Introduction To Mold The Least You Need To Know © Hillyard, 2004

Mold Factors Increased indoor mold exposure Tight building structures Poorly designed and maintained HVAC systems Human factors

Causes For Indoor Moisture Flooding Roof leaks Plumbing leaks Damp basements Bathroom showers Steam from cooking Anywhere moist air condenses

OSHA - The General Duty Clause FEDERAL - 29 CFR EMPLOYERS MUST: Furnish a place of employment free of recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Employers must comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of OSHA ACT OF 1970

Applicable Regulations More Than 20 Different Federal Agencies Have Responsibilities Associated With Indoor Air Quality. The Activities of These Agencies Are Coordinated Primarily Through the Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ). Five Federal Agencies Are CIAQ Co-Chair Agencies –Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) –Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) –Department of Energy (DOE) –National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) –Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Mold Sources Of Food SURFACES –Carpets –Wood –Drywall –Ceiling tile

Mold On Ceiling Tile

Mold Spores Molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on. Prevent damage to buildings and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth Magnified Mold Spores

How Does Mold Affect Us? Human exposure – Spores – Mycotoxins – Volatile organic compounds – The air we breathe

Building Occupants & Health Symptoms commonly attributed to IAQ problems include: –Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath –Sinus congestion, cough, and sneezing –Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation –Dizziness and nausea

Sensitivity To Mold Varies High sensitivity –People with other allergies –People with existing respiratory problems –Elderly –Women who are pregnant –Infants & children

Examples Of Airborne Contaminants Pollen10 –100 microns Mold2 – 10 microns Fiberglass0.25 –15 microns Human Red Blood Cell 0.3 –12 microns Bacteria0.2 – 12 microns Metal fume<1 micron Silica0.5 – 0.7 microns Virus 0.02 – 0.03 microns Tobacco Smoke 0.01 – 0.03 microns Gas – 0.03 microns

Nose and Throat Large particles microns are deposited in the Nose and Throat area. A micron is 10 6 meters with approximately 25,400 microns in one inch.

Particles In The Lungs Particles 5-10 microns are deposited in the Tracheal- Bronchial region. Particles less than 5 microns are considered respirable (breathable) and are largely deposited in the alveoli of the Pulmonary Compartment.

Allergic Response Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Asthma Mold allergy Dermatitis

Fungus Infections Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Aspergilloma Toxic Pneumonitis

Diagnosing Mold Allergy Observation of where symptoms occur Physical exam Medical history Skin tests The top four environmental risks to the public

Treatment Of Mold Allergy Remove the mold Avoid contact with spores Take medications for allergy symptoms Consider allergy shots

Avoid Contact With Mold Spores Stay indoors Use HEPA filters Clean air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers

Sources of Biocontaminants Building equipment: –HVAC equipment –Microbial growth in drip pans ductwork coils and humidifiers –Improper venting of vapors –Dust or debris in ductwork

Potential Sources for Biocontaminants Furnishings: –Emissions from new furnishings and Floorings –Microbiological growth on or in soiled or water-damaged furnishings

Aspergillus Schools have been delayed in opening because of mold. At St. Charles East High School they spent $28 million to eliminate mold in 2001

Prevention And Control Of Mold Raise temperatures in damp areas Have good exhaust fans and vents to remove moisture Dehumidify damp areas Indoor air circulation

Humidity Control Keep indoor humidity low If possible, keep humidity below 60% - ideal is between 30 to 50% Use AC and or de-humidifiers Run fan in restrooms and shower rooms or open windows when showering

Prevention Of Mold By Clean Up Thoroughly clean sinks & tubs Dry wet building materials Discard old moldy books & clothing Wash away small amounts of mold Clean garbage receptacles Clean refrigerators

Prevent Mold By Repairing Leaks Fix water leaks ASAP Crawl spaces should have plastic vapor barrier over dirt Direct groundwater drainage away from building

Prevent Mold With Proper Building Materials Do not put carpet on concrete floor that shows moisture problems Cover foams with plastic Use adequate storm windows Add insulation

Testing For Mold Usually unnecessary Not economically practical No practical information No standards of “acceptable” levels –Molds are always in the air but do not always cause problems Cannot determine health risk

When To Test Large indoor contamination Compare indoor/outdoor mold concentration High indoor counts indicate health problem Note time of day samples taken Different mold species indicate health problem

Basic Precautions When Evaluating or Investigating Mold 1.Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands or skin. 2.Do not get mold or mold spores in eyes. 3.Do not breath mold or mold spores: use personal protective equipment (PPE). At a minimum, use an N- 95 NIOSH- approved respirator, gloves, and eye protection. 4.Contain or bag debris.

Small Mold Removal Solution Use appropriate cleaner/disinfectant & water –Not bleach! Replace porous absorbent materials Dry the cleaned surface – HEPA vac Seal surface Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Large Mold Contamination Hire a professional with mold cleanup experience. Some states require license Chose from a variety of recommended mold remediation methods Train maintenance employees what not to touch

Small Clean Up Small – less than 10 sq. ft. –PPE required is minimal : N-95 respirator, gloves, and goggles/eye protection. –Clean up method = Carpet & Backing. No containment required. Wet vac with HEPA filters until dry.

Medium Size Clean Up Medium – 10 to 100 sq. ft. –PPE required is limited to N-95 respirator or half-face respirator with HEPA filter, disposable overalls, goggles,/eye protection. –Limited containment required – use polyethylene sheeting, ceiling to floor, around affected area with a slit entry and covering flap; maintain area under negative pressure with HEPA- filtered fan unit. Block air supply & return vents within containment area.

Large Area Clean Up Large – greater than 100 sq. ft. or has potential for significant exposure. –PPE full protection – Gloves, disposable full-body clothing, headgear, foot covering, full –face respirator with HEPA Filter. –Use two layers of fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting with air–lock chamber. Maintain area under negative pressure with HEPA-filter fan unit. Block air supply & return vents within containment area.

Personal Protective Equipment Respiratory protection: (follow OSHA 29CFR Respiratory Standard) Gloves Eye protection Head and shoe covers Respiratory protection

Mold Remediation 1.Remediation or cleanup is finished? Moldy area of less than 10 square feel (less than roughly a 3 ft. By 3 ft. patch) can be handled by maintenance people according to EPA. Larger areas need to be cleaned by a certified mold remediation specialist. 2.Cleanup and biocides the use of chemical or biocides that kills organisms such as mold ) chlorine bleach for example is not recommended as a routine practice during mold clean up.

During And After Mold Cleanup Highest exposure to mold occurs during cleanup Avoid the cleanup area Monitor symptoms after cleanup Symptoms that persist may not be mold related

Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality Air exchange of building air: –Indoor air pressure levels Because of positive and negative pressure effects, some infiltration and exfiltration will occur in all structures. –Where pressure points are equal, contaminants can stagnate. Properly moved air is desirable to maintaining building air quality.

ASHRAE Indoor Air 500 IAQ investigations: –Inadequate ventilation 52% –Inside contamination from building 16% –Outside contamination 10% –Microbial Contamination 5% –Building fabric 4% –Unknown sources 13% ASHRAE standard = 15 CFM of outdoor air per person for offices (reception areas) and 20 CFM per person for general office space

Agencies & Associations Centers for Disease Control – CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health – CDC’s NCEH Fact sheet, question & answers on Stachybotrys chartarum & other molds.

Agencies & Associations 4. Mold Remediation in Schools & Commerial Buildings – www. epa.gov/iaz/molds/ 5. American College of Occupational & Environmental Medicine – 6. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. – 7. American Industrial Hygiene Association –

Agencies & Associations 8. ASHRAE – 9. Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics – Association of Specialist in Cleaning & restoration Carpet & Rug Institute – com 12. New York Dept. Of Health, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology –

Summary We breathe mold spores every day & they have been around since the days of cave men Effects of mold include allergic reactions Control moisture to prevent undesirable mold levels Clean up small amounts of mold

Summary With a proper attitude and working for safety all employees will get home with the health that they left for work with