Mold Prevention and Remediation

Mold Prevention and Remediation

Agenda 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

How Does Mold Exposure 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 Growth Moisture or high relative humidity ( 60%) Temperature between 40-100 F Organic matter Source of spores

Health Effects Associated with Mold 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.

Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Allergic Reactions Fungal Infections Other

Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Allergic Reactions Health Effect Dermatitis Asthma Explanation Red itchy skin and/or rash. 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.

Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Allergic Reactions cont Health Effect Explanation Allergic Rhinitis Similar to hay fever or the common or Sinusitis 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.

Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Allergic Reactions cont Health Effect Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Explanation 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.

Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Fungal Infections Health Effect Explanation Only occurs in severely Invasive Pulmonary immunocomprimised. Aspergillosis Symptoms include pneumonia plus fever, bone pain, chills, headache, and weight loss. Symptoms include cough, coughing up Aspergilloma blood, and weight loss.

Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Fungal Infections cont Health Effect Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Explanation Worsening of underlying condition (asthma or cystic fibrosis) plus coughing up blood and weight loss.

Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure Other Health Effect Reported Symptoms Explanation Fatigue, headache, fever, muscle ache, difficulty concentrating and mood changes. The cause of these symptoms are not completely understood.

Objective 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 Mold 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.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention 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.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention Drying – – – – effectiveness is determined by Temperature Humidity Air Movement Time

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention 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.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention 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.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention 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.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention 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.

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention Protimeter Moisture Measurement System – Can be used to measure Temperature Relative Humidity Specific Humidity Moisture Content of Materials Condensation – Demonstration

Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention Example Scenario A 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 Mold Prevention Answer DRY 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? 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 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.

Hazard Assessment 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.

Hazard Assessment Sampling – The purpose of air monitoring is to determine location and extent of contamination.

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

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

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

Clean-up and Removal Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less) Example Scenario A 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?

Clean-up and Removal Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less) 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 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 Removal Outside Contractors – Midwest Environmental Control, Inc. (419) 382 – 9200 Dale Bruhl Scott Sellers

Occupant 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.

Summary 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 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/moldremedia tion.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