Mold Hazards And Prevention

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Session Objectives Understand the potential health hazards of exposure to mold Detect mold and know where to look for it Prevent mold from growing Clean up small amounts of mold contamination safely

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Tight building structures Poorly designed or maintained HVAC systems Human factors Humidity New harmful mold organisms Tight building structures Poorly designed or maintained HVAC systems Human factors Humidity New harmful mold organisms Increased Risk of Indoor Mold Exposure

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Causes of Indoor Moisture Flooding Roof or plumbing leaks Bathroom showers Overhumidification Poor maintenance of humidification units Damp basements Steam from cooking Condensation

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc DRYWALL WOOD CEILING TILES CARPETS Indoor Mold Food Sources Drywall Wood Carpets Ceiling tiles

How Molds Affect Us SPORES MYCOTOXINS

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS THE AIR WE BREATHE How Molds Affect Us (cont.)

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Individuals with other allergies Individuals with existing respiratory conditions People with weakened immune systems Elderly people Pregnant women Infants and children Higher Sensitivity to Mold

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Allergic Reactions Red, itchy skin or rash Asthma Mold allergy Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Fungal Infections Toxic pneumonitis Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis Aspergilloma Allergic broncho- pulmonary aspergillosis

Where symptoms occur Physical exam Medical history Skin tests Diagnosing Mold Allergy

Treatment of Mold Allergy Get rid of mold Avoid contact with spores Take medications for allergy symptoms Consider allergy shots

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Avoiding Contact With Mold Spores Stay indoors Use HEPA filters Clean air conditioners and dehumidifiers

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Mold and Your Health True or False? All mold toxins only cause mild allergies. Indoor mold exposure has increased because of the way buildings are designed. Everyone is allergic to mold. Getting rid of mold and avoiding contact with spores are effective treatments for mold allergy.

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Mold and Your Health Do you understand: M old exposure? H ow molds affect us and sensitivity to mold? A llergic reactions and fungal infections? D iagnosing and treating mold allergies? A voiding contact with mold spores?

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Prevent Mold: Control Moisture Use exhaust fans and vents Dehumidify damp areas Raise temperatures in damp areas Minimize or control use of winter humidification Increase indoor air circulation

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Prevent Mold: Clean Scour sinks and tubs Clean garbage pails Clean refrigerators Dry damp building materials Discard old books, newspapers, clothing, and bedding Wash mold off all hard surfaces

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Prevent Mold: Fix Leaks Repair leaks promptly Put plastic over dirt in crawl spaces Direct groundwater drainage away from your house

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Prevent Mold: Building Supplies Add insulation Cover foam with plastic Avoid carpet installed on concrete floors Use storm windows

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Usually unnecessary Not economically practical No practical information Cannot determine health risk Testing for Mold Usually unnecessary Not economically practical No practical information Cannot determine health risk

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Large indoor contamination Compare indoor/outdoor mold concentration Higher indoor counts indicate a health problem Different mold species indicate a health problem When to Test Large indoor contamination Compare indoor/outdoor mold concentration Higher indoor counts indicate a health problem Different mold species indicate a health problem

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Small Mold Problems Wear PPE Use bleach and water Replace porous or absorbent materials Dry-clean surface Seal the surface Image credit: EPA

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Large Mold Contamination Hire a professional Choose a mold remediation method Image Credit: Inspectapedia.com

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc PPE Gloves Eye protection Disposable coveralls Head and shoe covers Respiratory protection

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Highest mold exposure occurs during cleanup Avoid the cleanup area Monitor symptoms after cleanup Persistent symptoms may not be mold related During and After Mold Cleanup Highest mold exposure occurs during cleanup Avoid the cleanup area Monitor symptoms after cleanup Persistent symptoms may not be mold related

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Preventing Mold: Which Procedures Are Effective? Controlling moisture Getting a skin test Wearing a dust mask to clean Repairing leaks Cleaning with bleach and water Increasing indoor air circulation and decreasing humidity

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Preventing Mold Do you understand: M old prevention strategies? M old testing? H ow to clean up small quanitities of mold? P rocedures for large contamination cleanups?

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Key Points to Remember We are all exposed to mold every day outdoors and indoors Most people are not affected by mold exposure, but some might experience health problems The best way to reduce mold growth indoors is to control moisture Clean up small amounts of mold, but let professionals handle large contamination