Is there a connection between the Coronavirus and Mold

As we ready ourselves for impending arrival of the Coronavirus virus here in North America it would be wise to understand not just the implications of the virus itself but if the virus may be exacerbated in some way through the presence of mold. The question is…is there a connection between the Coronavirus and Mold?

In order to explore this it is important to understand what the facts are as far as we know them at this time.

So, here is an issued statement from the World Health organization, (https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus) and from the Center for Disease Control, the CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html 

 

What is the Coronavirus(es)?               

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.  Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that release spores into the air as it grows under certain conditions. Mold spores are very small, down to 3 microns in size, (HEPA air filtration units filter down to .3 microns which is why they are highly recommended). Molds come in various shades and colours, (colour is not indicative of species), and move through your home via convection. Elevated levels of mold in a home is not healthy, however, some individuals become ill even due to low exposure levels. How an individual reacts to a mold exposure varies from person to person.

Mold Removal Guidelines

Are You Worried about your home’s air quality?

 

Is there a connection between Coronavirus and Mold?

Research into this possibility is in its infancy and, while doctors indicate mold does not cause the virus, mold may play a crucial role in exacerbating an existing or new viral infection. A number of medical studies have shown that mold suppresses the bodies ability to fight off a viral infection, such as Adenoviruses, Rhinoviruses and Coronaviruses.

There are also a number of cases in the news recently where individuals have experienced significant Adenovirus illness related to prior contact with mold.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-md-olivia-paregol-adenovirus-20181120-story.html

https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/mold-health-dangers

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC145304/

https://moldfreeliving.com/2018/12/03/mold-virus-connection/

 

What can I do to prepare?

We recommend to follow Health Canada, CDC and World Health Organizations recommendations on how to prepare for the coming pandemic.

https://www.who.int/westernpacific/activities/preparing-for-pandemics

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/pandemic-preparedness-resources.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/flu-influenza/pandemic-plans.html

We also recommend also that your home be inspected and mold issues addressed in order to reduce the risk of mold exacerbating a viral infection. Further, your home should be regularly disinfected with a product that is a proven viral / bacterial / mold disinfectant, ( we recommend a botanical product approved by Health Canada and the EPA). Disinfection of your home should be thorough, including all ceilings, walls, basement spaces and HVAC systems, (including all duct runs). The less mold you have in your house the better prepared physically you and your family will be to fight off infection.

Maple Leaf Mold Inc. is a certified  mold / asbestos removal and biological disinfection / air analysis company located in Toronto that uses certified IICRC technicians for all testing and remediation projects.

We are a professionally licensed firm experienced in testing, verifying  and removing Mold / Asbestos / Lead and other environmental contaminants as well as providing disinfection services to control and kill biological contaminants.

Call 416-254-7256 to talk with us about your issue anytime.

 

               

  Certified Residential / Commercial Inspection Service