathroom revealed that the supply grid was in close proximity to the ceiling light, which used a high heat intensity bulb. The cool air of the supply air register hitting the heat emitted from the bulb caused a clash of air masses, allowing condensation to form on both the ceiling and supply air register.
REPORT TO HOMEOWNER
We discussed how the woman handled her objection to the heat she was feeling in her home. The hotter she felt, the lower she moved the thermostat. I explained to the owner that low temperatures were allowing the building envelope to reach dew point level and thus, increasing humidity. A properly functioning A/C system, I said, would do the opposite, pulling humidity from the residence. In other words, the more comfortable she felt, the more her home and she would be incurring hazardous side effects. The mold found growing at the supply ducts and grids would account for her allergic symptoms of increased migraine headaches, sluggishness, fatigue, restlessness, occasional itchiness and dry eyes, and, dizzy spells, nose bleeds and increased stress.
RESEARCH
Research indicates that menopause and mold might have long-term health consequences, as stress levels tend to rise. Menopause is often accompanied by changes in the menstrual period, hot flashes (often produced by a thyroid drift), vaginal dryness, or sleep disturbances, increasing stress. Dr. Gary Rosen's article, How Common Mold Toxins Hurt the Body, explains that modest exposure bothers approximately one in four individuals who are overwhelmed by active mold toxins. The common response to hot flashes is to try and maintain a comfortable environment, frequently be lowering the thermostat to make the house colder. This can result in condensation and other related issues, such as fungal and bacterial growth. Menopausal women whose bodies are already under stress need to be extra careful, as their ability to rid toxins from their systems is compromised.
Ritchie C. Shoemaker, M.D. and James Schaller, M.D., M.A.R., P.A., D.A.B.F.M., co-authored the book, Mold Warriors. They advocate the necessity of blood tests that can be used to confirm bio-toxin exposure. Such confirmation is necessary to successfully treat the individual. It is critical to remove the person from the contaminated environment, or treatment will typically be unsuccessful. Physicians, too, must be educated that, mold affects the entire body and not merely the nasal area and lungs. Full laboratory testing should go beyond possible pulmonary function (breathing) tests and allergy testing. Dr. Schaller's expertise of fungal exposure, bio-toxin illnesses and as a nutraceutical consultant is renowned. Asked about the possible effects of fungal contamination in a menopausal occupant, Dr. Schaller stated, "Visible indoor mold or mold that causes a musty odor is never a good thing. Mold should not be growing in the indoor environment."
According to industry experts, many indoor molds make chemicals called mycotoxins. These disrupt one's concentration and memory, hurt the skin, and increase belly fat. The latter increases occurrences of diabetes, heart attacks, and cancers.
Mold bio-toxins undermine the functioning of insulin and leptin, increasing obesity in those exposed. They even get into the brain, making it so that one doesn't care about the mold problem and goes on to do less important things.
As an air quality expert and Director of the American Indoor Air Quality Council of the South Florida Chapters, I have inspected residences of both menopausal and post- menopausal occupants. The lowering of the thermostat to obtain a comfort level ignores ASHRAE guidelines of 73EF-78EF in the summer months, regardless of whether the climate is hot-humid or hot-dry.
Unfortunately for those experiencing this condition, making it colder does not necessarily make it better.
As certified professionals of indoor air quality and environmental standards, we diagnose, evaluate and correct problems. Besides informing clients of our findings, we must educate them, as well.
INSPECTION AND EVALUATION
I encountered such a case one recent summer at the home of a Boca Raton, Florida resident. My investigative reconnaissance of the residence started with an inspection of the HVAC system, which had been regularly maintained.
The homeowner mentioned that the house was warm, but inspection of the thermostat and verifying calibration indicated the actual temperature was 71.8 EF, which is 1.2EF below the ASHRAE maximum standards.
My inspection of the attic identified areas where condensation had formed at the air ducts; there was visible microbial growth and evidence of duct condensation on the floor surrounding the supply drops. Light bio-film was identified at the supply air ducts.
Moisture mapping was conducted at perimeter walls, specifically around windows and sliding glass doors. I also tested the wall cavities (along plumbing lines) for condensation.
Inspection of a first floor bathroom revealed that the supply grid was in close proximity to the ceiling light, which used a high heat intensity bulb. The cool air of the supply air register hitting the heat emitted from the bulb caused a clash of air masses, allowing condensation to form on both the ceiling and supply air register.
REPORT TO HOMEOWNER
We discussed how the woman handled her objection to the heat she was feeling in her home. The hotter she felt, the lower she moved the thermostat. I explained to the owner that low temperatures were allowing the building envelope to reach dew point level and thus, increasing humidity. A properly functioning A/C system, I said, would do the opposite, pulling humidity from the residence. In other words, the more comfortable she felt, the more her home and she would be incurring hazardous side effects. The mold found growing at the supply ducts and grids would account for her allergic symptoms of increased migraine headaches, sluggishness, fatigue, restlessness, occasional itchiness and dry eyes, and, dizzy spells, nose bleeds and increased stress.
RESEARCH
Research indicates that menopause and mold might have long-term health consequences, as stress levels tend to rise. Menopause is often accompanied by changes in the menstrual period, hot flashes (often produced by a thyroid drift), vaginal dryness, or sleep disturbances, increasing stress. Dr. Gary Rosen's article, How Common Mold Toxins Hurt the Body, explains that modest exposure bothers approximately one in four individuals who are overwhelmed by active mold toxins. The common response to hot flashes is to try and maintain a comfortable environment, frequently be lowering the thermostat to make the house colder. This can result in condensation and other related issues, such as fungal and bacterial growth. Menopausal women whose bodies are already under stress need to be extra careful, as their ability to rid toxins from their systems is compromised.
Ritchie C. Shoemaker, M.D. and James Schaller, M.D., M.A.R., P.A., D.A.B.F.M., co-authored the book, Mold Warriors. They advocate the necessity of blood tests that can be used to confirm bio-toxin exposure. Such confirmation is necessary to successfully treat the individual. It is critical to remove the person from the contaminated environment, or treatment will typically be unsuccessful. Physicians, too, must be educated that, mold affects the entire body and not merely the nasal area and lungs. Full laboratory testing should go beyond possible pulmonary function (breathing) tests and allergy testing. Dr. Schaller's expertise of fungal exposure, bio-toxin illnesses and as a nutraceutical consultant is renowned. Asked about the possible effects of fungal contamination in a menopausal occupant, Dr. Schaller stated, "Visible indoor mold or mold that causes a musty odor is never a good thing. Mold should not be growing in the indoor environment."
According to industry experts, many indoor molds make chemicals called mycotoxins. These disrupt one's concentration and memory, hurt the skin, and increase belly fat. The latter increases occurrences of diabetes, heart attacks, and cancers.
Mold bio-toxins undermine the functioning of insulin and leptin, increasing obesity in those exposed. They even get into the brain, making it so that one doesn't care about the mold problem and goes on to do less important things.
As an air quality expert and Director of the American Indoor Air Quality Council of the South Florida Chapters, I have inspected residences of both menopausal and post- menopausal occupants. The lowering of the thermostat to obtain a comfort level ignores ASHRAE guidelines of 73EF-78EF in the summer months, regardless of whether the climate is hot-humid or hot-dry.
Unfortunately for those experiencing this condition, making it colder does not necessarily make it better.
©2008 Sharon Beverly
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