M a n s e l A N e l s o n

I n s t i t u t e f o r Tr i b a l E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o f e s s i o n a l s

An Introduction to Mold and Moisture

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Topics

I. OverviewII. IndicatorsIII. Health EffectsIV. PreventionV. InvestigationVI. Clean-up

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I. Overview

Key information• Types of molds• Factors contributing to

mold growth

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Types of Molds

What are molds?Part of class of

“biological”

contaminants that

includes bacteria,

mildew, viruses, animal

dander, dust mites,

cockroaches, pollens

Part of “Fungi” kingdom

that includes molds,

yeasts, mushrooms, rusts

Microscopic organisms

that form and colonize

through airborne spores

Under a microscope4

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Types of Molds (continued)

Over 100,000 different types; about 10 different species common indoors

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Factors Contributing to Mold Growth

What do molds need to grow?Food supply

Moisture

Warm temperatures, and Oxygen

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Food Sources

Organic sources

Soils, food, plant matter

Human and animal hair and dander

Clothing and fabric fibers

Fibers from floor coverings, insulation, building materials

Building materials

Certain materials –particleboard, LP siding, OSB, expanded

styrene, cellulose insulation – all better food sources, absorb

and hold moisture

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Building envelope leaks

Plumbing leaks

Damp soil & basements Occupant activities Condensation

Moisture Sources8

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Optimum Relative Humidity

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Source Health and Energy Testing Services, NE http//www.healthandenergy.com/

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II. Indicators

Key information• Recognizing indicators of

potential mold infestation• Finding sources of information

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Recognizing Indicators

1. Known or suspected water damageOccupants may know of leak, flood,

water intrusion (helpful to know extent, length, actions taken)

Visible signs of water damage – may be clearly evident

Less visible signs require further visual investigation behind wallpaper, baseboards, cabinets; in crawlspaces, on building exteriors, rust, drywall staining

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Recognizing Indicators

2. Reports from maintenance or custodial staffKnow building history, repairs, structural

issuesMay be first to report occupant complaints

3. Musty/mildew odorsIndicator of mold growth; may not be

visible

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Recognizing Indicators

4. Visible moldAppearance of spores not only indicatorRange of colors (all “black” molds are not toxic,

though proceed with caution)

Growth patterns vary, depending on point of moisture contact

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Is it Mold?18

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Is it mold?19

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II. Indicators

5. Reported health problems

Clear links allergy/respiratory

Possible flu-like symptoms, repeated viral

infections, fatigue, frequent ER

visits/hospitalizations

NOTE: Symptoms overlap with other

illnesses and issues

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III. Health Impacts

Key information• Types of impacts• Who is at most at risk

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Health Impacts

“Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all.”

www.CDC.gov/mold

Health impacts vary widely and are individual in impact.

Health issues can result from a variety of environmental issues and it can be difficult to identify specific causes.

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Types of Effects

1. IrritantExposure can irritate eyes, skin, nose, throat, and

lungs, in allergic and non-allergic individualsEffect is dose-related, usually transient

2. AllergenCommon symptoms runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing,

sore throat, nasal congestion, eczema, dermatitisIn high concentrations, molds can trigger symptoms in

individuals with no known allergiesLong-term exposure can sensitize an individual,

inducing allergies and airway-reactivity

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Types of Effects (cont.)

3. Infectious

Direct infection occurs when pathogens attack immune-compromised individuals

E.g., Aspergillus fumigatus known to cause aspergillosis (ABPA)

4. Toxic (rare)

Toxic molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins

Certain species (e.g, stachybotrus, fusarium, trichoderma) are known carcinogens

Mycotoxins readily absorbed by intestinal lining, airways, skin

Presence of toxic molds usually associated with long-standing water problem

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Who is most at risk?

Individuals with lower-airway diseases Asthma, chronic bronchitis

• Molds directly tied to presence, persistence and increased severity of asthma episodes

Young children (birth to age 2 – critical window)

• Allergic sensitization/genetic predisposition

• Incidence of RSV

EldersIndividuals with compromised immune systemsIndividuals with allergies (upper respiratory)

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IV. Prevention

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Principles for Existing Buildings

Work with occupants, maintenance and custodial staff to focus on prevention practices

1. Keep it clean2. Keep it dry3. Keep it well ventilated4. Keep it well maintained

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1. CleanControl dust sources

Regular cleaning

Carpet removal where possible

Use of walk-off mats

HEPA-filter vacuuming

Reduced clutter

Shoes-off policy

Principles for Existing Homes (cont.)

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Principles for Existing Homes (cont.)

2. Dry & Ventilated Ventilation

Install & use exhaust fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms, clothes dryers–eliminate moisture that builds up from everyday activities

Attic and crawl spaces – Keep humidity below 50% to prevent condensation on building materials

Water damage Thoroughly clean & dry water-damaged carpets and

building materials (within 24 hours, if possible) or

Consider removal or replacement

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Ventilation

Necessary to remove humidity, dilute and remove contaminants

Bathroom moisture condenses on cold ceiling

Whole house ventilation Fans, HRV/ERVs

Kitchens

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Source Health and Energy Testing Services, NE http//www.healthandenergy.com/

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Tips for Residents

Furniture 6” away from exterior walls

Do not hang blankets on exterior walls

Use proper window treatments and open during the day – No blankets

Run bath fan after each bathing event for 30 minutes!

Diligence – keep an eye for problem prone areas

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V. Investigation

Key information• Objectives of investigation• Types of sampling

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Objectives of Investigation

1.Identify all moldy areas If occupant reports mold, search throughly (under sinks, in

cabinets, behind toilets, behind furniture; sub-floor, drywall, crawl space)

2.Identify all possible causesPlumbing or appliance leaks? High humidity? Condensation?

3.Reduce exposure to occupants in home/building

4.Develop plan for clean-up/remediation

5.Ensure that maintenance staff and occupant are informed

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Types of Samples

When is sampling necessary? If legal action is being considered or there are

serious health impacts that require specialized medical treatment.

Is species identification necessary? Identifying species of mold or airborne sampling is

not recommended for investigation or remediationMicroscope can help confirm presence of

moldNo standards for exposure levels of mold /

spores

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Mold Complaints

A mold complaint may include some other IAQ issues

Consider other possibilities for IAQ concerns

Follow air-flowsLook for additional air pollutant sources,

including items the occupants use

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VI. Remediation / Clean-up

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First Things First

Mold clean-up is not effective until the source of moisture is addressed.

Mold is a moisture problem

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To consider before remediating:

• Existing moisture problems

• Hidden sources of moisture or is the humidity too high?

• Building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?

• Building occupants reporting health problems?

• Building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?

• Maintenance been delayed?

• Building been recently remodeled or its use changed?

• Consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?

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Remediation Planning• Protect the health & safety of the

occupants and remediation team.

• Fix the moisture problem.

• Assess the size of the mold problem (next slide).

• Select a remediation manager as needed

• Consider use of PPE.

• Consider use of containment.

• Plans can vary greatly in size and complexity.

• Communicate with occupants. Do they need to be

relocated?

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Mold Remediation

Less than 10 sq ft PPE (minimum)

N-95 respirator, gloves, goggles

Containment: None requiredBetween 10 sq ft and 100 sq ft

PPE limited or full (use “professional judgment”)

Respirator (N-95, half-face, full-face)

Gloves, goggles, foot covering

Disposable overalls/disposable full body clothing

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Mold Remediation Continued

Containment: Limited Polyethylene sheeting ceiling to floor

around affected area, slit entry, covering flap

Maintain area under negative pressure with HEPA filtered fan unit.

Block supply and return air vents within containment area

More than 100 sq ft Call in professionals / get training

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Communication• People will probably demand that you test

the air whether it is warranted or not.

• Be prepared to explain why you will or why you won’t. You may need an expert.

• However, outside experts are often viewed by a suspicious community as a “hired gun.”

• Consider involving the affected community in selecting a consultant.

• Release information quickly. Reports not released quickly become “secret” reports which “can’t be good news.”

We want sampling!

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Mold Clean-up

Hard, non-porous materials can be cleaned Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the area clean.

Never mix bleach with other cleaning products

Clean thoroughly… If you leave some mold behind, the

spores will be easily released back into the air when the

material dries out. Remove porous materials

Ceiling tiles, carpeting or sheetrock (drywall) and

dispose

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Mold Clean-up

If mold is the result of flooding: Remove all sheetrock to at least 12 inches above the

high water mark.

Inspect the interior of the walls to ensure all

contaminated sheetrock removed.

Allow the area to dry for 2-3 days after cleaning. Use fans and dehumidifiers

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Personal Protective Equipment• Remediation/investigation

may disturb mold and mold spores.

• Avoid inhaling spores and skin and eye contact.

• Minimum: N95 respirator mask, goggles with no vent holes, rubber gloves, long sleeves and long pants.

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Personal Protective Equipment

More respiratory protection

• Limited: half or full face purifying respirator

with HEPA filter cartridge.

• HEPA filters do not provide protection

against vapors or gases.

• Should always be approved by NIOSH.

• NOTE: All individuals using half or full face

respirators must be trained, have medical

clearance and must be fit-tested by a

trained professional. The use of respirators

must follow a complete OSHA program.

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Personal Protective Equipment

More respiratory protection• Full: Use in situations when

high levels of dust or spores are likely or when intense long-term exposures are expected.

• Full-face powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) is recommended.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Clothing

• Disposable clothing is recommended during

medium or large jobs.

• Limited: disposable paper overalls

• Full: mold-impervious head, body and feet

clothing made of breathable material such

as TYVEK.

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Safety Guidelines & Resources

To prevent exposure and assure containment, critical that maintenance staff employ safety guidelines…

IICRC S520 – Standard Guide for Professional

Mold Remediation www.iicrc.org

Building Sciences Corporation - RR-0210 Mold Remediation in

Occupied Homeswww.buildingscience.c

om

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Safety Guidelines - Occupants

Prevention and clean-up for small areas (cleaning non-porous surfaces and wood with detergent; repair moisture source; dry material, etc)

Many people use bleach, which kills mold, but is not a good cleaning agent Bleach is a strong respiratory irritant

Surfactant (soap) is better

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More Information

General mold informationhttp://www.epa.gov/mold/

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html

Mold and Moisture: Guidance for Clinicianshttp://oehc.uchc.edu/CIEH.asp

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Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

Mansel A. Nelson Senior Program CoordinatorIndoor Air Quality in Tribal CommunitiesNorthern Arizona University (NAU)

http://www.nau.edu/iaqtc/mansel.nelson@nau.eduVoice 928 523 1275FAX 928 523 1280

PO Box 5768, Flagstaff, AZ 86011

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