Mold Prevention and Remediation. Agenda How Does Mold Exposure Occur? Requirements for Mold Growth Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Objective.

Mold Prevention and Mold Prevention and RemediationRemediation

AgendaAgendaHow Does Mold Exposure Occur?Requirements for Mold GrowthHealth Effects Associated with Mold

ExposureObjectiveWater Damage Clean-Up/Mold PreventionWhat Do I Do If I Find Mold?Hazard AssessmentMold Remediation (Clean-up/Removal)Occupant Communication

How Does Mold Exposure How Does Mold Exposure Occur?Occur?

Mold is a naturally occurring organism that produces seed-like spores that are small enough to travel through the air.

We are exposed to mold daily in the air we breathe.

Exposure occurs through breathing, ingestion, and/or skin contact.

The level of airborne molds increase when moisture problems arise in buildings creating mold growth on building materials.

Requirements for Mold GrowthRequirements for Mold Growth

Moisture or high relative humidity (>60%)Temperature between 40-100 ˚FOrganic matter Source of spores

Health Effects Associated with Health Effects Associated with Mold ExposureMold Exposure

The most common health effect of mold is allergic reaction.

Molds can cause a variety of health risks dependent on the type and amount of mold present, and the susceptibility and sensitivity of the person being exposed.

Most workers will have no reaction at all when exposed to mold, while others may have underlying health conditions that make them more sensitive to the effects of mold exposure.


Allergic ReactionsFungal InfectionsOther


Allergic Reactions

Health Effect Explanation

Dermatitis Red itchy skin and/or rash.

Asthma May be aggravated or caused by exposure to mold, resulting in attacks of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.Reactions usually occur within minutes after exposure, and may repeat 6-10 hours later.


Allergic Reactions cont…


Allergic Rhinitis or Sinusitis

Similar to hay fever or the common cold, but over an extended period of time.Symptoms may include a runny nose, nasal or sinus congestion, irritated or red eyes, irritated or scratchy throat, and cough.Reactions occur quickly after exposure to molds.


Allergic Reactions cont…


Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Involves the lungs and the body.Symptoms include tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, cough, fever, and muscle aches.Reactions occur 6-8 hours after exposure.


Fungal Infections

Health Effect ExplanationInvasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Only occurs in severely immunocomprimised. Symptoms include pneumonia plus fever, bone pain, chills, headache, and weight loss.

Aspergilloma Symptoms include cough, coughing up blood, and weight loss.


Fungal Infections cont…

Health Effect ExplanationAllergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

Worsening of underlying condition (asthma or cystic fibrosis) plus coughing up blood and weight loss.


Other

Health Effect ExplanationReported Symptoms Fatigue, headache, fever, muscle

ache, difficulty concentrating and mood changes.The cause of these symptoms are not completely understood.

ObjectiveObjective

The objective of the Mold Prevention and Remediation Program is to utilize prevention techniques to minimize the potential for mold and fungal growth, identify, control and remediate areas containing fungal growth, and to protect all University employees.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold PreventionMold Prevention

Mold needs moisture and a food source to grow. The key to mold and fungus growth prevention is

eliminating the moisture source and clean-up of materials within 24-48 hours.

When any source of moisture is found, report it to Facilities Services for repair and dry out the area as soon as possible.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention tips and the EPA Guidelines presented on pages 7 – 10 of the Mold Prevention and Remediation Program must be followed to prevent mold and fungal growth.


Facilities Services and Other Maintenance Personnel– Must locate the source of the moisture and

eliminate the causative agent and;– Utilize prevention techniques to minimize the

potential for mold and fungal growth.


Drying effectiveness is determined by– Temperature– Humidity– Air Movement– Time


Temperature and Relative Humidity– As temperature increases, the moisture holding

capacity of air increases, and since moisture in the air remains the same, relative humidity decreases.

– As temperature decreases, the moisture capacity of air decreases, and since moisture in the air remains the same, relative humidity increases.

– Lower relative humidity promotes evaporation and drying.

– Higher relative humidity slows evaporation and can lead to condensation and secondary damage.


Types of Drying Systems– Open or Natural Dehumidification: doors and

windows are open and continuous ventilation is provided by air movers.

– Closed or Mechanical Dehumidification: use of dehumidification equipment with doors and windows closed.


Use open or natural dehumidification– During conditions of low outside humidity

and moderate temperatures.– When specific humidity of outside air remains

at 20 grains per pound (gpp) or less than the specific humidity of the inside air.


Use closed or mechanical dehumidification when– Outside temperature is below dew point.– The outside humidity is high.– Moisture is in a difficult-to-ventilate basement.– Weather conditions are variable.– The building has no windows or sealed windows.– Security issues do not allow ventilation.– There are multiple wet structural components.


Protimeter Moisture Measurement System– Can be used to measure

TemperatureRelative HumiditySpecific HumidityMoisture Content of MaterialsCondensation

– Demonstration


Example ScenarioA flood soaked the carpet in one of the ground floor rooms in a building on campus. What do you do?

Water Damage Clean up and Water Damage Clean up and Mold PreventionMold Prevention

AnswerDRY WITHIN 24 HOURS

Remove all material from the carpet. Remove the water with a water extraction

vacuum. Shampoo the carpet Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers and

use fans to accelerate the drying process.

What Do I Do If I Find Mold?What Do I Do If I Find Mold? Follow cleaning and removal procedures for

mold/fungal growth that covers an isolated area less than 10ft2.

Report all visible mold/fungal growth that covers an isolated area of 10ft2 or more to Environmental Health and Safety, before further action is taken.

Report all visible mold/fungal growth that would require destroying or removing the material to Environmental Health and Safety, regardless of area, before further action is taken.

Report all visible mold/fungal growth in a Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning System to Environmental Health and Safety, regardless of area, before further action is taken.

Hazard AssessmentHazard Assessment

If warranted EH&S will conduct a hazard assessment.

Visual Inspection– The presence of mold, water damage, or musty

odors must be addressed immediately, beginning with a visual inspection.

– Ventilation systems must be visually checked for damp filters and other damp conditions. Ceiling tiles, walls, cardboard and paper must also be visually inspected for mold growth.

– When visible mold growth is present, the remediation process must begin.


Sampling– Air sampling methods for some fungi

cannot be used to definitely rule out contamination.

– However, when visible mold growth is not present, but suspected, and/or an individual has been diagnosed with a disease that is, or may be associated with fungal exposure, air monitoring may be necessary.


Sampling– The purpose of air monitoring is to

determine location and extent of contamination.


Sampling– Air monitoring may also be conducted

to determine the effectiveness of the remediation by verifying that air concentrations of mold and fungal spores are similar to ambient or outdoor air.

– If air monitoring is performed, outdoor air and non-suspect area samples must also be collected for comparative purposes.

Clean-Up and RemovalClean-Up and Removal

Four levels of contamination– Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)– Level 2: Mid-Sized Areas (10 ft2 – 100 ft2)– Level 3: Large Areas (More than 100 ft2)– Level 4: HVAC Contamination

Clean-up and RemovalClean-up and Removal Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ftLevel 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 2 or less)or less)

BGSU staff may conduct remediation, using wet methods, under the following conditions:– Mold/fungal growth remediation would not

require destructive cleaning procedures and/or;

– Mold/fungal growth to be remediated is not located in a HVAC system.

Clean-up and RemovalClean-up and RemovalLevel 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ftLevel 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 2 or less)or less)

cont…cont… Level 1: Clean Up

1. The area should be unoccupied during cleaning.2. Consult cleaning instructions for specific materials

located on page 12 of the Mold Prevention and Remediation Program.

3. Wear chemical resistant gloves and chemical goggles during clean up. A N95 filtering face piece can be used on a voluntary basis according to the "Voluntary Use" rules covered in Personal Protective Equipment and Hazard Communication training. (See Handout)


cont…cont…

4. Mist or wet the affected area with a detergent solution.

5. Leave the detergent solution on the affected area for five to ten minutes prior to removal.

6. Remove contaminated material that cannot be removed with a detergent solution in a sealed plastic bag and throw it out in regular trash.

7. Mop the area with a detergent solution after clean up and make sure all areas are left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.


Example ScenarioA localized roof leak occurred wetting two wooden chairs with upholstered seats. The chairs showed signs of mold growth on the wood and upholstered seats. The growth was collectively under 10 square feet. After immediately notifying Campus Operations for repair, what measures would you take to clean the chairs?


Chart– Wood

Method 1 – Wet vacuum/steam clean Method 2 – Damp-wipe surfaces with wood floor cleaner Method 3 – HEPA vacuum after the material has been

thoroughly dried and dispose of contents in a well sealed plastic bag.

– Upholstered Seat Method 1 – Wet vacuum/steam clean Method 3 – HEPA vacuum after the material has been

thoroughly dried and dispose of contents in a well sealed plastic bag.

Method 4 – Discard and dispose of as normal waste in seal plastic bag.

Clean-up and RemovalClean-up and Removal

Level 2: Mid-Sized Areas (10 ft2 – 100 ft2)Level 3: Large Areas (More than 100 ft2)

Level 4: HVAC Contamination

Outside contractors will perform remediation. Environmental Health and

Safety must be consulted prior to remediation.

Clean-up and RemovalClean-up and Removal

Outside Contractors– Midwest Environmental Control, Inc.

(419) 382 – 9200Dale BruhlScott Sellers

Occupant CommunicationOccupant Communication

Communication with building occupants will be coordinated by Environmental Health and Safety.

If a large-scale remediation project is found, the affected employees must be notified.

The notification must include a description of the remedial measures and a timetable for completion.

Individuals with health problems that appear to be related to bioaerosol exposure must see their physician if a problem exists.

SummarySummary How Does Mold Exposure Occur? Requirements for Mold Growth Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Objective Water Damage Clean-Up/Mold Prevention What Do I Do If I Find Mold? Hazard Assessment Mold Remediation (Clean-Up/Removal) Occupant Communication

Where to Get More InformationWhere to Get More Information Macher, Sc.D., M/P.H., Editor, Bioaerosols Assessment and

Control, American Conference of Industrial Hygienists. Cincinnati, Ohio, 1999.

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, U.S. EPA. April 2001. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/images/moldremediation.pdf

LSU Ag Center Research and Extension. http://www.lsuagcenter.com

University of Minnesota. http://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/flood.html

Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology. April 2000. http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html

Mold Prevention and Remediation. Agenda How Does Mold Exposure Occur? Requirements for Mold Growth Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Objective.

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