Mold And Human Health

If visible mold is present, sampling is not usually necessary. Proper sampling for mold is expensive and requires special equipment. In addition, federal standards for judging acceptable or tolerable quantities of mold have not been established. Since the Department of Health does not provide mold sampling services, residents must hire an environmental contractor to do the sampling. According to OSHA, for small areas of mold growth, an N95 respirator, non-vented goggles and long gloves compatible with the chemicals used for surface cleaning should be worn.

Testing is usually done to compare the levels and types of mold spores found inside the building with those found outside of the building or for comparison with another location in the building. In addition, air sampling may provide tangible evidence supporting a hypothesis that investigators have formulated. For example, air sampling may show a higher concentration of the same species of mold when the HVAC is operating than when it has been turned off. This finding may convince the investigators that the mold is growing within, and being disseminated by, the HVAC system. Conversely, negative results may persuade investigators to abandon this hypothesis and to consider other sources of mold growth or dissemination.

The Maryland Mold Remediation Services Act

If mold is growing in your home, you should clean it up and fix the moisture problem. If you clean up the mold, but do not fix the moisture problem, the mold will usually return. Normally, mold can be removed by cleaning with bleach and water (see the EPA’s “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home”).

• A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible contamination problem.
• In 1994, OSHA proposed rulemaking for standards addressing general indoor air quality in work environments.
• Established a licensing program for mold assessment and remediation professionals.
• However, some people are sensitive to molds and are at risk for potential negative health effects.
• The Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide can explain many of the laws that can help you and provide resources where you can find more information about landlord and tenant issues, like mold.
• Kentucky – A landlord has a duty to maintain a habitable premise.

The Commonwealth of Virginia does not require contractors to be licensed to inspect or remediate mold. Contractors should be able to provide a list of referrals and may also hold certifications from private industrial hygiene associations, such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Standards Needed For Mold Exposure, Testing, And Remediation

The infrared photo below shows moisture behind a wall from the leaking window above the wall. We able to pull the wall paper off the wall after we showed them the image from the infrared camera.

If you are a tenant or employee, talk with your landlord or employer about mold problems. If the problem is serious and conditions persist, tenants can call their town health officer, and employees can call the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration . How a person might react to mold depends on several factors including the type of mold, the amount of mold present, the length and number of times a person is exposed, family history, and overall health status. Consult your health care provider with health concerns or questions.

Identifying Molds

Molds are small organisms found almost everywhere both outdoors and indoors. Molds reproduce by tiny, lightweight spores that drift in the air. Mold growth can be colored orange, white, green, brown or black. If a house has been closed up and unoccupied for months or years, humidity could have built up inside and caused mold to grow. This is especially a problem in warmer areas with high humidity, in homes with broken windows, or in areas that might have flooded.

The resources offered below are practical information based on experience by AIHA volunteers. This is not a claim to be a definitive or comprehensive position statement. While not exhaustive, this information is best used in conjunction with other guidance documents and professional judgment by qualified consultants and public health officials. Molds can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. People exposed to molds may experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin rash, headaches or difficulty breathing.

What You Need To Know About Florida’s Mold Laws And Regulations

The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. Always consider consulting a health professional to address any employee health concerns. Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur. Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% ( %, if possible).

Inspection requires an understanding of building construction, water sources, and other factors that may not be apparent to many people. IDPH staff can assist schools with indoor environmental issues upon request. This assistance generally includes providing information and working with school officials. Minimize dust and debris when removing moldy drywall, carpet, and other materials by misting surfaces with water. Do not dry scrape or sand surfaces contaminated with mold, and do not use hammers when removing drywall. Citizens can find individuals or companies that perform mold testing by looking under “Environmental Services” in the Yellow Pages of their telephone book. IDPH recommends looking for individuals or companies that employ certified industrial hygienists or persons who work under the supervision of industrial hygienists.

No Standards

There are also no health standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or public health departments for concentrations of mold spores in the indoor air. Professionals agree that the presence of visible mold on indoor building materials is an unacceptable condition, and should be remediated. There are no federal or state regulations governing the presence of mold or mold spores in buildings.

Mold

Mold or mould, also sometimes referred to as mildew, is a fungal growth that develops on wet materials. Mold is a natural part of the environment and plays an important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees; indoors, mold growth should be avoided.

Mold inspection is, for the most part, a visual inspection of a house. … A typical mold inspection involves the inspector talking to the property owner about any areas where they have seen mold, or where there have been moisture problems or water damage in the past.

Cleanup and removal methods

The purpose of cleanup is to eliminate mold and remove contaminated materials. Killing mold with a biocide is insufficient, since chemicals and proteins causing reactions in humans remain in dead mold. The following methods are used.

• Evaluation: Before remediation, the area is assessed to ensure safety, clean up the entire moldy area, and properly approach the mold. The EPA provides the following instructions:
• HVAC cleaning: Should be done by a trained professional.
• Protective clothing: Includes a half- or full-face respirator mask. Goggles with a half-face respirator mask prevent mold spores from reaching the mucous membranes of the eyes. Disposable hazmat coveralls are available to keep out particles down to one micrometer, and protective suits keep mold spores from entering skin cuts. Gloves are made of rubber, nitrile, polyurethane, or neoprene.
• Dry brushing or agitation device: Wire brushing or sanding is used when microbial growth can be seen on solid wood surfaces such as framing or underlayment (the subfloor).
• Dry-ice blasting: Removes mold from wood and cement; however, this process may spray mold and its byproducts into surrounding air.
• Wet vacuum: Wet vacuuming is used on wet materials, and this method is one of those approved by the EPA.^{[citation needed]}
• Damp wipe: Removal of mold from non-porous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and a detergent and drying quickly.
• HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum: Used in remediation areas after materials have been dried and contaminated materials removed; collected debris and dust is stored to prevent debris release.
• Debris disposal: Sealed in the remediation area, debris is usually discarded with ordinary construction waste.

We have tested homes, offices, restaurants, schools, medical facilities and yes we always find some airborne mold, it’s never zero. Vacant homes can also create environments where mold will grow. In short, mold will grow at temperatures and moisture levels that humans would consider inhospitable. Wear gloves, goggles, and appropriate respiratory protection during all mold remediation activities. Both EPA and New York City recommend the N-95 respirator available on the Internet and at most hardware stores for approximately $12-25. The Alliance has informative materials and tools for low-cost assessments of mold and moisture, in English and Spanish, from its past project, the Community Environmental Health Resource Center. These include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.

Tip #4: Clean Up After A Spill Or A Flood

This was true a dozen years ago and remains true today as there have been no new scientific developments. Yes, exposure to high concentrations of indoor mold can cause health problems. Mold spores produce substances that can cause allergic reactions. Allergic responses include skin rashes, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. A person who is allergic to molds is likely to react more severely than a person with no known allergies. Owners may also seek access to the premises to verify test results or to perform independent analysis.

In addition to the size of the affected area, the type of material to be remediated needs to be considered. Generally, materials that are highly porous, such as books, gypsum wallboard and fabric covered chairs, will need to be discarded if heavily contaminated. This is because the fungal hyphae can become entwined in the matrix of the porous material, making complete removal impossible. Nonporous metals and plastics can generally be cleaned, because the mold growth on these surfaces is usually growth on surface dust.

From a regulatory perspective toxic mold has received mixed attention from federal and state regulators. In 1994, OSHA proposed rulemaking for standards addressing general indoor air quality in work environments. Instead, careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of moisture or water vapor or where moisture problems are suspected.

Condensation can accumulate on many services, including metals and glass. That moisture can create the perfect setting for mold spores to land on, grow, and spread.

Airborne fungal testing is rarely appropriate but may be useful if, for example, building occupants are experiencing symptoms that seem to be mold-related, and a visual inspection and sampling have failed to locate mold. Airborne testing does not provide reliable data on the average mold content in a home—instead, it provides a “snapshot” of mold levels, which vary considerably over the course of hours, days, weeks, and months. Airborne fungal tests also are expensive and there currently are no standards for determining whether measured fungal concentrations are safe. Extensive airborne testing should be reserved for specialized cases, such as when health problems persist in a complex building environment with no discernable source of the problem. In other words, parties should not assume that phase 1 audits cover mold.

One way to force your landlord into making necessary repairs is to withhold rent. Tenants may withhold all or part of the rent until repairs are made, depending on the seriousness of repairs. The law does not state how much or for how long a tenant can withhold rent.

Clearance sampling may be required for informing medical or legal consultants. In any clearance plan, visual inspection is the most important element. The clearance criteria must be in the work plan, especially if the work will be bid. Tennessee requires the state education commissioner to establish guidelines for mold abatement in public schools, and creates a mold abatement task force . In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

(Never mix bleach with other household cleaners. Mixing bleach and ammonia can produce dangerous toxic fumes ). Nonporous materials include tile floors, countertops, showers, tubs, metal objects, plastic, glass, and other hard nonabsorbent materials and surfaces. The relationship between Texas landlords (hereinafter referred to as “owner or manager”) and their tenants are governed by several statutes, particularly Chapter 92 of the Texas Property Code and by various court rulings. However, the most important source of information about your relationship with the owner or manager is your rental agreement, whether it is written or oral. Please review your rental agreement and comply with the provisions for requesting repairs. Personnel performing mold remediation must have specific training/certification for mold. Another consideration in the control of mold growth is what it does to the building.

Moisture control, air circulation and good housekeeping practices are necessary to control mold growth. If you are a tenant, work with your owner, landlord or property manager to identify any maintenance issues which may be the source of the moisture intrusion. Please note from these examples that not all moisture problems are necessarily the result of a maintenance issue and it is important you work with your owner, landlord or property manager to resolve the issue. To date, no scientific evidence exists to positively link residential exposure to mold with specific toxic effects. The majority of human exposures to mold toxins have occurred from ingesting moldy food. Current guidance of federal and professional organizations is that mold growth should be controlled in an appropriate manner, regardless of the type of mold.