Cleaning Up Mold: How to Get Rid of Mold

As per the New York State Department of Health Website on mold:

1. The first step to mold cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water must be identified and corrected.
2. Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (e.g., drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).
3. All wet materials must be thoroughly dried. If that is not possible, they should be discarded.
4. Mold growing on hard surfaces (e.g. wood and concrete) can be cleaned. Small areas can be scrubbed with a cleaning rag wetted with dilute detergent. Rubber gloves and a dust mask are recommended for jobs other than routine cleaning. For a large mold problem or if you are highly sensitive to mold, an experienced professional should do the work.
5. In areas where it is impractical to eliminate the moisture source, a 10% bleach solution can be used to keep mold growth under control. In areas that can be kept dry, bleach is not necessary, as mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. When using bleach, ensure that enough fresh air is available because bleach may cause eye, nose, or throat irritation.
6. Continue to monitor the area for new mold growth and signs of moisture. This may indicate the need for further repairs or material removal.

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.

Mold Forces Relocations At Northeastern Pa. School

Mold Forces Relocations At Northeastern Pa. School

- mold tests show elevated levels that are deemed unsafe - read more

Hidden Dangers May Lurk After A Return Home From A Flood - News Story - WCTI12 New Bern

Hidden Dangers May Lurk After A Return Home From A Flood - News Story - WCTI12 New Bern

Mold count highter, more allergy issues | KXAN.com

Mold count highter, more allergy issues | KXAN.com

What is a Mold Allergy?

As per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), if you have an allergy that never ends when seasons change, you may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. Molds live everywhere, and disturbing a mold source can disperse the spores into the air.

It is common for people to get mold allergy if they or other family members are allergic to substances such as pollen or animal dander. People may become allergic to only mold or fungi, or they may also have problems with dust mites, pollens and other spores. If you are allergic to only fungi, it is unlikely that you would be bothered by all fungi. The different types of fungi spores have only limited similarities.

For more information on mold allergies, mold, mold allergy symptoms and prevention please see the AAFA Mold Allergy Webpage

Medline Plus Provides Mold Information and Resources

The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health provide a website Medline Plus. This website has a page devoted to the harzards of mold. the website for mold provides resources, news and links to information on mold health related issues, mold removal and more. For more information visit Medline Plus Mold Information

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

Mold Can Be A Problem Long After Floodwaters Recede

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Mold can be a growing problem.

Five to six weeks after a flood, mold can become a problem in homes and businesses that have not been thoroughly cleaned.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers steps that can be taken to combat the musty, microscopic organism's growth and its potential to cause serious health problems. Mold can also cause structural damage to homes, according to state and federal officials.
"Removing flood contaminated materials and household goods, and thoroughly cleaning up after a flood are essential steps in combating mold," said Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis.
Floodwaters affect household fixtures in different ways.

Porous materials are nearly impossible to clean. Soaked carpets, carpet pads, linoleum, fabric covered furniture, wet insulation and ceiling tiles should be thrown out. There is no way to clean them. For heirloom rugs and furniture, contact a professional cleaner.
Appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, cooking stoves, dishwashers, hot water heaters, washers and driers contain insulation which may harbor mold spores without visible evidence and should be discarded.

Surfaces such as wallboard, sheetrock, chipboard and particle board may have to be replaced. Water can wick up higher than the visible water line. The best practice is to remove the wall board at least a foot above the water line.

Non-porous surfaces, including glass, ceramic, metal and plastic, can be cleaned. A combination of water, household bleach and soap or detergent can be used to wash down walls, floors and other mold-contaminated areas. Follow directions on containers and take particular note of warnings.

Here are some cleaning tips to rid damaged properties of, and prevent mold.

• Do not mix chlorine liquids and ammonia. Wear rubber gloves, protective clothing and a
  tight-fitting face mask when working around mold.
• Remove heating and cooling registers and ducts, and then hose the ducts to prevent contamination from flowing through the ducts when the unit is turned on.
• Heating and air conditioning filters should be changed and the system ductwork cleaned by a professional so that mold spores don't circulate in the dwelling or business.
• After hosing ductwork, wash with a disinfectant. If ducts are in slab or otherwise inaccessible, have them cleaned professionally.
• When rebuilding, property owners living in flood-prone areas should consider using water-resistant materials.

Excerpted from press release from FEMA http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=48390

Mold Prevention Tips From the CDC

MOLD PREVENTION TIPS

• Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces, like basements.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

Source: www.cdc.gov

Mold Remediation Tasks

Tasks Involved In Remediation as Per the CDC

Responding to mold problems requires a series of actions. The order in which actions take place is sometimes important. Typically, the following actions are implemented to some extent regardless of whether a problem is small and simple or large and complex:

• Take emergency actions to stop water intrusion if needed.
  Identify vulnerable populations, extent of contamination, and moisture dynamic.
• Plan and implement remediation activities.
• Establish appropriate containment and worker and occupant protection.
• Eliminate or limit moisture sources and dry the materials.
• Decontaminate or remove damaged materials as appropriate.
• Evaluate whether space has been successfully remediated.
• Reassemble the space to prevent or limit possibility of recurrence by controlling sources of moisture and nutrients.
• For small, simple problems, the entire list may be implemented by one person. For larger, more complex problems, the actions in the list may be accomplished by a series of people in different professions and trades. For circumstances that fall between those extremes, some combination of occupant action and professional intervention will be appropriate. In general, no single discipline brings together all the required knowledge for successful assessment and remediation.

source: www.cdc.gov

Flood Cleanup and the Air in Your Home

As per the USEPA, for basic information on how to clean up after a flood and how to prevent indoor air problems go to http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/flood_booklet_en.pdf This 28 page booklet prints in landscape as a 15 page printout. The booklet discusses how to prevent and cleanup your home after a flood.

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

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

How To Get Rid of Mold and Prevent Mold Growth

Old House Journal recently posted a good article on mold in the home. It discusses what mold is, how it grows and spreads, factors that contribute to mold growth and ideas on how to inhibit or removal mold. Ventilation and dehumidification are very important in preventing mold growth in your home. To read the compete article go to:

http://www.oldhousejournal.com/how_to_get_rid_of_mold/magazine/1591

Mold: A Health Hazard - Info From FEMA

One of the worst effects of water damage comes in the form of mold. Following a hurricane or severe floods, mold may develop, causing serious health problems. The state and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are working to inform the public as to the health hazards associated with mold, what can be done to minimize mold, and what ways can be effective in cleaning up mold.

If your home has water damage, mold could develop in as short of a time as 24 - 48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it may continue to grow until steps are taken to thoroughly dry out the premises and eliminate the source of moisture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that you may recognize mold by the sight-wall and ceiling discoloration, and smell-a musty, earthy odor.

Although mold is a naturally existing substance, it can be harmful to humans. When airborne mold spores are present in large quantities, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems. Continued exposure to mold may result in nasal or sinus congestion, eye, nose, or throat irritations, and adverse effects to the nervous system.
Individuals who are at the greatest risk are infants and children, the elderly, those with immune-compromised related diseases, pregnant women, and those with existing respiratory conditions. Anyone falling into these categories should consult a physician if they are experiencing health problems. Follow these five steps to dry your home and combat health problems associated with mold:

• Open up the house-if the humidity outside is lower than indoors, and if the weather permits, open all the doors and windows to exchange the moist indoor air for drier outdoor air. If you have a thermometer with a humidity gauge, you can monitor the indoor and outdoor humidity. On the other hand, when temperatures drop at night, an open home is warmer and will draw moisture indoors. At night and other times when the humidity is higher outdoors, close up the house.
• Open closet and cabinet doors-remove drawers to allow air circulation. Drawers may stick because of swelling. Don't try to force them. Speed up the drying process by opening the back of the cabinet to let the air circulate. You will probably be able to remove the drawers as the cabinet dries out.
• Use fans-fans help move the air and dry out the home. They will blow out dirty air that might contain contaminants from sediment in the duct work; clean or hose out any ducts.
• Do not use central air conditioning or the furnace blower if the ducts were under water.
• Run dehumidifiers-dehumidifiers and window air conditioners will reduce the moisture, especially in closed up areas.
• Use desiccants-desiccants (materials that absorb moisture) such as silica gel are very useful in drying closets or other enclosed areas where air cannot move through. These types of materials may be purchased at hardware stores or home and garden stores.

If mold becomes an issue in your household, here are some of the ways to clean it out:

• Most household cleaners will be good enough to cleanse walls and wood furniture.
• Be aware that wallpaper paste can harbor mold, and therefore wall coverings may have to be removed and replaced.
• After cleaning a room or item, go over it again with a disinfectant to kill the germs and odors left by the floodwaters.
• Be careful of fumes; wear rubber gloves and a dust mask. Read any safety instructions in order to properly handle cleaning materials.

Drying your home could take several weeks. While it may seem that your house is safe from mold, your health may still be at risk because of the lingering effects of mold. When water damage infiltrates a structure, the long lasting effects can be detrimental to the composition of the building. If you believe that your health has been affected by exposure to mold, you should contact your physician and have your house checked.

If you have further questions concerning mold and your health, you may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. You can also call the American Red Cross at 866-GET-INFO or the CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.

Source: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=20379

Real Estate Issue: Mold and Mildew in Home

A good article on mold in homes that are up for sale and what the buyer should know can be found at:
http://www.examiner.com/x-3942-Baltimore-Real-Estate-Investing-Examiner~y2009m3d13-Experts-Cash-in-on-Toxic-Mold

What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas

It is important to take precautions to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores as per The State of Missouri, Dept of Health and Senior Services

• Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. (They cost about $12 to $25.) Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front; others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Please note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that respirators fit properly (fit testing) when used in an occupational setting; consult OSHA for more information (800-321-OSHA or osha.gov)

• Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands.

• Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

Source: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/IndoorAir/mold.html

Questions That May Assist in Determining Whether a Mold Problem Currently Exists

Do you think you have mold, mildew or a moisture issue? As per OSHA, some Questions That May Assist in Determining Whether a Mold Problem Currently Exists are:

• Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged?
• Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?
• Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
• Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
• Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment?
• Has the building been recently remodeled or has the building use changed?
• Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?

Always consider consulting a health professional to address any employee health concerns.

Source: http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib101003.html

Got Mold? Frequently Asked Questions About Mold

The Washington State Department of Health - Office of Environmental Health and Safety provides a webpage that answers many frequently asked questions about mold. Some of these are:

What are molds?

Molds are tiny microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores. Molds are a type of fungi and there are over 100,000 species. In nature, mold helps decompose or break-down leaves, wood and other plant debris. Molds become a problem when they go where they are not wanted and digest materials such as our homes.

What makes molds grow in my home?

Mold enters your home as tiny spores. The spores need moisture to begin growing, digesting and destroying. Molds can grow on almost any surface, including; wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. The mold grows best when there is lots of moisture from a leaky roof, high humidity, or flood. There is no way to get rid of all molds and mold spores from your home. But you can control mold growth by keeping your home dry.

Can I be exposed to mold?

When molds are disturbed, they release spores into the air. You can be exposed by breathing air containing these mold spores. You can also be exposed through touching moldy items, eating moldy food or accidental hand to mouth contact.

Do molds affect my health?

Most molds do not harm healthy people. But people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Sensitive people may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma or difficulty breathing. People with an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, may be at increased risk for infections from molds. A small number of molds produce toxins called mycotoxins. When people are exposed to high levels of mold mycotoxins they may suffer toxic effects, including fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation to the lungs and eyes. If you or your family members have health problems that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should consult with your physician.

When is mold a problem?

You know you have mold when you smell the "musty" odor or see small black or white specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls. Some mold is hidden growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles. Even dry, dead mold can cause health problems, so always take precautions when you suspect mold.Mold is often found in areas where water has damaged building materials and furniture from flooding or plumbing leaks. Mold can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces, such as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls. Mold often grows in rooms with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action to control its growth

For more answers to common questions about mold go to the Source: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/IAQ/GOT_Mold.html