Mold as an Environmental Health Risk Fort Edward CARE Healthy Community Initiative

Mold Basics Mold is a natural part of the environment Indoors and Outdoors Spores are airborne Mold can grow on virtually any surface or substance where moisture is present Mold can become a serious environmental health hazard if not treated promptly and properly

Public Policy & Community Protection Factors Federal, State, County, Town and Village Government and Agencies Economic development and taxation Health care and social services Inspection and code enforcement Prompt and proper (action) remediation Public awareness and education

Personal Behavior and Protection Factors Socio-economic Public awareness Access to education/training Empowered to reach out for help Existing health conditions Economic Development Undercapitalized and socially “unconscious” investors/landlords

Places of Exposure Any surface or substance where mold spores meet up with moisture: Single & multi-family dwellings Schools & Public/Institutional Buildings Commercial, Industrial, Business, Office and Professional Buildings

Apartment A/C

Commercial A/C Vent

Condensation Home Window

Hidden inside walls

Bathroom Cabinet

Leaking Sink Fixtures

Suitcase in Storage Closet

Stained Wood in Home

Routes of exposure Inhalation Ingestion Skin Contact

Affected Populations Mold is “Equal Opportunity” All age groups All socio-economic groups All occupations, professions Urban, suburban, rural settings

Environmental Health Status Mold: Allergen, Irritant & (potentially) Toxic Allergic reaction may be immediate or delayed Symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis) Irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic, non-allergic people. Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma are high-risk Individuals with existing immune-compromised systems are high-risk