Latest news with #Cladosporium
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Midea air conditioner recall sparks concern: How to clean mold from your AC safely
Midea is recalling about 1.7 million of the company's U and U+ Window Air Conditioners sold in the U.S. and Canada due to mold exposure concerns, according to a notice shared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected units were distributed under the popular brand names Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze. Water in the recalled air conditioners may pool inside the units and have difficulty draining quickly enough, increasing the risk of mold growth. The company's issued notice states that mold exposure can raise the risk of developing respiratory issues or infections for some users. While this particular recall is focused on select Midea products, mold in air conditioners is a common issue all AC owners should be aware of, Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating, a family-operated HVAC company in Harlingen, Texas, tells Yahoo Life. It's easy to view an air conditioner as a set-it-and-forget-it appliance, but these workhorse machines require regular cleanings to lower the risk of mold buildup. But if you're like most people, you probably don't know how to clean mold from your air conditioner (or how to identify if it needs cleaning in the first place). With that in mind, here's how to check and clean your unit and how to prevent AC mold in your home in the first place. There are a few reasons why mold can grow in air conditioners. For starters, "mold is present almost everywhere," Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Life. But air conditioners in particular create a mold-friendly environment that allow spores to thrive. "Mold is a common issue in AC units because the cooling process naturally creates moisture," Flores says. "When warm air passes over the evaporator coils, condensation forms." If the moisture doesn't drain properly from your AC — which is what happened with the Midea recall — or if the system stays humid due to poor ventilation or infrequent use, it creates an ideal environment for mold to grow, Flores says. There are a few things that can happen with a moldy air conditioner. "Mold will reduce efficiency and can also circulate spores throughout the home, which can cause health issues like allergies or respiratory irritation," Flores says. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), mold and mold spores are incredibly common — you're going to breathe some of them in from the air around you. That said, some people are allergic to mold — their immune systems are overly sensitive to specific types of spores, which can lead to more significant reactions from exposure. Common reactions include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. While there are hundreds of types of molds, the AAAAI notes that the most common ones that cause allergic reactions are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. As to what may happen if mold starts growing inside your AC, Alan says that really depends on the type of mold, as well as how your immune system typically responds to such spores. For instance, people who are immunocompromised or who have underlying respiratory issues are more prone to experience symptoms or health complications from mold exposure. Additionally, aerosolization of mold is a bigger potential issue than mold growing on a random surface, especially for people who are prone to mold issues, Alan says. If you're chronically exposed to mold by something like your AC blowing spores around, you could develop chronic allergy symptoms or other health concerns. "Patients could have lung infections, which could look like a fever, cough and trouble breathing," Alan says. Something else to consider: Certain types of molds, like black mold, can release toxins into the air that can make you sick, even if you don't have a mold allergy. "With things like black mold, there are more symptoms that patients may experience like fatigue, mood changes and brain fog," says Alan. There is also a specific immune reaction to mold spores called hypersensitivity pneumonitis where your lungs become inflamed due to mold exposure. "It leads to a flu-like illness with fever and fatigue, in addition to respiratory symptoms," says Dr. Robert Laumbach, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health. "Over time, this could lead to permanent lung damage, so we want to try to catch [it] early." A key sign that mold in your home may be making you sick is if you find that you're having asthma- or allergy-like symptoms in your home that seem to get better after you leave for the day. "Symptoms usually occur with exposure and then may resolve within hours," says Laumbach. (However, he says that it can take longer for symptoms to clear up for some people, so this isn't always a given.) Still, all of this doesn't mean you should panic if you happen to find mold in your AC — especially if you otherwise feel fine. "Not every type of mold causes health issues for humans," Alan points out. There are a few warning signs to look out for. "One of the most noticeable signs is a musty or earthy smell when the system kicks on," Flores says. "It is usually the strongest near vents." You may even spot mold on the vents or around the evaporator coils and drip pan, Flores says. "Unexplained moisture buildup around the unit or damp, stale air could also be red flags," he adds. But you may simply be tipped off to the presence of mold in your AC by how you feel when the AC starts running — pay attention for any telltale allergy symptoms mentioned earlier, like sneezing, a runny nose or coughing. While it's never a bad idea to call in the experts if cleaning your AC seems like an ordeal, in most cases, it's possible to tackle basic cleaning yourself. Flores offers these simple steps. Flores recommends protecting yourself first. That means wearing gloves, a face mask and goggles. "Disturbing mold can release spores," he says. Failing to protect yourself can increase the likelihood of experiencing allergy symptoms or irritation. While basic cleaning is fairly straightforward, it's important to familiarize yourself with your unit and to determine whether the company has specific suggestions for ongoing maintenance. You don't want to be poking around with the electricity still running. Removing these components allows you to clean in and around them more effectively, identifying any areas where mold may be growing. "Small amounts of mold in accessible areas like vent covers or drip pans can sometimes be cleaned with a mixture of water and a mild detergent or a diluted bleach solution," Flores says. But as you remove these parts, "be careful not to damage components," he warns. (This is where consulting the owner's manual may come in handy!) Giving your AC a chance to fully dry before turning it back on will reduce the chances for mold growth to return. If you suspect that mold is in deeper areas of your air conditioner, like the coils or blower motor, Flores says it's best to use professional-grade equipment and antimicrobials. "That's where trained HVAC pros come in, as we can safely clean and sanitize all affected areas without spreading the mold further," he says. Getting rid of mold from your AC unit is helpful, but it can come back again if you're not careful. As always, it's best to read the instruction manual for your unit and follow regular maintenance, as recommended. "Proper routine maintenance can address most of these issues before they become a problem for the home," Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at HVAC company Trane Technologies, tells Yahoo Life. Beyond that, Goddard says it can be helpful to keep tabs on your indoor humidity. "Indoor humidity should be kept between 30% to 50% for comfort and to prevent mold," he says. "Mold tends to grow when indoor humidity is higher than this range." If humidity is a big issue in your home, Goddard suggests investing in a dehumidifier to try to help lower those levels. You may even want to consider using UV light, Goddard says. "UVC light installed over your coil and drain pan can prevent microbial growth and mold," he says. Laumbach suggests wiping down the inside and outside of your air conditioner regularly to remove dust, and to regularly clean and change your filter. "Dust can be enough food for mold to grow," he says. "You want to keep those coils and the filter clean." You may even want to consider using an additional air purifier with a HEPA filter, or seeing if your AC unit can use a HEPA filter to tamp down on mold spores circulating in your air, Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions, tells Yahoo Life. (Check out our favorite air purifiers here.) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also recommends keeping your air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. Again, mold can be an issue in any air conditioner — not just the models recalled by Midea. Mold exposure can raise the risk of a range of health issues, from allergy symptoms to full-blown infections, making it important to stay on top of the spores in your home. Doing routine air conditioner maintenance and cleanings will help to lower the risk of mold issues happening in the first place. Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating in Harlingen, Texas Jamie Alan, RPH, PharmD, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University Robert Laumbach, MD, MPH, CIH, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at Trane Technologies Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mold concerns addressed at Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – An assessment was conducted at Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School for concerns of mold. In a news release sent to 22News from the school district, an independent indoor air quality study was requested for portions of the ARMS building, which was previously closed to students and staff. In March, the assessment was conducted by Atlas Technical Consultants. The key findings include the following: Air Quality: Indoor air samples collected showed mold spore levels that were comparable to outdoor levels. The EMLab MoldScore™ used to evaluate airborne mold presence in various rooms scored between 103–129—well within the 'low' range, suggesting a low likelihood that the detected spores originated indoors. Surface Sampling: Isolated instances of active mold growth were found on specific surfaces, including wooden shelves, instrument cases, and door frames—particularly in the music and family center areas. Mold types identified included Aspergillus and Cladosporium. Root Cause: Most mold was attributed to condensation and prolonged humidity, not systemic HVAC failures. Several areas of water damage were also linked to roof drainage issues. HVAC Systems: Filters in the building's vents had not been replaced since early 2023. ATLAS recommended regular filter replacement and dehumidification, especially during warmer months. New Amherst Superintendent Dr. Xiomara Herman meets with residents 'We are taking these concerns seriously. Thanks to the diligence of our facilities team, outside experts, and school leaders, we are implementing both short-term fixes and long-term improvements to ensure our learning environment is clean, safe, and healthy for all,' Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman said in a statement. To address the issues, the school district has scheduled a professional remediation to take place next week in the music and instrument storage rooms, where mold activity was most significant. Repairs to the roof were made, and a replacement is scheduled for this summer. Air filters in the HVAC have been replaced, and the custodians have cleaned the areas using EPA-recommended mold removal protocols in areas that included the Family Center, library tables, and music storage rooms. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
25-02-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
‘We shouldn't have to fight for this.' Pembroke teachers plead with district to fix mold issues.
'It (is) hard that I'm not in the classroom doing what I love to do,' she said. Advertisement The The MTA said educators and parents at the district's other four schools allege there also is mold in their schools, though the district has conducted testing in only one other school, Several of the types of mold the district found in the buildings, including Cladosporium and Aspergillus, can cause severe illness, putting those with asthma, weaker immune systems, and mold allergies at higher risk. The district's inaction, the groups state, are part of a broader conflict with the district over alleged hostile work environments and poor treatment of educators and staff. The district declined repeated requests from the Globe for interviews regarding the educators' concerns, or the steps officials have taken to remediate the mold, but in an email, pointed to Such efforts at Hobomock include conducting multiple rounds of air quality testing, vent cleaning, carpet cleaning, and installing air filter units in the building, according to the website. The remediation process involves cleaning and scrubbing the mold where it's visible or cleaning the places that were tested that show it had a strong presence, even if not visible. The district also created a joint labor management committee, comprised of custodians, faculty, a mold specialist, and the schools' health and safety liaison, to brainstorm the best ways to combat the mold. Advertisement The district's website details 'There has been some response, but not to the extent that it needs to be,' said Renée Bock, Pembroke union president and Hobomock fifth-grade teacher. The district's website doesn't indicate that any cases of mold have been found at its other four other campuses, nor does it provide a similarly detailed list of remediation for the other schools. However, the district did show the Globe Pembroke High School had air testing performed in November. Parents and faculty are asking Pembroke administrators for more transparency on the steps being taken to remediate any mold at all five schools to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families. After testing confirmed mold was in her classroom in September 2023, the district initially moved Morris into another classroom in October of that year. Her symptoms subsided, she said. But after remediation, the district, in December of that year, required her to return to her classroom after it was cleaned, where she said she had flare-ups again. Following her physician's medical advice, Morris went on paid sick leave in September of 2024. Advertisement Hobomock parent Elyse Dyment said she has seen wet ceiling tiles when she has entered the building to pick up her son. Her son has been experiencing consistent headaches and has contracted strep throat, and suspects the symptoms are mold related but has not had him tested for mold exposure to confirm whether the symptoms are related. Dyment in October sent a letter to the principal via email that was signed by about 60 parents who raised their own concerns about the mold at the elementary campus. They asked to meet with the superintendent and School Committee. However, the district instead told them that the joint committee was working on the issues via email. 'It's a little bit of a helpless situation because you're being roadblocked everywhere you turn for help,' she said. At according to the MTA. After the walkthrough, the district asked the custodians to clean the surfaces where mold was visible, but the assigned custodians did not feel comfortable cleaning it due to not having what they felt was proper protective equipment. The union wanted respirators and sterilized coveralls, according to a custodian who did the walkthrough. The district did provide the custodians other cleaning materials, including gloves and disinfectants. 'It's your job and your don't want to be insubordinate,' said the custodian, who asked not to be named, fearing his job would be in jeopardy for speaking out against the district. 'It's our health at risk, not theirs.' Advertisement The School Committee did not respond to emailed requests by the Globe for comment. Elise Stansell, who works for the Massachusetts Teachers Association and oversees mold remediation processes between the MTA and local districts, said mold has been confirmed in other districts, including Cohasset, across the state that were adequately addressed within weeks of their initial reports. She wants Pembroke to act with the same kind of urgency. 'We want them to take it seriously,' Stansell said. 'We shouldn't have to fight for this.' Auzzy Byrdsell can be reached at
