Toxic Mold Assessment, Mitigation, and Prevention at DOD Facilities Kim Taylor, Esq., CHMM, Presenter 08 April 2004 Kim Taylor, Esq., CHMM, Presenter 08 April 2004

AUTHOR CONTACT INFORMATION Kim Taylor Regina Clifford CDM 3760 Convoy Street, Suite 210 San Diego, CA (858) Ben Kollmeyer Janine Pielak Forensic Analytical, Inc Pacific Commerce Drive Rancho Dominguez, CA (310)

OBJECTIVE To discuss: –Emerging mold issues at DoD facilities –Development of a Mold Assessment, Mitigation, and Prevention Program (AMPP) for DoD Facilities

Stachybotrys Chartarum Source: StartRemodeling.com

INTRODUCTION Fungi –Molds, yeast, and mushrooms –25% of earth’s biomass –Estimated 10,000 – 300,000+ Species Historical Events Potentially Related to Mold –Old Testament – Leviticus 14 –Salem Witch Trials –King Tut’s Curse

COMMON CAUSES OF INDOOR MOLD Basic Requirements –Temperature –Nutrients –Lighting Necessary Factors for Indoor Mold Growth –Food –Moisture –Time

TOXIC MOLD – THE MYTH “Toxic” Molds –mycotoxins –Stachybotrys Chartarum, Aspergillus “Black” Mold Nontoxic Molds –Allergens –Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

HUMAN HEALTH IMPACTS 3 Processes Exposure Routes –Mycotoxins and Allergens –VOCs Typical Symptoms Effects –Duration –Severity

Suspected Human Health Impacts Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Nonrespiratory symptoms Death

EMERGING REGULATIONS Federal Legislation Still Under Committee Review –United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act of 2003 (H.R. 1268) As of 2003, over 30 States Have Debated Mold Legislation! California –Passed the Toxic Mold Protection Act in 2001 (Senate Bill 732)

Federal H.R – Requirements for Public Housing Requirements for Existing Public Housing –Landlord notification Mold information pamphlets to tenants –Periodic inspections and risk assessments –Mandatory abatement

Federal H.R – Other Provisions Other Provisions –Disclosure requirements for real estate transfers Known mold Past or chronic water intrusion problems –Public Housing Construction requirements new building codes

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Typical Mold-Related Claims BRAC Property Transfers/Leases –Applicable, Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) Feasibility Study, Record of Decision –Property Transfer Documents - Disclosures Finding of Suitability to Transfer (FOST)/ Finding of Suitability to Lease (FOSL) Process –Potential Exposure to Future Litigation/Claims

Current Disclosure Obligations California Health and Safety Code (various sections) –Commercial, residential, or industrial property Seller with knowledge of mold must disclose to prospective buyers/tenants –Commercial or Industrial Tenant with knowledge of mold or chronic water intrusion or flooding problems must notify landlord –Residential Landlord must provide Cal. Dept. of Health Services Booklet: Mold in My Home, What Do I Do?

ASSESSMENT, MITIGATION, AND PREVENTION OF MOLD AT DOD FACILITIES Just One Component of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Policy –Advocated by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health –Other Components of an IAQ Policy

Mold Assessment Inspection –Identify Growth –Identify Cause –Investigate Complaints –Communicate risks

Mold Mitigation Remediation –Remove Source –Non-porous Building Materials –Porous Building Materials Engineering Controls –Trained personnel –Health and Safety Plan Periodic Re-inspection Monitor Building Occupants

Mold Mitigation (Cont’d) Complete When: –Moldy or musty odors are no longer discernable, –No visible mold is present, and –Moisture source has been eliminated.

Mold Prevention – Existing Buildings Prompt Repair of Moisture Sources Moisture Prevention –Building Temperature Control –HVAC System Maintenance –Adequate Ventilation –Landscaping Mold Inhibitors

Mold Prevention – New Construction Structural Design for Moisture Prevention –Vapor barriers –Ventilation –Insulation HVAC Systems –Proper design, installation, and operation, and maintenance

Assessment, Mitigation, and Prevention Plan (AMPP) Step 1 –Designate a mold AMPP manager Step 2 –Develop a building or facility profile Building structure, function, and occupancy History Walk-through

Assessment, Mitigation, and Prevention Plan (Cont’d) Step 3 –Address existing mold and moisture problems –Identify potential moisture problems Step 4 –Train building/facility maintenance personnel Identification Equipment Usage Reporting

Assessment, Mitigation, and Prevention Plan (Cont’d) Step 5 –Develop a routine facility inspection and maintenance plan Routine inspection – personnel and frequency Procedures for maintenance and mitigation of mold and indoor moisture Step 6 –Establish procedures for responding to occupant complaints

Conclusions DoD currently has policies for: –Asbestos –Lead-based paint –Radon

Conclusions Adoption of a mold policy or an overall IAQ policy could: –Follow these preexisting models –Prevent potential legal claims related to mold –Be immediately put to use in property transfer documents for facilities in the BRAC process –Be implemented for new construction projects –Place DoD on the forefront of agencies that will soon be required to implement mold programs under pending federal legislation