NewslineVolume IV, Issue 9 - March 28, 2003
This is such a significant piece, we wanted to make certain you are aware of this ‘evidence-based statement’ by a very respected group,” states CRI President, Werner Braun. American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) recommends use of high-quality vacuum cleaner to reduce exposure to indoor allergens. “Toxic mold” is a term increasingly used in recent years by the lay press. The topic has become so prominent that it is often the basis for litigation when individuals feel indoor mold growth is the cause of their ailments and disabilities. In the evidence-based statement issued in October 2002, the ACOEM discusses the state of scientific knowledge on fungal-related illnesses and the possible relationship to indoor environments. Special attention is paid to the possible health effects of mycotoxins, which are the cause of much of the concern and controversy surrounding indoor mold growth. Much of the current alarm over exposure to indoor mold growth comes from the belief that inhalation exposure to mycotoxins causes numerous and varied symptoms. According to this ACOEM statement, indoor molds are recognized allergens, but outdoor molds are generally more important to sensitized individuals. Control of relative humidity and water intrusion minimizes the opportunity for indoor mold growth as well as bacteria, bacterial endotoxins, and dust mites. It is prudent to take steps to reduce aeroallergens and to remediate sources of indoor mold amplification. Sensitized individuals may need to keep windows closed, remove pets, use dust mite covers on bedding, or filter outdoor air intakes to minimize exposure. ACOEM also recommends use of high-quality vacuum cleaners to assist in removing settled allergens while not re-suspending the materials back into the room. It is important for consumers to be able to identify vacuum cleaners that perform effectively to control dust and dirt in the indoor environment. The impact on indoor air quality and cleaning efficiency can vary significantly from machine to machine. The carpet industry and participating vacuum cleaner manufacturers worked together to create a testing program to provide consumers with products that address good indoor air quality. The Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Indoor Air Quality Testing Program identifies vacuum cleaners that have been evaluated by an independent testing laboratory and have met the carpet industry standard for: soil removal, dust containment, and carpet appearance retention. These vacuum cleaners receive the Indoor Air Quality Green Label. Vacuum cleaners that meet the standard minimize the impact of vacuum cleaning on indoor air quality while protecting the consumer’s carpet investment. The protocol for testing was endorsed by scientists who are expert in the study of building maintenance and indoor air quality. Machines submitted for testing must meet all three elements of the standard in order to be certified by the CRI IAQ Testing Program and display the Green Label. The ACOEM statement recommends, “After the source of moisture that supports mold growth has been eliminated, active mold growth can be eliminated. Colonized porous materials, e.g., clothing or upholstery, can be cleaned using appropriate routine methods, e.g., washing or dry cleaning, and need not be discarded unless cleaning fails to restore an acceptable appearance.” Vacuuming with a CRI Green Label vacuum cleaner is an efficient method of cleaning and maintaining good indoor air quality. While recognizing that mold, under certain conditions, can create allergic effects, the ACOEM evidence-based statement concludes: “Current scientific evidence does not support the proposition that human health has been adversely impacted by inhaled mycotoxins in home, school, or office environments.” Acknowledgment: Check our website calendar for other industry related events
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