Mold Task Force Update Gregg Recer, PhD, Research Scientist 3 Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment

PHL Section 1384 – Background &Timeline Chapter 385 of Laws of 2005 establishes Task Force DOH & DOS co-chairs Tasked with researching technical questions and issuing a report Dec 2007 – Aug 2009 Task Force public meetings & conference calls Aug 2010 – Draft report for public comment Dec 2010 – Final report submitted to governor & legislature

General Conclusions Mold growth is a symptom of moisture problems. Focus actions on moisture problems – prevent & promptly mitigate. Mold sampling has little value for decision- making. “Toxic” mold not defined and not supported by clear evidence -- report considers all mold a potential concern

Health Effects Indoor mold can be a health concern for occupants Overabundant mold growth is undesirable Prevent building dampness to prevent mold growth & potential morbidity

Building Codes Codes used to prevent moisture problems in buildings Strengthen codes with respect to preventing and correcting moisture problems. Provide training and education to CEOs to address water and mold problems more effectively.

Regulatory Approaches Many different approaches were identified. Comparative effectiveness not well studied. At a minimum provide guidance about recommended work practices & available training. Other more formal regulatory approaches could be considered.

Exposure Limits & Mold Sampling Reliable health-based exposure limits not feasible Numerous technical problems with indoor mold sampling Air sampling unlikely to help decision-making for cleanup or clearance Promote use of qualitative assessment – “clean and dry”.

Control & Mitigation Some limited evidence for effectiveness of some mitigation protocols and antimicrobial treatments. Generally supports much existing guidance to correct moisture problems and clean or remove mold sources. Value of using antimicrobials will depend on circumstances, but often not much added value.

Education & Research Develop or enhance relevant educational materials & tailor to specific audiences. Emphasize correcting dampness problems & mold source control to reduce potential health problems. Research to fill data gaps would improve decision- making – e.g., remediation protocols, building materials, building assessment

More Info NYSDOH Web site: General mold/IAQ questions: CEH -- Indoor Health Assessment Section: MTF Report questions: Gregg Recer

Questions?

Problems identified with sampling Don’t know actual agent involved in health effects or dose-resp. A standardized, validated method (sample device, analysis, sampling strategy) has not been agreed Mold spores are heterogeneous mixtures; air samples with similar species/counts are not necessarily the same Too many sources of variability unaccounted for –spatial/temporal air levels (grab sampling) –microbial products (allergens, VOCs, glucan, EPS, etc.) –other non-fungal agents present –different information from total/viable/molecular/surrogate –receptor susceptibility Rarely informs effective response decisions -- interpretation subjective