05/19/051 Facilities Service Division Mold Training May 19, 2005 Office of Environmental Health & Safety Los Angeles Unified School District

05/19/052 What are Molds? Molds are members of the Fungi Kingdom. Fungi also include yeasts, rusts, and mushrooms. Fungi lack chlorophyll and reproduce by means of spores. Mold spores are universally present in the ambient environment. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. DermalRespiratorySystemic

05/19/053 Conditions Required for Mold Growth Presence of Spores Moisture Source NutrientsWoodPaperCarpetInsulation

05/19/054 General Points There is general agreement that mold growth in buildings is undesirable and should be addressed expeditiously. All airborne mold spores are potential allergens. Symptoms include conjunctivitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, and possibly asthma. No governmental agency has determined how much airborne mold is excessive. There is no scientific consensus that “toxic” molds are more serious than “non-toxic” molds when the spores are inhaled at the levels normally encountered in contaminated buildings.

05/19/055 Mold Remediation The First Step in any mold remediation scenario is moisture control. The source(s) of moisture must be found. The moisture source(s) must be controlled. Moisture source(s) can be high humidity, water leaks, or condensation on cold surfaces.

05/19/056 Mold Remediation Mold remediation in enclosed buildings is generally conducted under containment conditions. “Negative Air” is usually used in enclosed buildings to control the spread of mold spores. Worker protection includes respirators, gloves, and protective clothing.

05/19/057 Mold Removal Mold growth on impervious surfaces can be removed with detergents and water. Biocides are seldom necessary for mold removal on impervious surfaces. Mold growth into permeable materials such as drywall or cloth generally cannot be removed. Permeable materials with significant mold growth generally must be discarded. Surface growth on semi-permeable materials such as wood can often be removed and the materials encapsulated with a mold-retardant encapsulant. If significant damage has occurred to the substrate, it may be necessary to discard the material.

05/19/058 LAUSD Procedure Mold Assessment and Remediation Defines Rules & Responsibilities. Explains Reporting & Communications. Basic 7 Step Process: IOR responsible for visual inspection. IOR reports all visual mold to OAR. OAR notifies OEHS to request assessment. OEHS and mold expert mark all materials for removal or cleaning. Contractor removes or cleans. OEHS conducts confirmation sampling/inspection. Report indicating NFA for mold issued.

05/19/059 OEHS Contacts Valley Region Ken Patton(213) Central RegionTom Watson(213) South RegionMary Elaine Valenzuela(213) EPA Guidancewww.epa.gov/iaq/molds

05/19/0510 Recommendations 1. Inspect and sort lumber/materials with visible mold before installation. 2. Discuss Procedure during bid process and Job Start Meeting with Contractor(s). 3. Consider revising specifications to define excess moisture or visible mold as defective materials.

05/19/0511 Questions