We have talked a lot about mold and the importance of preventing its spread in the home. Mold is indeed one of the most serious threats to our health, but the issues do not end there. Recent research indicates that the problem extends beyond just mold to a broader issue—homes exposed to water damage.
You might say, “But isn’t that how mold problems arise?” And that’s true. However, aside from mold, there are other threats that often go unnoticed. Moreover, if you think the problems are limited to roof leaks, basements, or sewer issues, you may be underestimating the scale of the problem.
This problem has become significant relatively recently and is directly related to the increase in our comfort levels. Previously, homes did not have plumbing, sewage systems, dishwashers, refrigerators, or washing machines. Basements and attics existed, but there was no central heating. No one tried to wrap homes in plastic to minimize heat loss. Homes were not airtight; they “breathed,” which reduced the risks we are discussing now. All these changes occurred recently, creating ideal conditions not only for mold growth but also for other microorganisms. Therefore, it is more accurate to talk about the problem of biofilms forming in these environments rather than just mold.
This is what we will discuss. The first article will focus on biofilms in our homes, while the second will explain what you can do to prevent your home from becoming “sick” and affecting the health of its occupants. “Sick building syndrome” is a recognized condition, but I have not heard of it being diagnosed or treated by our Canadian medical system.
What Are Biofilms, And How Can They Affect Indoor Air Quality?
- Biofilms: Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that form on surfaces in the presence of moisture. In water-damaged buildings (WDBs), biofilms can develop on any damp or moist surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, pipes, and household appliances. These microorganisms interact with each other and their environment, forming a resilient structure that protects them from external influences.
- Microorganisms in Biofilms: Biofilms can include various types of microorganisms such as mold, bacteria, viruses, and actinomycetes. In conditions of elevated humidity in WDBs, these microorganisms find ideal environments for growth and reproduction. Mold and actinomycetes are especially prevalent in such conditions as they can easily thrive on porous and damp materials.
- Protective Matrix of Biofilms and Their Resilience: Biofilms form on wet or damp surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix made of polysaccharides, proteins, and other substances secreted by the microorganisms. This matrix shields the microbes from external factors like cleaning agents and antimicrobial treatments, making biofilms especially resilient and challenging to remove. This requires specialized cleaning and disinfection methods.
Mold, Actinomycetes, and Endotoxins: Differences and Impact on Health
Mold and actinomycetes are microorganisms commonly found in damp environments, such as homes affected by flooding. While both types of organisms can pose health risks, they differ in their effects and properties.
Mold is a type of fungus that grows on organic materials like wood, paper, and fabric. Mold produces spores and hyphae that spread through the air and settle on various surfaces. It releases mycotoxins—toxic substances that can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Mold also forms biofilms on damp surfaces, making it particularly difficult to remove.
Actinomycetes are bacteria that resemble long threads and inhabit soil and
Endotoxins are toxic substances released from the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria when they are destroyed. They can cause acute inflammatory reactions and serious conditions such as sepsis. It is important to note that endotoxins and the metabolites from mold and actinomycetes represent different problems.
Mycotoxins from mold and actinomycete metabolites can affect health in different ways. For example, mold releases substances that cause allergies and breathing problems, while actinomycetes can disrupt the microbiome and lead to respiratory diseases. Understanding the differences between mycotoxins, actinomycete metabolites, and endotoxins helps in more effectively managing their impact and taking measures to improve indoor air quality and maintain health in buildings.
Potential Causes of Water Damage in Buildings Leading to Biofilm Formation
In the context of WDBs, biofilms can pose a significant problem, especially if damp conditions persist for extended periods. Biofilms formed by microbes such as bacteria and mold can develop on various surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, and within ventilation systems.
- Impact of Severe Storms on Water Supply and Home Structure: Hurricanes and typhoons can damage plumbing systems, disrupt the structural integrity of homes, and cause flooding, creating favourable conditions for biofilm formation.
- Effect on Basements and Lower Levels of Homes: Heavy rains and river floods can inundate basements and lower floors of homes, increasing humidity and creating ideal conditions for biofilm growth.
- How Sewer Blockages Contribute to Biofilm Formation: Blockages in sewer systems lead to water stagnation, which promotes the growth of microorganisms and the formation of biofilms.
- Effect of Leaks on Ceiling and Wall Structures: Roof leaks can lead to moisture in ceilings and walls, creating an environment for biofilm growth on these surfaces. Searching for roofing companies near me. Call Overson Roofing in Arizona.
- Cracks in Tiles and Leaks in Plumbing/Sewage Systems: Cracks in tiles, as well as small leaks in plumbing and sewage pipes, contribute to moisture accumulation in hidden areas, leading to biofilm formation.
How Biofilms in Buildings Affect Health
- Respiratory Diseases: Biofilms can release microparticles and allergens that, when inhaled, irritate the airways, causing chronic cough, asthma, and allergic reactions. Continuous exposure to these irritants can lead to serious respiratory diseases.
- Infection Risks: Biofilms often contain pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which can infect people through contact or inhalation. This increases the risk of infectious diseases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Toxic Emissions: Mold within biofilms releases mycotoxins— toxic substances that can enter the body through the respiratory tract or skin. These toxins can cause a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and fatigue to more serious conditions such as liver and kidney damage.
- Impact on the Immune System: Continuous exposure to microorganisms and toxins released by biofilms can cause chronic inflammation, which overloads the immune system. This can disrupt the normal immune response, reduce the body’s ability to fight infections and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.
- Hormonal Disruptions: Components of biofilms, such as mycotoxins released by mold, and other chemicals, can act as endocrine disruptors. These substances can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances, including changes in stress levels, reproductive disorders, and thyroid hormone imbalances.
Why is the Problem of Pathogenic Biofilms in Buildings Relevant Now?
- Impact on Humidity and Home Microbiome: In the past, homes lacked sewage systems, plumbing, and central heating. The absence of modern amenities historically led to different humidity conditions and the formation of a different microbiome.
- Modern Building Materials: The use of new building materials and technologies has affected the formation and spread of biofilms, as they can create conditions for moisture accumulation. Materials such as paper-faced drywall, paper and vinyl wallpapers, insulation materials like mineral wool or fibreglass, laminate and parquet flooring, modern water-resistant paints, and plastic and vinyl windows are examples. Therefore, it’s better to invest in Gable End Windows.
- Increased Home Sealing: Modern energy efficiency measures, including home sealing, contribute to increased indoor humidity, which in turn supports the growth of biofilms.
- Washing Machines, Dishwashers, and Self-Defrosting Refrigerators: These appliances can be sources of increased moisture and create favourable environments for biofilm growth inside them.
- Increased Use of Household Appliances and Time Spent Indoors: Modern lifestyles and the increased time spent indoors exacerbate the problem of biofilms, as additional moisture sources appear in homes.
Conclusion
The issue of biofilms in WDBs is becoming increasingly relevant. These complex communities of microorganisms, which form on damp surfaces, pose a serious health threat.
They can cause respiratory diseases, infections, toxic reactions, and immune system disturbances. Given modern building standards and increased building sealing, it is crucial to not only address mold but also to take measures to prevent and control biofilms. We can no longer forego the comforts of modern living, so we must learn to live in these conditions without exposing ourselves and our loved ones to excessive health risks.
In the next article, we will explore practical recommendations for protecting your home from these dangerous microbiological issues: Creating a Safe Home Environment for Better Health