How to Identify the Cause of a Mold and Mildew Problem

As per the USEPA website -
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 70^oF 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 70^oF 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.

Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEAT)

HealthySEAT is a new software tool from EPA designed to help school districts conduct voluntary, customized self-assessments of their school facilities for environmental, health, and safety hazards.

More than 53 million children and about 6 million adults spend a significant portion of their days in more than 120,000 public and private school buildings. Many of these buildings are old and in poor condition, and may contain environmental conditions that inhibit learning and pose increased risks to the health of children and staff. The healthy school environments web site is designed to provide one-stop access to the many programs and resources available to help prevent and resolve environmental issues in schools.

For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/schools/


Source: EPA - Office of Air and Radiation - Indoor Environments Division

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings per the USEPA

Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention


Books and papers- For non-valuable items, discard books and papers.
Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals.
Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.

Carpet and backing - dry within 24-48 hours§ Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier.
Accelerate drying process with fans.

Ceiling tiles - Discard and replace.

Cellulose insulation -Discard and replace.

Concrete or cinder block surfaces-Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.

Fiberglass insulation - Discard and replace.

Non-porous, hard surfaces (Plastics, metals) - Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.

Upholstered furniture - Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage professional who specializes in furniture.

Wallboard (Drywall and gypsum board) - May be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. If not, remove, discard, and replace. Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible.

Window drapes - Follow laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer.

Wood surfaces Remove moisture immediately and use dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and fans for drying. (Use caution when applying heat to hardwood floors.)
Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to dry.

Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/mold/table1.html

Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Swine Flu and Other Influenza Viruses

Antimicrobial Products Registered for Use Against the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Other Influenza A Viruses on Hard Surfaces - As Per USEPA

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently tracking an H1N1 flu outbreak that has caused infections in humans in the United States, Mexico, Canada and other countries. Information on this Web page will help you identify antimicrobial products that are registered by EPA to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces that may be contaminated with the 2009-H1N1 flu.

EPA registers pesticide products, including disinfectants. As part of the registration process, EPA evaluates the product efficacy to make sure the public health label claims are accurate. Currently, over 500 disinfectant products are registered for use on hard, non-porous surfaces against influenza A viruses. EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces. For safe and effective use of these products, always follow label instructions for these products, paying special attention to the product’s dilution rate (if applicable) and contact time.

Choose a product whose label states that it is effective against "Influenza A virus" and lists your specific site of concern, such as: farm premises, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, schools, offices or homes. These products are widely available and can be purchased at drugstores, supermarkets, and home maintenance/repair stores, among others.

As the CDC stresses, your first line of defense is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner. These registered disinfectant products are for use on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, tables, floors, etc. EPA emphasizes that these products are not to be used on the skin or to be taken orally.

More than 500 antimicrobial products (20 pp, 62 K PDF) are registered by EPA specifically for use against influenza A virues. This is not a complete list since some products may have different distributor or product names and may not be referenced. We will continue to update this list as more information becomes available. Approved products specifically have label information which states they provide effectiveness against “Influenza A virues.”

Up-to-date information about the 2009-H1N1 flu is available on CDC’s Web site

Source: http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-disinfectants.html

Radon - What is It and What are the Potential Health Effects

As per the US EPA - Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, following smoking. Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas resulting from the decay of radium, itself a decay product of uranium. Radon in turn breaks down into radon decay products, short-lived radionuclides. These decay products, either free or attached to airborne particles, are inhaled, and further decay can take place in the lungs before removal by clearance mechanisms.

It is the emission of high-energy alpha particles during the radon decay process that increases the risk of lung cancer. While the risk to underground miners has long been known, the potential danger of residential radon pollution has been widely recognized only since the late 1970s, with the documentation of high indoor levels.

When radon decay products are inhaled and deposited in the lungs, the alpha emissions penetrate the cells of the epithelium lining the lung. Energy deposited in these cells during irradiation is believed to initiate the process of carcinogenesis. The EPA, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and others estimate that thousands of lung cancer deaths per year are attributable to radon, based on data from epidemiologic studies of thousands of underground miners and from animal studies. Lung cancer is presently the only commonly accepted disease risk associated with radon.

Tobacco smoke in combination with radon exposure has a synergistic effect. Smokers and former smokers are believed to be at especially high risk. Scientists estimate that the increased risk of lung cancer to smokers from radon exposure is ten to twenty times higher than to people who have never smoked.

The EPA estimates that as many as six million homes throughout the country have elevated levels of radon. Since 1988, EPA and the Office of the Surgeon General have recommended that homes below the third floor be tested for radon.

Short term testing is the quickest way to determine if a potential problem exists, taking from two to ninety days to complete. Low-cost radon test kits are available by mail order, in hardware stores, and through other retail outlets62.

EPA recommends that consumers use measurement devices that are state-certified or have met the requirements of a proficiency program. For further information on EPA's former National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP) (EPA closed its National Radon Proficiency Program in 1998) visit our Radon web site www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html EPA also recommends that consumers use trained contractors who provide testing services. The most commonly used devices are charcoal canisters, electret ion detectors, alpha track detectors, and continuous monitors placed by contractors. Short term testing should be conducted in the lowest lived in area of the home, with the doors and windows shut. Long term testing can take up to a full year but is more likely to reflect the home's year round average radon level than short term testing. Alpha track detectors and electret ion detectors are the most common long-term testing devices.

Corrective steps include sealing foundation cracks and holes, and venting radon-laden air from beneath the foundation. Professional expertise should be sought for effective execution of these measures.

Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome

As per the US EPA website, solutions to sick building syndrome usually include combinations of the following:

Pollutant source removal or modification is an effective approach to resolving an IAQ problem when sources are known and control is feasible. Examples include routine maintenance of HVAC systems, e.g., periodic cleaning or replacement of filters; replacement of water-stained ceiling tile and carpeting; institution of smoking restrictions; venting contaminant source emissions to the outdoors; storage and use of paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides in well ventilated areas, and use of these pollutant sources during periods of non-occupancy; and allowing time for building materials in new or remodeled areas to off-gas pollutants before occupancy. Several of these options may be exercised at one time.

Increasing ventilation rates and air distribution often can be a cost effective means of reducing indoor pollutant levels. HVAC systems should be designed, at a minimum, to meet ventilation standards in local building codes; however, many systems are not operated or maintained to ensure that these design ventilation rates are provided. In many buildings, IAQ can be improved by operating the HVAC system to at least its design standard, and to ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 if possible. When there are strong pollutant sources, local exhaust ventilation may be appropriate to exhaust contaminated air directly from the building. Local exhaust ventilation is particularly recommended to remove pollutants that accumulate in specific areas such as rest rooms, copy rooms, and printing facilities. (For a more detailed discussion of ventilation, read Fact Sheet: Ventilation and Air Quality in Offices)

Air cleaning can be a useful adjunct to source control and ventilation but has certain limitations. Particle control devices such as the typical furnace filter are inexpensive but do not effectively capture small particles; high performance air filters capture the smaller, respirable particles but are relatively expensive to install and operate. Mechanical filters do not remove gaseous pollutants. Some specific gaseous pollutants may be removed by adsorbent beds, but these devices can be expensive and require frequent replacement of the adsorbent material. In sum, air cleaners can be useful, but have limited application.

Education and communication are important elements in both remedial and preventive indoor air quality management programs. When building occupants, management, and maintenance personnel fully communicate and understand the causes and consequences of IAQ problems, they can work more effectively together to prevent problems from occurring, or to solve them if they do.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html#Building%20Investigation%20Procedures

What is Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness

As per the USEPA, The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. In contrast, the term "building related illness" (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.

A 1984 World Health Organization Committee report suggested that up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality (IAQ). Often this condition is temporary, but some buildings have long-term problems. Frequently, problems result when a building is operated or maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with its original design or prescribed operating procedures. Sometimes indoor air problems are a result of poor building design or occupant activities.

Indicators of SBS include:

• Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.
• The cause of the symptoms is not known.
• Most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building.

Indicators of BRI include:

• Building occupants complain of symptoms such as cough; chest tightness; fever, chills; and muscle aches
• The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes.
• Complainants may require prolonged recovery times after leaving the building.

It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the building, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress or dissatisfaction, and other psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, studies show that symptoms may be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.

This information was gathered from the USEPA Website

Deciding Whether or Not to Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

As per the USEPA - Knowledge about the potential benefits and possible problems of air duct cleaning is limited. Since conditions in every home are different, it is impossible to generalize about whether or not air duct cleaning in your home would be beneficial.

If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (no musty odor or visible mold growth), having your air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary. It is normal for the return registers to get dusty as dust-laden air is pulled through the grate. This does not indicate that your air ducts are contaminated with heavy deposits of dust or debris; the registers can be easily vacuumed or removed and cleaned.

On the other hand, if family members are experiencing unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think might be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor. EPA has published Indoor Air Quality: An Introduction for Health Professionals and The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality for guidance on identifying possible indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or fix them.

You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should occasionally be cleaned. While the debate about the value of periodic duct cleaning continues, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly.

On the other hand, if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements.

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.

Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or

Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html

Potential Asbestos Hazards Found in The Home

Examples of Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found In The Home

Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.

Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.

Attic and wall insulation produced using vermiculite ore, particularly ore that originated from a Libby, Montana mine, may contain asbestos fibers. Vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana between 1923 and 1990. Prior to its close in 1990, much of the world's supply of vermiculite came from the Libby mine. This mine had a natural deposit of asbestos which resulted in the vermiculite being contaminated with asbestos. (See EPA's 2003 brochure on Current Best Practices for Vermiculite Attic Insulation).

Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.

Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.

Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.

Walls and floors around woodburning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.

Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.

Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.

Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html

Berkeley Lab, EPA Studies Confirm Large Public Health And Economic Impact of Dampness and Mold

Berkeley Lab, EPA Studies Confirm Large Public Health And Economic Impact of Dampness and Mold: They estimate that number of asthma cases attributable to exposure in home is 4.6 million, at $3.5 billion annual cost

A pair of studies to be published in the journal Indoor Air have quantified the considerable public health risks and economic consequences in the United States from building dampness and mold.

For complete article go to http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/EETD-mold-risk.html

Checklist for Mold Remediation

As per the US EPA:

Investigate and evaluate moisture and mold problems

Please note that this checklist was designed to highlight key parts of a school or commercial building remediation and does not list all potential steps or problems.

• PDF Version of the Checklist for Mold Remediation (PDF, 1 page, 20KB, About PDF)
• Assess size of moldy area (square feet)
• Consider the possibility of hidden mold
• Clean up small mold problems and fix moisture problems before they become large problems
• Select remediation manager for medium or large size mold problem \
• Investigate areas associated with occupant complaints
• Identify source(s) or cause of water or moisture problem(s)
• Note type of water-damaged materials (wallboard, carpet, etc.)
• Check inside air ducts and air handling unit
• Throughout process, consult qualified professional if necessary or desired

Communicate with building occupants at all stages of process, as appropriate

• Designate contact person for questions and comments about medium or large scale
• remediation as needed

Plan Remediation

• Adapt or modify remediation guidelines to fit your situation; use professional judgment
• Plan to dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth (see Table 1 and text)
• Select cleanup methods for moldy items (see Table 2 and text)
• Select Personal Protection Equipment - protect remediators (see Table 2 and text)
• Select containment equipment - protect building, occupants (see Table 2 and text)
• Select remediation personnel who have the experience and training needed to implement the remediation plan and use Personal Protective Equipment and containment as appropriate

Remediate moisture and mold problems

• Fix moisture problem, implement repair plan and/or maintenance plan
• Dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth
• Clean and dry mold materials (see Table 2 and text)
• Discard moldy porous items that can't be cleaned (see Table 2 and text)

Questions to Consider Before Remediating

• Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
• Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? (See Table 2 and text)
• Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?
• Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
• Are building occupants reporting health problems?
• Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
• Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?
• Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?
• Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?

Avoid Exposure to and Contact with Mold

• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

For more information go to Source: www.epa.gov/mold

Publications and Resources about Mold From the US EPA

Publications and Resources

Read "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" (también disponible en español como un archivo en formata PDF (PDF, 20 pp, 1.17MB)).

If you are a building manager, custodian, or other person responsible for commercial buildings and school maintenance, read "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings". (This guidance also applies to residences.)

Source: http://www.epa.gov/mold/

Mold In The Workplace - CDC Information

As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website, http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm - listed are some facts about mold. One of the items listed is about mold in the workplace as follows:

I’m sure that mold in my workplace is making me sick.

If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you work, you should first consult your health care provider to determine the appropriate action to take to protect your health. Notify your employer and, if applicable, your union representative about your concern so that your employer can take action to clean up and prevent mold growth. To find out more about mold, remediation of mold, or workplace safety and health guidelines and regulations, you may also want to contact your local (city, county, or state) health department.
You should also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, at

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html.

USEPA PSA on Dealing with Mold

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, recorded public service announcements (PSA) to provide information to people in the hurricane affected areas. Topics featured in these PSA's include:

"Dealing with Mold" (:30 secs, 472kb, MP3) en Español
Mold is a serious problem in flooded areas.

The key to controlling mold growth is by controlling moisture — and doing it quickly. If you have a mold problem at home, wash it off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.

Be sure to get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. You may have to replace absorbent materials — such as ceiling tiles and carpet — that become moldy.

For more information about mold cleanup, call 1-800- 438-4318.

Source: From U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

U.S. EPA honors Postal Service for pledging to remove nearly 8,000 pounds of lead from its vehicle fleet / First USPS region in nation to voluntarily

(San Francisco, Calif. -- 11/19/08) As part of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today honored the Pacific Area of the U.S. Postal Service for its commitment to voluntarily replace all lead wheel weights for approximately 31,000 fleet delivery vehicles -- removing more than 8,000 pounds of lead from its workplace operations and potential deposition into the environment.

The USPS’s 34 vehicle maintenance facilities in California and Hawaii will perform about 70,000 tire balancing services annually eliminating nearly 8,000 pounds of lead in the workplace and approximately 500 pounds in the environment from wheel weights that fall off onto roadways.

“The U.S. Postal Service will not only remove thousands of pounds of hazardous lead from our environment, but recently also helped the EPA launch its National Lead Free Wheel Weight Initiative to encourage the transition away from using lead for wheel weights,” said Jeff Scott, the EPA’s Waste Division director for the Pacific Southwest region. “The U.S. Postal Service Pacific Area’s leadership serves as a model both for public and private fleets to get the lead out.”

“Given the size and scope of Postal Service operations, we can reduce our environmental footprint by pursuing the development of sustainable business practices that protect the environment, maintain a safe workplace, and are fiscally prudent,” said Patrick Langsjoen, Pacific Area environmental specialist for the U.S. Postal Service. “Participating in the lead free wheel weight initiative fits well with our larger corporate sustainability strategy.”

The EPA’s lead-free wheel weight initiative engages partners in the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of wheel weights to participate in a voluntary effort to accelerate the transition to steel weights. Lead can enter the environment and create potential human exposures by weights falling off tires and being washed into storm sewers or waterways.

Quick Facts:
· Wheel weights are clipped to the rims of every automobile wheel in the United States in order to balance tires.
· Lead weights will be phased out in California by the end of 2009 under a court settlement between Oakland-based Center for Environmental Health against Chrysler and the three largest makers of lead wheel weights for the U.S. market: Plombco Inc. of Canada, Perfect Equipment Inc. and Hennessey Industries.
· There are 200 million autos and light trucks on the nation's roadways, with 16 million new autos produced annually in the United States.
· An average of 4.5 ounces of lead is clipped to the wheel rims of every automobile in the United States.
· Approximately 50 million pounds of lead is used annually to produce tire weights worldwide in autos and light trucks.
· It is estimated that 1.6 million pounds are lost in the United States when wheel weights fall off during normal driving conditions (e.g., hitting a pot hole).
· It is estimated that half a million pounds of lead each year is released into the environment in California from wheel weights falling off vehicles.
· Local service stations may have steel weights available, and consumers can request them in lieu of lead weights.

The National Partnership for Environmental Priorities encourages public and private organizations to form partnerships with the EPA to reduce the use or release of toxic. Lead is a chemical of concern for the EPA because it bio-accumulates in the food chain, damages ecosystems and can cause brain damage in humans, especially children.

The EPAs goal is to partner with industries, municipalities and federal facilities to reduce the use or release of 4 million pounds of priority chemicals by 2011. The EPA also encourages all consumers to ask their tire vendors to provide lead-free wheel weights.

For more information on the EPAs National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Program, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/minimize/partnership.htmn
For more information about USPS, please visit: http://www.usps.com

Source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/85f6da001abb40a8852575060082293f?OpenDocument

Website Links For Mold Resources and Information

Indoor Air - Mold This page provides information about mold resources.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html

Mold Resources This page discusses how mold is produced and the associated risks to human health and property.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home This guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Biological Pollutants Provides information about biological pollutants.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/biologic.html

Indoor Environment Management Branch: Children's Health Initiative: Toxic Mold Outbreaks of the fungi Stachybotrys atra (S. atra) have been identified as being associated with the deaths of infants in Cleveland, Ohio.URL: http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/child.htm

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings This document provides information about mold remediation in commercial buildings and schools.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html

Asthma Triggers - Molds Molds can trigger asthma episodes in individuals with an allergic reaction to mold.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma/molds.html

IAQ Tools for Schools Kit - IAQ Coordinator's Guide: Appendix H: Mold and Moisture Provides information about mold and moisture.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guideh.html

Healthy School Environments: Mold and Moisture Provides information about mold and moisture in schools.URL: http://cfpub.epa.gov/schools/top_sub.cfm?t_id=41&s_id=31

Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers: Appendix C: Moisture, Mold and Mildew Provides information about mold, mildew and moisture.URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/pdf_files/appenc.pdf

Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers

The Building Air Quality, developed by the EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, provides practical suggestions on preventing, identifying, and resolving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in public and commercial buildings. This guidance provides information on factors affecting indoor air quality; describes how to develop an IAQ profile of building conditions and create an IAQ management plan; describes investigative strategies to identify causes of IAQ problems; and provides criteria for assessing alternative mitigation strategies, determining whether a problem has been resolved, and deciding whether to consult outside technical specialists. Other topics included in the guide are key problem causing factors; air quality sampling; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; moisture problems; and additional sources of information.

The entire document can be found at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html

How Do You Know When You Have Fnished Remediation/Cleanup

How Do You Know When You Have Finished Remediation/Cleanup?
As per the US EPA's website http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/i-e-r.html#Table%202:%20Mold%20Remediation%20Guidelines%20(7)

• You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem.
• You should complete mold removal. Use professional judgment to determine if the cleanup is sufficient. Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, and moldy odors should not be present.
• If you have sampled, the kinds and concentrations of mold and mold spores in the building should be similar to those found outside, once cleanup activities have been completed.
• You should revisit the site(s) shortly after remediation, and it should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.
• People should be able to occupy or re-occupy the space without health complaints or physical symptoms.
• Ultimately, this is a judgment call; there is no easy answer.

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

The US EPA has a documented entitled "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings". As per the US EPA's website www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html -

Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. This document presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings; these guidelines include measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and remediators. It has been designed primarily for building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance. It should serve as a reference for potential mold and moisture remediators. Using this document, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation should be able to make a reasonable judgment as to whether the situation can be handled in-house. It will help those in charge of maintenance to evaluate an in-house remediation plan or a remediation plan submitted by an outside contractor. Contractors and other professionals who respond to mold and moisture situations in commercial buildings and schools may also want to refer to these guidelines.

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. 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. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.

Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Moisture problems can have many causes, including uncontrolled humidity. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed, but may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may include roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, and unvented combustion appliances. Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in schools and large buildings. Moisture problems in portable classrooms (see IAQ Design Tools for Schools - Portable Classrooms for more information) and other temporary structures have frequently been associated with mold problems.

When mold growth occurs in buildings, adverse health problems may be reported by some building occupants, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants.

This exerpt was taken from http://www.epa.gov/mold/intro.html

Plan the Mold Remediation Before Starting the Work

As per the US EPA's website:

Remediation Plan:

Assess the size of the mold and/or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials before planning the remediation work. Select a remediation manager for medium or large jobs (or small jobs requiring more than one person). The remediation plan should include steps to fix the water or moisture problem, or the problem may reoccur. The plan should cover the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and include steps to carefully contain and remove moldy building materials to avoid spreading the mold.(2) A remediation plan may vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered.

The remediation manager's highest priority must be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. It is also important to communicate with building occupants when mold problems are identified.(3) In some cases, especially those involving large areas of contamination, the remediation plan may include temporary relocation of some or all of the building occupants.

The decision to relocate occupants should consider the size and type of the area affected by mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with debris, and the amount of disruption likely to be caused by remediation activities. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected.

Remediators, particularly those with health-related concerns, may wish to check with their doctors or health care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. If you have any doubts or questions, you should consult a health professional before beginning a remediation project.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/i-e-r.html#f-2