1. Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities
Introduction to Mold
Mansel A. Nelson
June 2011

2. Northern Arizona University The Mountain Campus
Flagstaff, AZ

3. Presentation Introduction to IAQTC
Introduction to Mold (Short Version)
What is mold?
Factors contributing to mold growth
Health impacts

4. Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities
The IAQTC project activities will focus on prevention and control of indoor air contaminates.
Radon
Indoor asthma triggers
Indoor air quality management in schools.

5. Work Plan Conferences, meetings, and outreach to Tribes
Seminar development and delivery in conjunction with national meetings
Web resources
Technical assistance

6. Technical Assistance Projects
Respond to technical and non-technical questions
Facilitate development of partnerships and collaborations within tribal community to address IAQ issues.

7. An Introduction to Mold

8. Types of Molds What are molds?
Under a microscope
What are molds?
Part of “Fungi” kingdom that includes molds, yeasts, mushrooms, rusts
Microscopic organisms that form and colonize through airborne spores

9. Types of Molds (continued)
Over 100,000 different types; about 10 different species common indoors

10. Factors Contributing to Mold Growth
What do molds need to grow?
Food supply
Warm temperatures
Moisture

11. Factors Contributing to Mold Growth
#1 - Food Sources
Organic sources
Building materials

12. Factors Contributing to Mold Growth
#2 - Heat
Warm air holds more moisture than cold air
Mold likes same temperatures as humans

13. Factors Contributing to Mold Growth
#3 – Moisture and vapor sources
Moisture sources
Building envelope leaks
Plumbing leaks
Water vapor sources
High relative humidity (RH)
Damp soil & basements
Occupant activities
Condensation happens in cold spots

14. Optimum Relative Humidity

15. Control of Mold
Control Moisture!

18. Health Impacts
“Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all.”
Health impacts vary widely and are individual in impact.
Health issues can result from a variety of environmental issues and it can be difficult to identify specific causes.

19. Health Impacts
Irritant
Allergen
Infectious
Toxic

20. Mansel A. Nelson, Senior Program Coordinator
Environmental Education Outreach Program (EEOP)
Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities (IAQTC)
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
Voice or 1496
FAX
PO Box 5768, Flagstaff, AZ 86011