1. Mold as an Environmental Health Risk Fort Edward CARE Healthy Community Initiative

2. Mold Basics Mold is a natural part of the environment Indoors and Outdoors Spores are airborne Mold can grow on virtually any surface or substance where moisture is present Mold can become a serious environmental health hazard if not treated promptly and properly

3. Public Policy & Community Protection Factors Federal, State, County, Town and Village Government and Agencies Economic development and taxation Health care and social services Inspection and code enforcement Prompt and proper (action) remediation Public awareness and education

4. Personal Behavior and Protection Factors Socio-economic Public awareness Access to education/training Empowered to reach out for help Existing health conditions Economic Development Undercapitalized and socially “unconscious” investors/landlords

5. Places of Exposure Any surface or substance where mold spores meet up with moisture: Single & multi-family dwellings Schools & Public/Institutional Buildings Commercial, Industrial, Business, Office and Professional Buildings

6. Apartment A/C

7. Commercial A/C Vent

8. Condensation Home Window

9. Hidden inside walls

10. Bathroom Cabinet

11. Leaking Sink Fixtures

12. Suitcase in Storage Closet

13. Stained Wood in Home

14. Routes of exposure Inhalation Ingestion Skin Contact

15. Affected Populations Mold is “Equal Opportunity” All age groups All socio-economic groups All occupations, professions Urban, suburban, rural settings

16. Environmental Health Status Mold: Allergen, Irritant & (potentially) Toxic Allergic reaction may be immediate or delayed Symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis) Irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic, non-allergic people. Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma are high-risk Individuals with existing immune-compromised systems are high-risk