Invasive Mold Infections and Protecting the Immunocompromised in High-Risk Environments

Almost anyone with a weakened or suppressed immune system could be at a heightened risk of developing an invasive mold infection (IMI). Two of the most common IMIs include invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that IMIs can occur days to weeks after exposure to fungi that live in the environment. The agency goes so far as to advise physicians to keep invasive mold infections in mind when treating people who are sick after exposure to mold following a flood.

Groups listed by CDC as 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

“Invasive mold infections can be debilitating and even life-threatening, so preventing mold growth indoors is a priority in protecting vulnerable populations,” said Derrick A. Denis, Disaster Ready Emergency Preparedness and Infection Control (DR EPIC) Program Industrial Hygienist and Senior Vice President for Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “Mold growth in the built environment results in a higher risk of mold overexposure. The threat is heightened where immunosuppressed occupants are present. The threat is further exacerbated where compromised populations spend extended time, such as hospitals, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities.”

To properly assess indoor conditions in these locations, it takes an experienced industrial hygienist or infection control professional. CSC’s experts meet this criteria and are dedicated to identifying and mitigating indoor exposure risks to mold and other microbial pathogens. They even recently sponsored an educational video about IMI 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, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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