Invasive Mold Infections and Protecting the Immunocompromised in the Built Environment

People with a weakened or suppressed immune system are at heightened risk of developing invasive mold infections. These types of infections can occur days to weeks after exposure to fungi that live in the environment warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency even advises physicians to keep invasive mold infections in mind when treating people who are sick after exposure to mold following a flood.

Some of the groups listed by the CDC for being at elevated risk of developing invasive mold infections include those who:

• Have had a transplant, especially hematopoietic stem cell transplants
• Have cancer, especially hematologic cancers like leukemia and lymphoma
• Are undergoing cancer treatment
• Are taking medications that weaken the immune system, such as corticosteroids and biologics

“Mold will typically begin to grow indoors in as short as 24 to 48 hours if moisture has been introduced, this is why the immunocompromised need to be especially cautious of entering a building that has suffered flooding or other forms of water damage,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Preventing indoor mold growth is particularly vital for places that house vulnerable populations, like hospitals and nursing homes. It’s also important to note that exposure to elevated levels of mold can also act as a respiratory irritant, allergen, and even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition.”

Dedicated to mitigating infection risks and other health concerns in the built environment are the indoor air quality, infection control, and industrial hygiene professionals at CTSI. They offer building assessments, testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services to identify and respond to exposure risks involving mold and other microbial pathogens. CTSI also recently sponsored an educational video about invasive mold infections and exposure risks for immunocompromised people that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/BIZz8x_k_24

To learn more about this or other infection control, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail