Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft
through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold
spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and
digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive.
There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and
foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates
indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the
moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There
is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in
the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth
is to control moisture.
See this page for a news story about mold in homes and what to
do about it.
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is
important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48
hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your
home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or
moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash
mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry
completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles &
carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
For much
more information about cleaning up mold, click here!
- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold
exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other
respiratory complaints.
- There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold
spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor
mold growth is to control moisture.
- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must
clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent
mold growth.
- Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold
growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other
moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air
conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and
using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and
cleaning.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and
furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and
dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles,
that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for
condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping,
exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do
not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by
classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or
frequent condensation).
- Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on
virtually any substance, providing moisture is present.
There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and
foods.
Be sure to also see the page on
dust mites, which also
cause allergies. Control measures include enclosing the mattress top and sides with a plastic cover or other
dust mite impervious cover (available here)
, thoroughly
vacuuming mattress pillows and the base of the bed. Put an airtight
plastic or polyurethane cover over your mattress. This tip is number one
for a reason: it is in your bed that you are closest to the mites and their
feces and enclosing the mattress and pillows in a dust mite cover virtually
eliminates the mites here. There is a website,
The Allergy Store, that we recommend that sells allergy controls, like
the dustmite-proof fitted
sheets. Mattresses covered with "fitted sheets" help prevent the
accumulation of human skin scales on the surface
If you have IAQ and mold issues in your school, you should
get a copy of the IAQ Tools for Schools
Kit. Mold is covered in the
IAQ Coordinator's Guide under Appendix H - Mold and Moisture
.
Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals
with asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact
with or exposure to molds.
Asthma and Allergies
EPA's Asthma Brochure
EPA's Mold page from Asthma web site
Mold growth may be a problem after flooding. EPA's
Fact Sheet: Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems
- discusses
steps to take when cleaning and repairing a home after
flooding. Excess moisture in the home is cause for
concern about indoor air quality primarily because it provides
breeding conditions for microorganisms. This fact sheet
provides tips to avoid creating indoor air quality problems
during cleanup. U.S. EPA, EPA Document Number 402-F-93-005,
August 1993.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): (800)
480-2520; www.fema.gov
mitigation website: www.fema.gov/mit
publications on floods, flood proofing, etc.
University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental
Health & Safety - www.dehs.umn.edu/remanagi.html.
managing water infiltration into buildings.
Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals
with asthma (See Asthma Section
above); molds can also trigger allergies in sensitive
individuals.
EPA's publication, Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals
,
assists health professionals (especially the primary care
physician) in diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be
related to an indoor air pollution problem. It addresses the
health problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered
daily in the home and office. Organized according to pollutant
or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs,
biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this
booklet lists key signs and symptoms from exposure to these
pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick
reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial
action. Also includes references for information
contained in each section. This booklet was developed by the
American Lung Association, the American Medical Association,
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the EPA. EPA
Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994.
Allergic Reactions - excerpted from Indoor
Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals
section on: Animal Dander, Molds, Dust Mites, Other
Biologicals.
"A major concern associated with exposure to
biological pollutants is allergic reactions, which range
from rhinitis, nasal congestion, conjunctival inflammation,
and urticaria to asthma. Notable triggers for these diseases
are allergens derived from house dust mites; other
arthropods, including cockroaches; pets (cats, dogs, birds,
rodents); molds; and protein-containing furnishings,
including feathers, kapok, etc. In occupational settings,
more unusual allergens (e.g., bacterial enzymes, algae) have
caused asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human
origin can cause asthma in a subset of any appropriately
exposed population."
Consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website
Stachybotrys
or Stachybotrys atra (chartarum) and health
effects
The EPA publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold,
Moisture, and Your Home", is available here in HTML
and PDF
formats. This Guide provides information and guidance
for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold
problems and how to prevent mold growth. A printed
version will be available soon.
Biological Pollutants in Your Home
- This document explains
indoor biological pollution, health effects of biological
pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup. One
third to one half of all structures have damp conditions that
may encourage development of pollutants such as molds and
bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions -- including
asthma -- and spread infectious diseases. Describes
corrective measures for achieving moisture control and
cleanliness. This brochure was prepared by the American
Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission. EPA Document Reference Number 402-F-90-102,
January 1990.
Moisture control is the key to mold control, the Moisture
Control Section from Biological Pollutants in Your Home
follows:
Moisture Control
Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can
enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement
floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in
your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home
can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the
temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture.
This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold
surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a
window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to
grow.
There are many ways to control moisture in your home:
- Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house
from the outside, your options range from simple
landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing.
(The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in
the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a
water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or
around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological
pollutants to grow.
- Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent
moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure
crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove
moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your
clothes dryer to the outside.
- Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or
kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and
other surfaces.
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in
hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air,
but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become
sources of biological pollutants.
- Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture
condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm
window installed on the inside works better than one
installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms
(especially doors to closets which may be colder than the
rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat
to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using
fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote
air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a
source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from
the home.
- Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors.
Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for
biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be
taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet
is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be
necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over
the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation
covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
- Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one
climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the
Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and
the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these
regions can have moisture problems. For example,
evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage
the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions,
the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly
may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough
to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of
construction and weatherization for the different climates
can lead to different problems and solutions.
Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
- excerpt
on duct cleaning and mold follows, please review the entire
document for additional information on duct cleaning and mold.
You should consider having the air ducts in your home
cleaned if:
There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard
surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of
your heating and cooling system. There are several important
points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and
cooling systems:
- Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not
be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service
provider to show you any mold they say exists.
- You should be aware that although a substance may look
like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold
or not can be made only by an expert and may require
laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For
about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you
whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky
household tape is mold or simply a substance that
resembles it.
- If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets
wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should
be removed and replaced.
- If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first
place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.
Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne
concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set.
Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for
airborne mold contaminants.
EPA has a number of resources available, you can start with
"Building
Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers" and the "Building
Air Quality Action Plan"
Excerpt from the Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers
,
Appendix C - Moisture, Mold and Mildew
:
How to Identify the Cause of a Mold and Mildew Problem.
Mold and mildew are commonly found on the exterior wall
surfaces of corner rooms in heating climate locations.
An exposed corner room is likely to be significantly colder
than adjoining rooms, so that it has a higher relative
humidity (RH) than other rooms at the same water vapor
pressure. If mold and mildew growth are found in a
corner room, then relative humidity next to the room
surfaces is above 70%. However, is the RH above 70% at
the surfaces because the room is too cold or because there
is too much moisture present (high water vapor pressure)?
The amount of moisture in the room can be estimated by
measuring both temperature and RH at the same location and
at the same time. Suppose there are two cases.
In the first case, assume that the RH is 30% and the
temperature is 70oF in the middle of the room.
The low RH at that temperature indicates that the water
vapor pressure (or absolute humidity) is low. The high
surface RH is probably due to room surfaces that are
"too cold." Temperature is the dominating
factor, and control strategies should involve increasing the
temperature at cold room surfaces.
In the second case, assume that the RH is 50% and the
temperature is 70oF in the middle of the room.
The higher RH at that temperature indicates that the water
vapor pressure is high and there is a relatively large
amount of moisture in the air. The high surface RH is
probably due to air that is "too moist."
Humidity is the dominating factor, and control strategies
should involve decreasing the moisture content of the indoor
air.
The Agency's premier resource on this issue is the Indoor
Air Quality Tools for Schools kit. Our schools-related
resources on the web start at: epa.gov/iaq/schools.
The asthma companion piece for the IAQ Tools for Schools
kit, titled Managing Asthma in the School Environment
(epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma)
has been recently published. This publication has a
section entitled Clean Up Mold and Moisture Control at:
epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma/eat-cumcm.htm
Excerpt from IAQ Tools for Schools
kit companion piece, Managing Asthma in the School Environment
:
Common Moisture Sources Found in Schools
Moisture problems in school buildings can be caused by a
variety of conditions, including roof and plumbing leaks,
condensation, and excess humidity. Some moisture problems in
schools have been linked to changes in building construction
practices during the past twenty to thirty years. These
changes have resulted in more tightly sealed buildings that
may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems in
schools are also associated with delayed maintenance or
insufficient maintenance, due to budget and other constraints.
Temporary structures in schools, such as trailers and portable
classrooms, have frequently been associated with moisture and
mold problems.
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth in Schools
Reduce Indoor Humidity:
- Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to
the outside.
- Control humidity levels and dampness by using air
conditioners and de-humidifiers.
- Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor humidity
levels between 30-60%.
- Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and
cleaning in food service areas.
Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks, or
spills:
- Check for moldy odors.
- Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling,
walls, floors, and window sills.
- Look around and under sinks for standing water, water
stains, or mold.
- Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains, or
mold.
- Do not let water stand in air conditioning or
refrigerator drip pans.
Respond promptly when you see signs of moisture and/or
mold, or when leaks or spills occur:
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and
furnishings within 24-48 hours of occurrence to prevent
mold growth.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent
mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent,
and dry completely.
- Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are
moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary
conditions, leaks, or spills.
Prevent moisture condensation:
- Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces
(i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors)
by adding insulation.
Floor and carpet cleaning:
- Remove spots and stains immediately, using the flooring
manufacturer's recommended techniques.
- Use care to prevent excess moisture or cleaning residue
accumulation and ensure that cleaned areas are dried
quickly.
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do
not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by
classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or
frequent condensation).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indoor
Environments Division (IED)
An Office Building Occupant's Guide to IAQ - epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html
Biological Contaminants - epa.gov/iaq/pubs/bio_1.html
Building Air Quality Action Plan (for Commercial Buildings)
- epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/actionpl.html
Floods/Flooding - epa.gov/iaq/pubs/flood.html
Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings - epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html
For more subject-specific links, go to: epa.gov/iaq/schools/links.html,
or epa.gov/iaq/asthma/links.html,
or epa.gov/iaq/moreinfo.html.
U.S. EPA
EPA's Antimicrobial Information Hotline
(703) 308-0127/(703) 308-6467
email: [email protected]
The Antimicrobials Information Hotline provides direct
answers to questions concerning current antimicrobial issues.
Please call during normal business hours (Monday - Friday 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.) or leave a message after hours. The
information provided can cover issues relevant to any or all
antimicrobial pesticides including health & safety issues,
registration and re-registration issues, as well as
information on pesticide laws, rules, and regulations relating
to antimicrobials.
Other Links
The following list of resources includes information created
and maintained by other public and private organizations. The
U.S. EPA does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance,
timeliness, or completeness of this outside information.
Further, the inclusion of such resources is not intended to
endorse any views expressed or products or services offered by
the author of the reference or the organization operating the
service on which the reference is maintained.
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
(ACOEM)
(847) 818-1800 www.siouxlan.com/acoem/
Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental
exposures.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists,
Inc. (ACGIH)
(513) 742-2020 www.acgih.org
Occupational and environmental health and safety information
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
(703) 849-8888 www.aiha.org
Information on industrial hygiene and indoor air quality
issues including mold hazards and legal issues
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
(800) 527-4723 www.ashrae.org
Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
(202) 347-4976 www.aoec.org
Referrals to clinics with physicians who have experience with
environmental exposures, including exposure to mold; maintains
a database of occupational and environmental cases
Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR)
(800) 272-7012 www.ascr.org
Disaster recovery, water and fire damage, emergency tips,
referrals to professionals
Asthma and Allergic
Diseases |
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology (AAAAI)
(800) 822-2762
www.aaaai.org
Physician referral directory, information on allergies
and asthma
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA)
(800) 7-ASTHMA (800-727-8462)
www.aafa.org
Information on allergies and asthma
American Lung Association (ALA)
(800) LUNG-USA (800-586-4872)
www.lungusa.org
Information on allergies and asthma
Asthma and Allergy Network/Mothers of Asthmatics,
Inc. (AAN*MA)
(800) 878-4403 or (703-641-9595)
www.aanma.org
Information on allergies and asthma
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID)
(301) 496-5717
www.niaid.nih.gov
Information on allergies and asthma
National Jewish Medical and Research Center
(800) 222-LUNG (800-222-5864)
www.njc.org
Information on allergies and asthma
|
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
(613) 748-2003 [International]
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/cmhc.html
Several documents on mold-related topics available and a
discussion on mold at - http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/imquaf/hehosu/hoast/hoast_001.cfm
including
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
(800) 882-8846
www.carpet-rug.com
Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged
carpet, other carpet-related issues
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
(800) 311-3435
www.cdc.gov
Information on health-related topics including asthma, molds
in the environment, and occupational health
CDC's National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)
(888) 232-6789
Mold page - http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/
"Questions and answers on Stachybotrys chartarum
and other molds" - www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/stachy.htm
Energy and Environmental Building Association
(952) 881-1098
www.eeba.org
Information on energy-efficient and environmentally
responsible buildings, humidity/moisture control/vapor
barriers
Floods/Flooding |
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
(800) 480-2520
www.fema.gov/mit
Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc.
University of Minnesota, Department of
Environmental Health & Safety
(612) 626-5804
www.dehs.umn.edu/remanagi.html
Managing water infiltration into buildings
University of Wisconsin-Extension, The Disaster Network
(608) 262-3980
www.uwex.edu/ces/news/handbook.html
Information on floods and other natural disasters
|
Health Canada, Health Protection Branch, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Office of Biosafety
(613) 957-1779
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/main/lcdc/web/biosafty/msds/index.html
Material Safety Data Sheets with health and safety information
on infectious microorganisms, including Aspergillus and other
molds and airborne biologicals
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
(360) 693-5675
www.iicrc.org
Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and
restoration industry
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
(800) 225-4772
www.issa.com
Education and training on cleaning and maintenance
International Society of Cleaning Technicians (ISCT)
(800) WHY-ISCT (800-949-4728)
www.isct.com
Information on cleaning, such as a stain removal guide for
carpets
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
msds.pdc.cornell.edu/msdssrch.asp
MSDSs contain information on chemicals or compounds including
topics such as health effects, first aid and protective
equipment for people who work with or handle these chemicals
MidAtlantic Environmental Hygiene Resource Center (MEHRC)
(215) 387-4096
www.mehrc.org
Indoor environmental quality training on topics such as mold
remediation
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
(202) 737-2926
www.nadca.com
Duct cleaning information
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
(847) 298-9200
www.nari.org
Consumer information on remodeling, including help finding a
professional remodeling contractor
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
(202) 289-7800
www.nibs.org
Information on building regulations, science, and technology
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
(800) 35-NIOSH (800-356-4674)
www.cdc.gov/niosh
Health and safety information with a workplace orientation
National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN)
(800) 858-7378
ace.orst.edu/info/nptn
Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including
safety and disposal information
New York Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology
(212) 788-4290
Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor
Environments
This document revises and expands the original guidelines
to include all fungi (mold). It is based both on a
review of the literature regarding fungi and on comments
obtained by a review panel consisting of experts in the
fields of microbiology and health sciences. It is intended
for use by building engineers and management, but is
available for general distribution to anyone concerned about
fungal contamination, such as environmental consultants,
health professionals, or the general public.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
(800) 321-OSHA (800-321-6742)
www.osha.gov
Information on worker safety, including topics such as
respirator use and safety in the workplace
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
(703) 803-2980
www.smacna.org
Technical information on topics such as air conditioning and
air ducts
Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education (SCMRE)
(301) 238-3700
www.si.edu/scmre
Guidelines for caring for and preserving furniture and wooden
objects, paper-based materials; preservation studies
University of Michigan Herbarium
(734) 764-2407
www.herb.lsa.umich.edu
Specimen-based information on fungi; information on fungal ecology
University of Tulsa Indoor Air Program
(918) 631-5246
www.utulsa.edu/iaqprogram
Courses, classes, and continuing education on indoor air
quality
Water Loss Institute, Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration
(800) 272-7012 or (410) 729-9900
www.ascr.org/wli/
Information on water and sewage damage restoration
These indoor air quality publications are also available
through the IAQ INFO Clearinghouse.
IAQ INFO
P.O. Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013-7133
1-800-438-4318/703-356-4020
(fax) 703-356-5386
[email protected]
or, you can order these publications directly via EPA's National
Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) (http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/).
web site. Your publication requests can also be mailed, called
or faxed directly to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 42419
1-800-490-9198/(513) 489-8695 (fax)
Please use the EPA Document Number when ordering from NSCEP
or from IAQ INFO.

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