Mold Prevention & Remediation Jim Biddle, MS, CIH NAU Environmental Health & Safety (office)

2 Presentation Format PreventionPrevention Is it mold?Is it mold? QuantityQuantity Type of host substrateType of host substrate Where’s the water source?Where’s the water source? Do we need help or can we do it in-house?Do we need help or can we do it in-house? Guidelines for removal & PPEGuidelines for removal & PPE

3 Prevention: Control Water Sources! Mold spores are everywhere and can remain non-viable (not living but ready to live) for years Mold needs water to live; spore with water comes “alive” and starts to spread Lives on cellulosic type materials like cardboard, wood, paper side of drywall, paint on drywall, cove base or carpet glues/adhesives Controlling amount of water to colony controls growth rate/amount

4 Is it Mold? First, and perhaps most importantly, we need to determine if it is mold. Some building substrates with “contamination” may look deceiving….First, and perhaps most importantly, we need to determine if it is mold. Some building substrates with “contamination” may look deceiving….

5 Is it Mold? (cont.)

6 Is it mold? (cont.)

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8

9

10 Is it mold? (cont.)

11 Is it mold? (cont.)

12 Is it mold? (cont.)

13 Is it mold? (cont.)

14 Is it mold? (cont.)

15 Is it mold? (cont.)

16 If Not Mold… Water damage still an issueWater damage still an issue –Stop the water –Commence restorative drying of materials after water source secured (within 24 hours) Amount of water damage will determine whether drying can be done in-house or by outside vendorAmount of water damage will determine whether drying can be done in-house or by outside vendor

17 Restorative Drying

18 Dehumidification

If it is Mold…. How much is there? More or less than one sheet of drywall (~30 sq. ft)?

<30 square feet EPA/OSHA/CDC says can be safely removed / cleaned in- house with Custodial, Res Life, Carpentry/Paint staff (If nobody has allergies)

>30 square feet… Most likely need a qualified vendor to remove (aka “remediation”)

22 Remediation Time! General consensus among recognized organizations is to just get it out (EPA, AIHA, ACGIH, IICRC, etc.)General consensus among recognized organizations is to just get it out (EPA, AIHA, ACGIH, IICRC, etc.)

23 But how? Utilize “qualified” remediation firmsUtilize “qualified” remediation firms Latest, greatest, and safest standard for removal is from Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC Standard S520, 2003)Latest, greatest, and safest standard for removal is from Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC Standard S520, 2003)

24 IICRC Standard IDs three categories of indoor mold contamination resulting from water intrusionIDs three categories of indoor mold contamination resulting from water intrusion –Condition 1 (normal fungal ecology) –Condition 2 (settled spores) –Condition 3 (actual growth)

25 What condition is this? >/ /< 30 sq. ft?

26 Condition/threshold amount?

27 What’s the issue here?

28 And this?

29 Condition/threshold?

30 Check Mechanical Rooms Often

31 Conclusion Identify if substrates have mold growth or notIdentify if substrates have mold growth or not Stop water intrusion if possible/safe to do so, or get assistance (plumbing or maintenance person, etc.)Stop water intrusion if possible/safe to do so, or get assistance (plumbing or maintenance person, etc.) <30 sq. ft: remove moldy contaminated materials following IICRC protocol<30 sq. ft: remove moldy contaminated materials following IICRC protocol >30 sq. ft: probably need outside help>30 sq. ft: probably need outside help Insurance will most likely cover costsInsurance will most likely cover costs