Mold HazardsAnd Prevention

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Session Objectives

Understand the potential health hazards of exposure to mold

Detect mold and know where to look for it

Prevent mold from growing

Clean up small amounts of mold contamination safely

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• Tight building structures

• Poorly designed or maintained HVAC systems

• Human factors

• Humidity

• New harmful mold organisms

• Tight building structures

• Poorly designed or maintained HVAC systems

• Human factors

• Humidity

• New harmful mold organisms

Increased Risk of Indoor Mold Exposure

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Causes of Indoor Moisture• Flooding

• Roof or plumbing leaks

• Bathroom showers

• Overhumidification

• Poor maintenance of humidification units

• Damp basements

• Steam from cooking

• Condensation

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DRYWALLWOODCEILING TILESCARPETS

Indoor Mold Food Sources

• Drywall

• Wood

• Carpets

• Ceiling tiles

How Molds Affect Us

SPORES

MYCOTOXINS

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

THE AIR WE BREATHE

How Molds Affect Us (cont.)

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• Individuals with other allergies

• Individuals with existing respiratory conditions

• People with weakened immune systems

• Elderly people

• Pregnant women

• Infants and children

Higher Sensitivity to Mold

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Allergic Reactions• Red, itchy skin

or rash

• Asthma

• Mold allergy

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

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Fungal Infections• Toxic pneumonitis

• Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

• Aspergilloma

• Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis

Wheresymptoms occur

Physical exam

Medical history

Skin tests

Diagnosing Mold Allergy

Treatment of Mold Allergy

Get rid of mold

Avoid contact with spores

Take medications for allergy symptoms

Consider allergy shots

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Avoiding Contact With Mold Spores• Stay indoors

• Use HEPA filters

• Clean air conditioners and dehumidifiers

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Mold and Your Health True or False?

All mold toxins only cause mild allergies.

Indoor mold exposure has increased because of the way buildings are designed.

Everyone is allergic to mold.

Getting rid of mold and avoiding contact with spores are effective treatments for mold allergy.

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Mold and Your HealthDo you understand:

• Mold exposure?

• How molds affect us and sensitivity to mold?

• Allergic reactions and fungal infections?

• Diagnosing and treating mold allergies?

• Avoiding contact with mold spores?

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Prevent Mold:Control Moisture• Use exhaust fans

and vents• Dehumidify

damp areas• Raise temperatures

in damp areas• Minimize or control

use of winter humidification

• Increase indoor air circulation

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Prevent Mold: Clean• Scour sinks and tubs

• Clean garbage pails

• Clean refrigerators

• Dry damp building materials

• Discard old books, newspapers, clothing, and bedding

• Wash mold off allhard surfaces

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Prevent Mold: Fix Leaks• Repair leaks promptly

• Put plastic over dirt in crawl spaces

• Direct groundwater drainage away from your house

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Prevent Mold:Building Supplies• Add insulation

• Cover foam with plastic

• Avoid carpet installed on concrete floors

• Use storm windows

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• Usually unnecessary

• Not economically practical

• No practical information

• Cannot determine health risk

Testing for Mold• Usually unnecessary

• Not economically practical

• No practical information

• Cannot determine health risk

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• Large indoor contamination

• Compare indoor/outdoor mold concentration

• Higher indoor counts indicate a health problem

• Different mold species indicate a health problem

When to Test• Large indoor contamination

• Compare indoor/outdoor mold concentration

• Higher indoor counts indicate a health problem

• Different mold species indicate a health problem

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Small Mold Problems• Wear PPE• Use bleach and

water• Replace porous

or absorbent materials

• Dry-clean surface• Seal the surface

Image credit: EPA

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Large Mold Contamination• Hire a professional

• Choose a mold remediation method

Image Credit: Inspectapedia.com

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PPE• Gloves

• Eye protection

• Disposable coveralls

• Head and shoe covers

• Respiratory protection

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• Highest mold exposure occurs during cleanup

• Avoid the cleanup area

• Monitor symptoms after cleanup

• Persistent symptoms may not be mold related

During and After Mold Cleanup• Highest mold exposure occurs during

cleanup

• Avoid the cleanup area

• Monitor symptoms after cleanup

• Persistent symptoms may not be mold related

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Preventing Mold: Which Procedures Are Effective?

Controlling moisture

Getting a skin test

Wearing a dust mask to clean

Repairing leaks

Cleaning with bleach and water

Increasing indoor air circulation and decreasing humidity

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Preventing MoldDo you understand:

• Mold prevention strategies?

• Mold testing?

• How to clean up small quanitities of mold?

• Procedures for large contamination cleanups?

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Key Points to RememberWe are all exposed to mold every day outdoors and indoorsMost people are not affected by mold exposure, but some might experience health problemsThe best way to reduce mold growth indoors is to control moistureClean up small amounts of mold, but let professionals handle large contamination