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CDC says Christopher City mold may not be dangerous

The Centers for Disease Control this month released a report stating that a mold found at UA's family housing complex in February is not proven to cause pulmonary hemorrhage in infants.

Julia Rosen, University of Arizona health and safety officer for Risk Management, said the finding should provide relief to Christopher City Apartment Complex residents.

Apartments at Christopher City, 3401 N. Columbus Blvd., are being inspected for Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxic mold that reportedly caused balance, stomach and intestinal problems in a former resident.

The CDC released a report March 10 stating that not enough evidence was found to link Stachybotrys chartarum with acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants.

Articles in the center's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in December 1994 and January 1997 said 10 Cleveland infants suffered from acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage, which was hypothesized to be caused by Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins. Gail Hayes, CDC press officer, said the center's recent report refutes the previous notion that Stachybotrys chartarum caused the Cleveland children's illness.

"We believe there isn't enough evidence to conclude their relationship with Stachybotrys and pulmonary hemorrhage," Hayes said.

Rosen said the report provides perspectives about Stachybotrys chartarum.

"Certainly, it puts mold back in the same playing field of other molds," Rosen said.

"I feel better, as a parent of a young child myself, knowing this is not linked to the bleeding of lungs," she added.

Hayes said many different types of molds exist, and they do not always cause illnesses.

"Mold exposure doesn't always present a health problem indoors," Hayes said. "Not all molds are of a problem to people."

Hayes said Stachybotrys chartarum can be removed with bleach and water. She said people should consult a physician if they are concerned they have been affected by the mold.

Rosen said Stachybotrys chartarum needs further investigation.

"It still is something that needs to be studied," she said.

She has conducted 10 inspections of Christopher City apartments so far and has eight more requests. A consulting firm, which Rosen said will probably be hired soon, will handle the rest of the inspections.

Rosen said Stachybotrys chartarum has not been found in any other apartments, although she is waiting for more laboratory results.