St. Louis Homes: Brick Fueling Deadly Lung Mold?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe musty smell hangs heavy in the air, a familiar scent to anyone who’s spent time in older St. Louis homes. But that smell might be more than just old age; it could be a warning sign. It could be histoplasmosis lurking within the very bricks that make up the city’s architectural heritage.
St. Louis, Missouri, a city renowned for its stunning brick architecture, particularly in neighborhoods like Soulard and Lafayette Square, faces a unique public health challenge. The very material that gives these neighborhoods their charm – the porous red brick – can also harbor a hidden danger: Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis.
The link between St. Louis brick and histoplasmosis isn’t immediately obvious, but it’s a confluence of factors that makes the connection strong. The porous nature of the brick, combined with the region’s humid climate and the presence of bird and bat droppings, creates an ideal breeding ground for the fungus.
Here’s the breakdown:
Porous Brick: St. Louis brick, especially in older homes built before modern sealing techniques, is highly porous. This means it readily absorbs moisture.
Humid Climate: St. Louis experiences hot, humid summers and relatively mild, wet winters. This high humidity provides the moisture Histoplasma needs to thrive.
Bird and Bat Droppings: Birds, particularly starlings and pigeons, and bats are common in urban environments like St. Louis. Their droppings are rich in nitrogen, a key nutrient for Histoplasma. These droppings often accumulate on roofs, in gutters, and on the brick facades of buildings.
The Perfect Storm: When bird or bat droppings land on damp brick, the Histoplasma fungus can colonize the material. The fungus then produces spores, which become airborne when the droppings dry and are disturbed.
Histoplasmosis is a respiratory infection caused by inhaling these Histoplasma spores. While many people who are exposed to the fungus experience no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, others, particularly those with weakened immune systems, can develop severe, even life-threatening, infections.
So, what can a St. Louis homeowner do to protect themselves and their families? The first step is identification.
Look for these signs:
Visible Mold or Discoloration: Check brick surfaces, especially in shaded areas or near gutters, for dark stains, green or black mold growth, or unusual discoloration.
Bird or Bat Droppings: Inspect roofs, gutters, window ledges, and brick facades for accumulations of bird or bat droppings.
Musty Odors: A persistent musty odor, especially in basements or crawl spaces, can indicate mold growth, including Histoplasma.
Water Damage: Look for signs of water damage, such as leaks, cracks, or efflorescence (a white, powdery deposit on the brick surface), as these can create a favorable environment for fungal growth.
If you suspect a histoplasmosis risk, testing is crucial.
Environmental Testing: A professional mold inspector can take samples of the brick or air to test for the presence of Histoplasma spores. In St. Louis, companies like AAA Mold Assessment and Environmental Solutions & Services specialize in this type of testing.
Medical Testing: If you experience flu-like symptoms, especially if you have a weakened immune system, consult your doctor. They can perform blood tests or a urine antigen test to determine if you have been exposed to Histoplasma.
Once you’ve identified and confirmed the presence of Histoplasma, remediation is essential. This is where things get tricky, and a DIY approach might not be the best solution.
Here’s why:
Spore Dispersal: Improper cleaning can actually spread Histoplasma spores, increasing the risk of infection.
Brick Damage: Harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing can damage the brick, exacerbating the problem in the long run.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proper PPE, including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing, is essential to prevent inhaling spores during the cleaning process.
For significant infestations, it’s best to hire a professional remediation company experienced in dealing with Histoplasma in brick structures. Companies like Belfor Property Restoration and SERVPRO of St. Louis have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove the fungus.
However, for minor cases or as a preventative measure, here are some DIY steps you can take:
Remove Droppings: Carefully remove bird or bat droppings using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner. Wet the droppings slightly to prevent spores from becoming airborne.
Clean the Brick: Wash the affected area with a mild detergent and water solution. Avoid using bleach, as it can damage the brick. A product like Concrobium Mold Control can be used to kill mold and prevent regrowth.
Seal the Brick: Apply a breathable sealant to the brick to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. Look for products specifically designed for brick, such as Prosoco Sure Klean Weather Seal Siloxane.
Improve Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in basements and crawl spaces to reduce humidity levels. Consider using a dehumidifier.
Maintain Gutters: Regularly clean gutters to prevent water from overflowing and saturating the brick.
Challenges and Pitfalls:
Misdiagnosis: Histoplasmosis symptoms can mimic other respiratory illnesses, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Inadequate Remediation: Incomplete or improper cleaning can leave behind spores, leading to recurrence of the problem.
Brick Damage: Using harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing can damage the brick, creating more pores for the fungus to colonize.
Ignoring the Source: Simply cleaning the brick without addressing the source of the bird or bat droppings will only provide a temporary solution.
Real-World Application:
Consider a homeowner in the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood of St. Louis. They notice dark stains on the north-facing side of their brick home, along with a persistent musty odor in the basement. They suspect mold and contact AAA Mold Assessment for testing. The test confirms the presence of Histoplasma. The homeowner then hires Belfor Property Restoration to remediate the problem. Belfor uses specialized equipment to safely remove the mold and seal the brick. The homeowner also installs bird netting to prevent future droppings on the roof.
Actionable Insights:
Don’t ignore musty odors or visible mold on your St. Louis brick home. These could be signs of a serious health hazard.
Get your home tested for Histoplasma if you suspect a problem. Early detection is key to preventing serious health complications.
Consider hiring a professional remediation company for significant infestations. They have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove the fungus.
Take preventative measures to reduce the risk of Histoplasma growth. This includes removing bird and bat droppings, sealing the brick, and improving ventilation.
The beauty of St. Louis brick homes is undeniable, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with these structures. By taking proactive steps to identify, test, and remediate Histoplasma, St. Louis homeowners can protect their families and preserve the city’s architectural heritage for generations to come. Don’t let the charm of the brick blind you to the potential dangers lurking within.