| Mold Prevention and Control |
Exposure to molds in the indoor occupational setting usually occurs after an incident involving significant water intrusion to the area. After a water leak, the first 48 hours are critical for taking action because molds reproduce exponentially over time. |
Molds are forms of fungi, members of the plant kingdom lacking chlorophyll (the pigment in green plants that captures the light energy required for photosynthesis), that are found naturally everywhere on the planet year round. Unless specifically engineered, and maintained, no environment is completely free of mold.
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Molds break down organic matter for fuel by absorbing nutrients and can grow on wood, paper, carpeting, insulation, ceiling tiles, and other building materials. Most molds thrive in warm, damp, and dark environments, but molds can grow anywhere.
In the indoor work environment mold often grows when there is excessive moisture in the air or an uncontrolled source of water inside a building. |
Health Effects
Although molds are an essential part of the environment, some molds can become hazardous to human health when they are allowed to grow excessively inside buildings. While most mold related health effects are allergic reactions to parts of the mold or their spores, some molds produce mycotoxins (a poisonous substance generated by the fungus) that can cause adverse health effects such as cold or flu-like symptoms, nose bleeds, hypersensitivity reactions, and other more significant health effects. In most circumstances, a sufficient amount of these compounds are not present to cause a severe reaction.
In general, the state of an individual’s immune system and age plays the largest role in the resulting health effects. Extreme health effects from mold exposure will generally plague the very young, very old, and those that have a weakened immune system. Some common health effects from mold exposure may include:
- Cold and flu-like symptoms
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Nasal and chest congestion
- Fever
- Headaches
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
- Upper respiratory tract irritation
- Asthma and other bronchial restriction
- Allergic and hypersensitivity response
Conditions that Indicate a Mold Problem Exists in a Building
The mere presence of mold does not mean there is a mold problem. However, several factors are used to determine if there is a mold problem.
- Molds inside that are not outside. All mold air sampling should include an outside sample which will show what mold species are common in the outdoor setting near the building. This sample indicates the mold species to which people are regularly exposed. If the inside samples show there are mold species present that were not detected outdoors, it generally indicates a mold problem within the building.
- Mold in concentrations that are higher indoors than outdoors. The outside sample will also show at what concentration the molds exist outdoors, given in colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/M). When indoor concentrations are 10 to 100 times higher it indicates a mold problem. This may not be the case if the outside samples are taken on a rainy day when the molds outside are more active.
- Specific molds capable of forming mycotoxins. Specific mold species are known to be particularly hazardous or allergenic. The mere presence of such molds may indicate a mold problem (e.g., stachybotrys, and certain species of aspergillus and penicillium).
Controlling Mold
Exposure to molds in the indoor occupational setting usually occurs after an incident involving significant water intrusion into the area. After a water leak, the first 48 hours are critical for taking action because molds will reproduce exponentially during that time period.
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Most molds reproduce by ejecting thousands and thousands of spores into the air and they will form colonies on whatever they land on -- providing there is a source of food (any organic material) and water. Since mold food sources are everywhere, it is therefore essential to address water leaks immediately. In the event of a water leak, anything wet that can be removed for drying should be done so quickly. |
Standing water or moisture should be removed and the area immediately dried and dehumidified to prevent excessive mold growth from starting. The most important point to address in a mold problem is the source of the moisture -- in other words remove the conditions that allow the exponential mold growth to occur.
Some Keys to Preventing and Controlling Mold
- Repair plumbing, roof, or other leaks immediately
- Find and correct causes of condensation and wet spots
- Locate and fix sources of moisture seepage into buildings
- Perform regular inspections and maintenance of the heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC)
- Keep HVAC drip pans and their drains clean.
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Keep indoor air humidity levels between 30% - 60% and provide adequate supply of outside air and room air changes in accordance with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the New York State Mechanical Code
- Vent appliances and equipment that produce moisture to the outside
- Remove and replace water damaged building material
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect any building material that can’t be removed
Mold clean up can be a tricky business. Some molds, as a defense mechanism, will eject thousands of spores as they are being agitated or treated. This large exposure can adversely affect any worker not wearing respiratory protection. The skin and eyes are also a large concern. Relatively small amounts of mold can be cleaned up normally. However, highly infested areas of mold or after major water leaks, mold clean up should be done by trained professionals wearing proper personal protective equipment using the procedures established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH).
For Further Information Visit: American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) www.acoem.org
Occupational Safety and Health Administration www.osha.gov
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health www.cdc.gov/niosh
Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov
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