Re: mold fad a thing of the past

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On 3/30/04, Greg Weatherman wrote:

Greg:

Let's stay on microbes for convenience. Resistance is a huge
problem and kicked into gear with the introduction of systemic
fungicides in the early 70's. Despite warnings from scientists
aroud the world, EPA yielded to manufacturers (who interestingly,
argued that EPA did not have the right to regulate a
mutagen,referring to the fungicide). What I'm looking at is the
overlap between pharmaceuticals, ag chemicals, and "anti-
microbials" incorporated into paints, coatings and materials.
That is, where the same active ingredient is common to all.

If resistance leads to dominance, what happens when you kick in
the balance and/or effects on non-target organisms. What are the
effects of fungicides on bacteria, for example. One fungicde for
example, causes mutation in bacteria at .5 ppb. So, while we're
targeting fungi on plants, mold on building materials, or fungal
infections in humans, what is happening to the bacteria, and the
natural.sought balnce in microflora/fauna? Going a step further
and according to a manufacturer's senior toxicologist, the human
metabolite of their fungicide is now ubiquitous in the environment
and at a steady state of 5 ppb in the world population. My guess
is, get a fungal infection and the pathogen is already resistant
by way of the 5 ppb continuous exposure. Then, treat it with the
same compound?

Well, you can see, as we agree, it get's a little more complicated
than "it ain't mold" group wants to admit. They need a simple,
neat, clean answer to pull it off. And, as far as I can tell,
the "it ain't mold" guys aren't even hitting on all the organisms
they should be concerned with. Throw in the synergistic effects
of mutiple toxins from multiple organisms, fungi, bacteria, and
cyanobacteria, and you can easily see why Mr. Connell has a long
way to go.

Thanks for your comments, especially on canker. Did it ever occur
to anyone that fungicidal treatments could fuel the canker
problem? I think there is benefit in looking at plant pathogens,
treatments, resistance, etc. Pathogens common to both worlds
likely respond in the same way when hit with the same chemicals.

ff

>
> You are tenacious with the antimicrobial issue. I think you are
> right about shifts in microbial populations due the improper use
> of antimicrobials. Pesticide application to crops was the first
> to undergo what is termed "integrated pest management" or IPM
> because insects and germs were thought to be developing
> resistance.
>
> Then the same idea was applied to structural pest control
> (indoors). this started in schools and public buildings.
> Although sterilizing baits are the norm today, most insecticides
> registered to kill cockroaches don't really kill cockroaches.
> After you remove the products that were removed from the market
> do to changes in registrations, the rest have had their active
> ingredients lowered for toxicity purposes. At best, they knock
> down the cockroaches and make them angry for their short life
> spans. It has been shown (University of Cincinatti I think)that
> cockroaches have an immune system and can develop immunity to
> toxins given the right circumstances. Why should germs be any
> diiferent?
>
> The lowering of toxicity was a selling point but, the lack of
> effectiveness with all pests targeted was the real impetus. Look
> at the citrus canker problems in south Florida (Psuedomonas)or
> the fate of the magestic elm trees in the older cities and towns
> (beetles).
>
> Quaternary ammonium (nitrogen rich water)disinfectants are
> atrocious with mold and really make a good argument about
feeding
> the mold with fertilizer. Chin Yang, PhD microbiologist, has
> publically stated on many occasions that this type of
> disinfectant is worthless for mold.
>
> Just keep ignoring the rude and ignorant types. You really are
> on to something.
>
> Regards,
>
> Greg Weatherman
> Aerobiological Solutions Inc.
> Arlington VA 22202
>
> gw@aerobiological.com
>
>
> *******************************************************
> On 3/30/04, ff wrote:
>>
>> Don't forget a few weeks back, the health department here is
>> getting out of two of their buildings (located miles apart).
>> The anti-microbials have become a good food souce for targeted
>> pathogens.
>>
>> ff
>>
>> on 3/30/04, JohnCodie wrote:
>>> On 3/29/04, Jack wrote:
>>>> This whole mold phenom is a fad of the past. You guys get
>>>> over it. The well has run dry!!!
>>>
>>> Was not looking for water, or money, was looking for being
>>> made whole again. Fresh off the Press, the Mississippi
>>> Press that is: One block off from Trent Lotts local office,
>>> and three buildings down from the main Library still trying
>>> to get back to its design since mold was first forced into
>>> the publics view.
>>>
>>> Source: Brad Crocker can be reached at 228-934-1431, or
>>> bcrocker@themississippipress.com.
>>>
>>> Footnote: The Mississippi Press has moved its printing
>>> office to Mobile and its old building has been vacated due
>> to
>>> mold. Local High School is in the early stages of being
>> torn
>>> down due to mold despite it is on the historic register.
>>>
>>> Postal Officials Say Pas branch safe despite mold
>>>
>>> U.S. Postal Service officials are reviewing their options on
>>> how to handle a mold infestation at the main U.S.. Postal
>>> Service brach in Pascagoula at 911 Jackson Ave. Mold was
>>> recently detected in the east wall of the post office which
>>> was opened in the 1970s. Test conducted recently indicated
>>> that the post office did not pose threat to employees, said
>>> Larry Dingman, manager of field communications for the U.S.
>>> Postal Service's Memphis office
>>>
>>> "We want our employees to have the best, safest work
>>> environment possible," Dingman siad Monday. We want
>>> everybody to know the building is safe." There has been no
>>> decision regarding whether the USPS will stay in the Jackson
>>> Avenue building or move to another location. "We just don't
>>> know yet," Dingman said. "We're doing the best we can to
>>> look at all the options." "We want to do the important
>>> thing." Dingman added that services will not be interrupted
>>> as a result of the mold. Alaina Garrision, 47, handles all
>>> her postal business at the Jacksoin Ave. Office. "It's so
>>> centrally located, i couldn't see going anywhere else,
>> unless
>>> it's close to this one,"she said. The Pascagoula Public
>>> Library, located several buildings down from the post
>> office,
>>> is in the middle of its own bout with mold problems. Last
>>> fall, a leaky skylight and roof and problems with the
>> heating
>>> and air conditining units caused infestations in the
>>> conference rooms, which were gutted down to the steel
>> beams.
>>> The rooms remain blocked off. Earlier this year, the City
>>> Council awarded a $43,315 contract to Continental Roofing to
>>> Repair the skylight and roof. "We wanted to repair the
>>> outside first,"City Manager Kay Johnson siad. The city wil
>>> advertise for bids to handle repairing the conference center
>>> walls in the near future, Johnson said.
>>>
>>> Note: Continental Roofing also provided free roofing
>> patches
>>> to the Pascaoula High School in order to delay the
>>> infestation. After about six years the old school remains
>> of
>>> the sale block with no buyers. It could be given to the
>> City
>>> by the School board.
>>>
>>> Jack now is your chance to educate all these misinformed
>>> individuals. You can start with Mr. Larry Dingman, Senator
>>> Lott, City Manager Kay Johnson, or reporter Brad Crocker.
>>> Evidently your message has not been completely spread, or
>>> these guys, and gals need a little more ammunition that your
>>> keeping under wraps.
>>>
>>> jc

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