indoor mold

By Eric C. Ratcliff

Indoor Mold

Mold Investigations

• CCGHD investigates mold complaints• Accept written complaints from current

tenants or close relatives• Don’t inspect owner occupied homes• Investigate only indoor mold issues• Don’t take samples – not useful

Black Mold

• CCGHD interested only in black mold• Recommend removal of other varieties• Mold & mildew are synonymous• An allergen like pollen• No scientific evidence of adverse health

effects• Anecdotal evidence of health effects

Health Effects of Mold

• Mainly respiratory – coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, congestion

• Other allergic reactions – headaches, burning eyes, skin rash, etc.

• Irritant• Does not cause colds• Can aggravate colds, flu, & Asthma

Exposure Limits

• No exposure limits• Link to health effects not scientifically

substantiated• Not known what quantity is acceptable• Sensitivity to mold varies from person to

person

“Toxic Mold”

• “Toxic mold” a misnomer• Mold itself isn’t toxic• Produce mycotoxins as a by-product• Toxic only if ingested• Stachybrotrys - “toxic” variety < 1% of mold• CCGHD assumes all black mold is “toxic”

“Killer Mold”

• “Killer mold” - media hype• Began by flawed study in Cleveland• CDC retracted entire study• Misinformation perpetuated by media &

lucrative lawsuits

Mold Problem ?

• Sanitarian identifies mold problem visually & by odor

• Musty odor, & 10 sq. ft. or more of visible black mold indicates a mold problem

Mold Removal

• < 10 sq. ft. is a small amount• 10 sq. ft. or more is generally the landlord’s

responsibility• < 10 sq. ft. - responsibility of the tenant

Large Amount Small Amount

Large Amount Small Amount

Mold Not An Issue

• If sanitarian can’t see it or smell it• In wall or ceiling cavity – provided there are no

holes• In unfinished attic• In unfinished basement• In garage

County Requirements

• Require removal in occupied rental units• No requirement for removal in vacant units• No requirement for removal in owner

occupied dwellings• Will issue NOV to landlord if appropriate

Outdoor Mold

• Not a health nuisance issue• Cannot be controlled• Not regulated• No requirement for removal

Algae on Buildings

• Green color• Algae is not mold• No adverse health effects• No requirement for removal

Window & Door Frames

• Responsibility of tenant to clean windows, window frames, & door frames

• Recommend regular cleaning

Bathroom Fixtures

• Tenant’s responsibility to clean bathrooms, & remove mold caused by showering

• Also tenant’s responsibility to clean toilets

Water Stains

• Water stains not a violation• Water stains can be confused with mold

Causes of Indoor Mold

• Water leaks• Excessive moisture• Mold needs moisture or water to grow• The key to controlling mold is controlling

moisture

Mold Prevention

• Repair leaks such as roof leaks, plumbing leaks, etc.

• Direct water away from buildings• Repair downspouts• Clean gutters

Mold Prevention

• Eliminate sources of moisture• Vent clothes dryer properly• Remove water on windowsills• Wipe down shower stall• Use bathroom vent• Purchase dehumidifier

Mold Prevention

• Keep furniture 4” - 6” away from outside wall• Keep interior doors open• Provide adequate ventilation• Maintain adequate heat• Report water leaks to landlord

Mold Removal Procedure

• If you see mold, remove it• Clean affected area w/ detergent & water• Rinse• Sanitize w/ 10% bleach solution• Let dry• Paint or seal if desired

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Respirator – half face w/ dust cartridges• Gloves – especially when using bleach• Coveralls or long sleeves

Containment

• Not required – mold isn’t asbestos• Doesn’t prevent mold – it’s already present• Keeps other areas clean• Limits exposure

Moldy Carpet

• Should be discarded, along with pad• Mold develops in wet carpet in ~ 6 days• Mold cannot be removed from textiles• Wet carpet should be taken up & dried• At least wet vac carpet

Other Moldy Items

• Professionally clean upholstered furniture• Clean leather w/ saddle soap• Separate books & papers – let dry• Wash & dry fabrics• Discard items

Mold Remediation Companies

• No state certification• Contact BBB• Get 3 estimates & a written contract• Costs $10,000.00 for basement• Save money - use elbow grease

Professional Mold Inspections

• No state certification• Air samples - $300.00 each• Complete air study - $3,000.00+• Air study includes indoor & outdoor sampling• Establishes relative concentrations

Mold Test Kits

• Available in hardware stores• Various kits available• Not recommended by CCGHD• If you test for mold, you will find it• If you can see it, remove it

Resource List

• www.clermonthealthdistrict.org• www.cdc.gov• www.epa.gov• www.aiha.org

The End