Mold Prevention and Control Tips

Moisture control is the key to mold control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean- up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth.

Mold prevention tips include:

• Repairing plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible.
• Looking for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible.
• Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
• Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
• Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes.
• Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% (25 - 60%, if possible).
• Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
• Venting kitchens (cooking areas) and bathrooms according to local code requirements.
• Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots as soon as possible, but no more than 48 hours after discovery.
• Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. Follow all local building codes.
• Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur.

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

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 Preventive Strategies as Per the NIEHS

The NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) website provides useful information on what mold is and preventative strategies to avoid this allergen and irritant.

Mold

Several molds that grow both indoors and outdoors, produce allergenic substances. These allergens can be found in mold spores and other fungal structures (e.g. hyphae). There is no definite seasonal pattern to molds that grow indoors. However outdoor molds are seasonal, first appearing in early spring and thriving until the first frost.

Indoor molds are found in dark, warm, humid and musty environments such as damp basements, cellars, attics, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They are also found where fresh food is stored, in refrigerator drip trays, garbage pails, air conditioners and humidifiers.

Outdoor molds grow in moist shady areas. They are common in soil, decaying vegetation, compost piles, rotting wood and fallen leaves.

Preventive Strategies

• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain relative humidity below 50% and keep temperatures cool.
• Vent bathrooms and clothes dryers to the outside, and run bathroom and kitchen vents while bathing and cooking.
• Regularly check faucets, pipes and ductwork for leaks.
• When first turning on home or car air conditioners, leave the room or drive with the windows open for several minutes to allow mold spores to disperse.
• Remove decaying debris from the yard, roof and gutters.
• Avoid raking leaves, mowing lawns or working with peat, mulch, hay or dead wood. If you must do yard work, wear a mask and avoid working on hot, humid days.

Source: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/asthma/mold.cfm

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

Controlling and Preventing Household Mold and Moisture Problems

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website provides a very informative report entitled " Controlling and Preventing Household Mold and Moisture Problems: Lessons Learned and Strategies for Disseminating Best Practices "

This Report to Congress describes ongoing and recently completed residential mold- and moisture-related work conducted by different offices within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The results of that work are presented, and the Department's strategies for reaching out to key groups with information about moisture control and mold prevention are discussed.

The complete report can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/library/hhts/report040105.pdf

Mold Prevention Tips From the CDC

MOLD PREVENTION TIPS

As per the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm, these are tips to preventing mold:

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.

To learn more about preventing mold in your home, see the Environmental Protection Agency's publication A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html

Safely Preventing Mold Growth

As per the CDC's website http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp, ways to safely prevent mold growth are:

Clean up and dry out the building quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Open doors and windows. Use fans to dry out the building. (See the fact sheet for drying out your house, Reentering Your Flooded Home).

When in doubt, take it out! Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home. Porous, noncleanable items include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, some clothing, leather, paper, wood, and food. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold may cause allergic reactions in some people.

To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water.
Homeowners may want to temporarily store items outside of the home until insurance claims can be filed. See recommendations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) .

If you wish to disinfect, refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document, A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home.

If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix any water problem, such as leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing. Controlling moisture in your home is the most critical factor for preventing mold growth.

To remove mold growth from hard surfaces use commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete.

If you choose to use bleach to remove mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
  Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings . Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html .
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

More information on personal safety while cleaning up after a natural disaster is available at emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/workers.asp.

If you plan to be inside the building for a while or you plan to clean up mold, you should buy an N95 mask at your local home supply store and wear it while in the building. Make certain that you follow instructions on the package for fitting the mask tightly to your face. If you go back into the building for a short time and are not cleaning up mold, you do not need to wear an N95 mask.

Source: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention - Mold Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided a website resource for many answers to what is mold, heath related exposure issues, how to decrease exposure and many other questions and answers. The website is located at http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

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.

Hurricane eMatrix by OSHA

As per OSHA website Purpose and Use of This Matrix

Work conditions change drastically after hurricanes and other natural disasters. In the wake of a hurricane, response and recovery workers will face additional challenges, such as downed power lines, downed trees, and high volumes of construction debris, while performing an otherwise familiar task/operation.

In this Hazard Exposure and Risk Assessment Matrix, OSHA provides information on many of the most common and significant additional hazards that response and recovery workers might encounter when working in an area recently devastated by a hurricane. This Matrix highlights a number of tasks and operations associated with disaster response and recovery. The Matrix is designed to help employers make decisions during their risk assessment that will protect their employees working in hurricane-impacted areas.

source: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hurricane/index.html

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.

Exerpted from http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html

Mold Removal After a Disaster (Hurricane / Flood)

A video public service announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is avaliable for download at: http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/psa/video/moldremoval.asp

The video discusses how to safely remove mold after a hurricane, tornado or flood.

Mold Prevention and Possible Health Effects Report

The duration and extent of flooding and the number of structures flooded as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita make the likelihood of massive mold contamination in buildings a certainty. Many structures remained flooded weeks after the hurricane and became saturated with water. Some early observers suggested that as many as 60% to 80% of residential structures in New Orleans sustained severe flood damage. Outside New Orleans, extensive hurricane damage without prolonged flooding occurred. This more typical pattern of destruction as a result of wind and rain will result in problems with mold, but will not be as extensive as in New Orleans.

This publication provides comprehensive information on how to limit exposure to mold and how to identify and prevent mold-related health effects. It will be especially useful to public health practitioners, health care providers, building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for building maintenance. Contractors and other professionals (e.g. environmental consultants and other health or safety professionals) who respond to mold or moisture situations in buildings will also find the information of use, as might the public.

The entire publication can be found at http://www.epa.gov/hurricane/pdf/2005_moldreport.pdf

How to Disinfect Well Water After A Flood or Hurricane

If your well becomes submerged due to flooding, it may have become contaminated with bacteria. The Department of Health recommends disinfecting the water in wells that have been submerged. If you notice a change in taste, odor, color or appearance, it is recommended that you use bottled water.

Follow these steps to disinfect (chlorinate) your well water:

Prior to chlorination, draw off enough water for about 24 hours of household use not for drinking, but for flushing the toilet. Bypass any water conditioning equipment.

Remove the well cap, and pour one gallon of bleach into the well. (NOTE: Dug wells require 2 gallons of bleach.)

For remainder of article, please visit Anne Arundel County, Maryland Department of Health website http://www.aahealth.org/a2z.asp?ID=24

Mold Prevention in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Floods Report by CDC

Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods

Summary -

Extensive water damage after major hurricanes and floods increases the likelihood of mold contamination in buildings. This report provides information on how to limit exposure to mold and how to identify and prevent mold-related health effects. Where uncertainties in scientific knowledge exist, practical applications designed to be protective of a person's health are presented. Evidence is included about assessing exposure, clean-up and prevention, personal protective equipment, health effects, and public health strategies and recommendations. The recommendations assume that, in the aftermath of major hurricanes or floods, buildings wet for >48 hours will generally support visible and extensive mold growth and should be remediated, and excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of contamination.

For the majority of persons, undisturbed mold is not a substantial health hazard. Mold is a greater hazard for persons with conditions such as impaired host defenses or mold allergies. To prevent exposure that could result in adverse health effects from disturbed mold, persons should 1) avoid areas where mold contamination is obvious; 2) use environmental controls; 3) use personal protective equipment; and 4) keep hands, skin, and clothing clean and free from mold-contaminated dust.

Clinical evaluation of suspected mold-related illness should follow conventional clinical guidelines. In addition, in the aftermath of extensive flooding, health-care providers should be watchful for unusual mold-related diseases. The development of a public health surveillance strategy among persons repopulating areas after extensive flooding is recommended to assess potential health effects and the effectiveness of prevention efforts. Such a surveillance program will help CDC and state and local public health officials refine the guidelines for exposure avoidance, personal protection, and clean-up and assist health departments to identify unrecognized hazards.

For remaining report visit source listed below:

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5508a1.htm

Hurricane - Mold Prevention, Control, Cleanup

Keeping mold under control

Mold can cause serious health problems. The key to mold control is moisture control. After a flood, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours.

Safely cleaning a flood-damaged home (cdc.gov)

repair your flooded home (redcross.org)

Mold cleanup in schools and commercial buildings. information for building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance.

General - Mold, moisture, and your home

Basics

Cleaning up mold

What to Wear

Mold - Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects BrochureMold Remediation in schools and Commercial Buildings Brochure

Source: http://www.epa.gov/hurricanes/what_to_do.htm#mold

Antimicrobial Information Hotline

Antimicrobial Information Hotline

www.epa.gov/oppad001/
(703) 308-0127/(703) 308-6467(FAX)
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
email: Info_Antimicrobial@epa.gov

The Antimicrobials Information Hotline provides answers to questions concerning current antimicrobial issues (disinfectants, fungicides, others) regulated by the pesticide law, rules and regulations. These cover interpretation laws, rules, and regulations, and registration and re-registration of antimicrobial chemicals and products. The Hotline also provide information health & safety issues on registered antimicrobial products, product label and the proper and safe use of these antimicrobial products.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/relatedlinks.html#Antimicrobial%20Information%20Hotline

How Can People Decrease Mold Exposure

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html. [external link]
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

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.

www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html

Mold Prevention- Moisture Control

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.