Contents
Introduction
to Molds
Basic Mold Cleanup
Ten Things You
Should Know About Mold
Asthma and Mold
Floods/Flooding
Health and Mold
Homes and Mold
Indoor Air Regulations and Mold
Large Buildings and Mold
Schools and Mold and Indoor Air Quality
Other Mold-Related Resources/Links
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold
spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores
land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they
are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood,
paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water
accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture
problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to
eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control
indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
The key to mold control is moisture control. It
is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent
mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of
the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash
mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent
materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be
replaced.
- Potential health effects and
symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma,
and other respiratory complaints.
- There is no practical way to
eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control
indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
- If mold is a problem in your home
or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water
problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%
) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and
de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking,
dishwashing, and cleaning.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet
building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with
water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling
tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the
potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior
walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
- 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).
- Molds can be found almost
anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is
present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
If you have IAQ and mold issues
in your school, you should get a copy of the
IAQ
Tools for Schools Kit.
Molds can trigger asthma episodes in
sensitive individuals with asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact
with or exposure to molds.
Asthma web site
Asthma Brochure
Mold page from Asthma web site
Mold growth may be a problem after flooding. EPA's Fact Sheet:
Flood
Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems - discusses steps to take when
cleaning and repairing a home after flooding. Excess moisture in the home
is cause for concern about indoor air quality primarily because it provides
breeding conditions for microorganisms. This fact sheet provides tips to
avoid creating indoor air quality problems during cleanup. U.S. EPA, EPA
Document Number 402-F-93-005, August 1993.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): (800)
480-2520; www.fema.gov
 mitigation website:
www.fema.gov/mit
publications on floods,
flood proofing, etc.
University of Minnesota, Department of
Environmental Health & Safety - www.dehs.umn.edu/remanagi.html.
managing water infiltration into buildings.
Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive
individuals with asthma (See Asthma Section above); molds can also trigger
allergies in sensitive individuals.
EPA's publication, Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals,
assists health professionals (especially the primary care physician) in
diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution
problem. It addresses the health problems that may be caused by contaminants
encountered daily in the home and office. Organized according to pollutant or
pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological
pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet lists key signs and
symptoms from exposure to these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and
quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action.
Also includes references for information contained in each section. This booklet
was developed by the American Lung Association, the American Medical
Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the EPA. EPA
Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994.
Allergic Reactions - excerpted from
Indoor
Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals section on: Animal
Dander, Molds, Dust Mites, Other Biologicals.
A major concern associated with exposure to
biological pollutants is allergic reactions, which range from rhinitis, nasal
congestion, conjunctival inflammation, and urticaria to asthma. Notable triggers
for these diseases are allergens derived from house dust mites; other
arthropods, including cockroaches; pets (cats, dogs, birds, rodents); molds; and
protein-containing furnishings, including feathers, kapok, etc. In occupational
settings, more unusual allergens (e.g., bacterial enzymes, algae) have caused
asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human origin can cause asthma in
a subset of any appropriately exposed population.
Stachybotrys or Stachybotrys atra (chartarum) and health effects
A new EPA publication, "A Brief Guide to
Mold, Moisture, and Your Home",
will soon be available. This Guide provides information
and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold
problems and how to prevent mold growth.
Biological Pollutants in Your Home -
This document explains indoor biological pollution, health effects of biological
pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup. One third to one half
of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage development of
pollutants such as molds and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions --
including asthma -- and spread infectious diseases. Describes corrective
measures for achieving moisture control and cleanliness. This brochure was
prepared by the American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission. EPA Document Reference Number 402-F-90-102, January 1990.
Moisture control is the key to mold control, the Moisture Control Section
from Biological Pollutants in Your Home follows:
Moisture Control
Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by
leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add
moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your
home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes
down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather,
moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the
inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.
There are many ways to control moisture in your home:
- Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside,
your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and
waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the
basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the
house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for
biological pollutants to grow.
- Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent
moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are
well-ventilated.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer
to the outside.
- Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and
other surfaces.
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates,
to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
- Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows.
(A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms
(especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat
to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners
to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from
the home.
- Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place
for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be
installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with
sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
- Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one
climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry;
the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All
of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers
used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In
other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly
may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess
moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the
different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.
Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
- excerpt on duct cleaning and mold follows, please review the entire document
for additional information on duct cleaning and mold.
You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:
There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g.,
sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to
understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:
- Many sections of your heating and cooling system may
not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to
show you any mold they say exists.
- You should be aware that although a substance may
look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be
made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final
confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell
you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape
is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
- If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation
gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and
replaced.
- If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not
corrected, mold growth will recur.
Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or
standards for airborne mold contaminants.
EPA has a number of resources available, you can
start with "Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers" and the
"Building Air
Quality Action Plan"
Excerpt from the Building
Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers,
Appendix
C - Moisture, Mold and Mildew:
How to Identify the
Cause of a Mold and Mildew Problem.
Mold and mildew are commonly found on the
exterior wall surfaces of corner rooms in heating climate locations.
An exposed corner room is likely to be significantly colder than adjoining
rooms, so that it has a higher relative humidity (RH) than other rooms at
the same water vapor pressure. If mold and mildew growth are found in
a corner room, then relative humidity next to the room surfaces
is above
70%. However, is the RH above 70% at the surfaces because the room is
too cold or because there is too much moisture present (high water vapor
pressure)?
The amount of moisture in the room can be
estimated by measuring both temperature and RH at the same location and at
the same time. Suppose there are two cases. In the first case,
assume that the RH is 30% and the temperature is 70oF in the
middle of the room. The low RH at that temperature indicates that the
water vapor pressure (or absolute humidity) is low. The high surface
RH is probably due to room surfaces that are "too cold."
Temperature is the dominating factor, and control strategies should involve
increasing the temperature at cold room surfaces.
In the second case, assume that the RH is 50%
and the temperature is 70oF in the middle of the room. The
higher RH at that temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure is
high and there is a relatively large amount of moisture in the air.
The high surface RH is probably due to air that is "too
moist." Humidity is the dominating factor, and control strategies
should involve decreasing the moisture content of the indoor air.
The Agency's premier resource on this issue is
the Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools kit. Our schools-related resources on the
web start at: epa.gov/iaq/schools.
The asthma companion piece
for the IAQ Tools for Schools kit, titled Managing
Asthma in the School Environment (epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma)
has been recently published. This publication has a section entitled Clean Up Mold and Moisture Control
at: epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma/eat-cumcm.htm
Excerpt from IAQ Tools for Schools kit companion piece,
Managing
Asthma in the School Environment:
Common Moisture Sources Found in Schools
Moisture problems in school buildings can be caused by a variety of
conditions, including roof and plumbing leaks, condensation, and excess
humidity. Some moisture problems in schools have been linked to changes in
building construction practices during the past twenty to thirty years. These
changes have resulted in more tightly sealed buildings that may not allow
moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems in schools are also associated with
delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance, due to budget and other
constraints. Temporary structures in schools, such as trailers and portable
classrooms, have frequently been associated with moisture and mold problems.
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth in Schools
Reduce Indoor Humidity:
- Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.
- Control humidity levels and dampness by using air conditioners and de-humidifiers.
- Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60%.
- Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in food service areas.
Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks, or spills:
- Check for moldy odors.
- Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors, and window sills.
- Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains, or mold.
- Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains, or mold.
- Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.
Respond promptly when you see signs of moisture and/or mold, or when leaks or spills occur:
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours of occurrence to prevent mold growth.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
- Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions, leaks, or spills.
Prevent moisture condensation:
- Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
Floor and carpet cleaning:
- Remove spots and stains immediately, using the flooring manufacturer’s recommended techniques.
- Use care to prevent excess moisture or cleaning residue accumulation and ensure that cleaned areas are dried quickly.
- 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).
IAQ INFO
P.O. Box 37133,
Washington, DC 20013-7133
1-800-438-4318/703-356-4020
(fax) 703-356-5386
iaqinfo@aol.com
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 42419
1-800-490-9198/(513) 489-8695 (fax)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indoor
Environments Division (IED)
An
Office Building Occupant's Guide to IAQ -
epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html
Biological
Contaminants -
epa.gov/iaq/pubs/bio_1.html
Building
Air Quality Action Plan (for Commercial Buildings) -
epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/actionpl.html
Floods/Flooding
-
epa.gov/iaq/pubs/flood.html
Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings -
epa.gov/iaq/molds/
For more subject-specific links, go to: epa.gov/iaq/schools/links.html,
or epa.gov/iaq/asthma/links.html,
or epa.gov/iaq/moreinfo.html.
Other Links
The following list of resources includes information created and
maintained by other public and private organizations. The U.S. EPA does
not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or
completeness of this outside information. Further, the inclusion of such
resources is not intended to endorse any views expressed or products or
services offered by the author of the reference or the organization
operating the service on which the reference is maintained.
American
College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
(847) 818-1800 www.siouxlan.com/acoem/
Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental
exposures.
American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH)
(513) 742-2020 www.acgih.org
Occupational and environmental health and safety information
American
Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
(703) 849-8888 www.aiha.org
Information on industrial hygiene and indoor air quality issues including
mold hazards and legal issues
American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
(ASHRAE)
(800) 527-4723 www.ashrae.org
Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality
Association of
Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
(202) 347-4976 www.aoec.org
Referrals to clinics with physicians who have experience with
environmental exposures, including exposure to mold; maintains a
database of occupational and environmental cases
Association of
Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR)
(800) 272-7012 www.ascr.org
Disaster recovery, water and fire damage, emergency tips, referrals to
professionals
|
Asthma and Allergic Diseases:
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
(800) 822-2762
www.aaaai.org
Physician referral directory, information on allergies and asthma
Asthma and Allergy Foundation
of American (AAFA)
(800) 7-ASTHMA (800-727-8462)
www.aafa.org
Information on allergies and asthma American Lung
Association (ALA)
(800) LUNG-USA (800-586-4872)
www.lungusa.org
Information on allergies and asthma Asthma
and Allergy Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN*MA)
(800) 878-4403 or (703-641-9595)
www.aanma.org
Information on allergies and asthma
National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
(301) 496-5717
www.niaid.nih.gov
Information on allergies and asthma
National
Jewish Medical and Research Center
(800) 222-LUNG (800-222-5864)
www.njc.org
Information on allergies and asthma |
Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
(613) 748-2003 [International]
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/cmhc.html
Several documents on mold-related topics available
Carpet and Rug
Institute (CRI)
(800) 882-8846
www.carpet-rug.com
Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet,
other carpet-related issues
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
(800) 311-3435
www.cdc.gov
Information on health-related topics including asthma, molds in the
environment, and occupational health
CDC's National
Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)
(888) 2326789
www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/stachy.htm
"Questions and answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and
other molds"
Energy and
Environmental Building Association
(952) 881-1098
www.eeba.org
Information on energy-efficient and environmentally responsible
buildings, humidity/moisture control/vapor barriers
| Floods/Flooding
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
(800) 480-2520
www.fema.gov/mit
Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc.
University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health & Safety
(612) 626-5804
www.dehs.umn.edu/remanagi.html
Managing water infiltration into buildings
University of
Wisconsin-Extension, The Disaster Network
(608) 262-3980
www.uwex.edu/ces/news/handbook.html
Information on floods and other natural disasters
|
Health Canada,
Health Protection Branch, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Office
of Biosafety
(613) 957-1779
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/main/lcdc/web/biosafty/msds/index.html
Material Safety Data Sheets with health and safety information on infectious microorganisms, including
Aspergillus and other molds and airborne biologicals
Institute of
Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
(360) 693-5675
www.iicrc.org
Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration
industry
International
Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
(800) 225-4772
www.issa.com
Education and training on cleaning and maintenance
International
Society of Cleaning Technicians (ISCT)
(800) WHY-ISCT (800-949-4728)
www.isct.com
Information on cleaning, such as a stain removal guide for carpets
Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) -
Cornell University
msds.pdc.cornell.edu/msdssrch.asp
MSDSs contain information on chemicals or compounds including topics
such as health effects, first aid and protective equipment for people
who work with or handle these chemicals
MidAtlantic
Environmental Hygiene Resource Center (MEHRC)
(215) 387-4096
www.mehrc.org
Indoor environmental quality training on topics such as mold
remediation
National Air
Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
(202) 737-2926
www.nadca.com
Duct cleaning information
National
Antimicrobial Information Network (NAIN)
(800) 447-6349
nain.orst.edu
Regulatory information,
safety information, and product information on antimicrobials
National
Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
(847) 298-9200
www.nari.org
Consumer information on remodeling, including help finding a professional remodeling
contractor
National
Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
(202) 289-7800
www.nibs.org
Information on building regulations, science, and technology
National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
(800) 35-NIOSH (800-356-4674)
www.cdc.gov/niosh
Health and safety information with a workplace orientation National
Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN)
(800) 858-7378
ace.orst.edu/info/nptn
Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including safety and
disposal information
New York
Department of Health,
Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease
Epidemiology
(212) 788-4290
www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html
Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments
Occupational
Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
(800) 321-OSHA (800-321-6742)
www.osha.gov
Information on worker safety, including topics such as respirator use
and safety in the workplace Sheet Metal
& Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
(703) 803-2980
www.smacna.org
Technical information on topics such as air conditioning and air ducts
Smithsonian
Center for Materials Research and Education (SCMRE)
(301) 238-3700
www.si.edu/scmre
Guidelines for caring for and preserving furniture and wooden objects,
paper-based materials; preservation studies
University of
Michigan Herbarium
(734) 764-2407
www.herb.lsa.umich.edu
Specimen-based information on fungi; information
on fungal ecology
University of
Tulsa Indoor Air Program
(918) 631-5246
www.utulsa.edu/iaqprogram
Courses, classes, and continuing education on indoor air quality
Water Loss
Institute, Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration
(800) 272-7012 or (410) 729-9900
www.ascr.org/wli/
Information on water and sewage damage restoration
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