MoldMold Remediation Remediation Guide for the General Guide for the General

PublicPublic

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PurposePurpose

To present To present guidelinesguidelines for the remediation for the remediation and clean-up of mold and clean-up of mold in homes due to water in homes due to water damage or flooding.damage or flooding.

To provide To provide consistent consistent informationinformation on how to on how to limit exposure to mold limit exposure to mold and how to identify and how to identify and prevent related and prevent related health effects.health effects.

BackgroundBackground

Excess moisture in a Excess moisture in a home or building due to home or building due to water leaks or flooding water leaks or flooding increases the likelihood increases the likelihood of of moldmold growth. growth.

Those residing in homes Those residing in homes affected by water leaks affected by water leaks or flooding must take or flooding must take steps to clean and steps to clean and disinfect areas where disinfect areas where moldmold is likely to grow. is likely to grow.

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General Information on MoldGeneral Information on Mold Molds, mushrooms, mildews, and yeastsMolds, mushrooms, mildews, and yeasts are all are all

classified as fungi, a kingdom of organisms classified as fungi, a kingdom of organisms distinct from plants and animals.distinct from plants and animals.

MoldsMolds are part of the natural environment and are part of the natural environment and play a part in nature by breaking down dead play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. trees.

However, exposure to However, exposure to moldmold indoors can cause a indoors can cause a variety of health problems including allergic variety of health problems including allergic reactions of various forms. reactions of various forms.

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General Information on MoldGeneral Information on Mold

MoldsMolds are easily recognized by sight or are easily recognized by sight or smell since they release a bad odor, smell since they release a bad odor, earthy smell or a foul stench.earthy smell or a foul stench.

MoldsMolds can grow on many surfaces such as can grow on many surfaces such as wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation. wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation.

Molds Molds reproduce by making tiny spores reproduce by making tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye and that are invisible to the naked eye and drift through indoor and outdoor air drift through indoor and outdoor air continually. continually.

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www.epa.gov

www.mold-growth.com

www.inspect-ny.com

www.ehponline.org www.theguardians.com

Routes of exposure to MoldRoutes of exposure to MoldInhalationInhalation-The majority of fungal spores have -The majority of fungal spores have

aerodynamic diameters of 2-10 aerodynamic diameters of 2-10 µµm m (micrometer or micron, one millionth of a (micrometer or micron, one millionth of a meter) which are in the size range that allow meter) which are in the size range that allow particles to be deposited in the upper and particles to be deposited in the upper and lower respiratory tract. lower respiratory tract.

ContactContact–Could occur in a dusty environment, –Could occur in a dusty environment, when persons come into contact with a large when persons come into contact with a large mass of mold, such as might occur in a mass of mold, such as might occur in a building that has been flooded for a long building that has been flooded for a long time. time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrometre

Factors that cause disease Factors that cause disease from mold from mold

ImmunosuppressionImmunosuppression - persons who do - persons who do not have healthy immune systems are at not have healthy immune systems are at increased risk for infection from mold.increased risk for infection from mold.

SensitizationSensitization - exposure to mold can - exposure to mold can sensitize a person, who then might sensitize a person, who then might experience symptoms when re-exposed to experience symptoms when re-exposed to the same mold species.the same mold species.

Ingesting toxinsIngesting toxins that molds produce can that molds produce can also cause disease. also cause disease.

Prolonged exposureProlonged exposure to high levels of to high levels of mold (and some bacterial species) can mold (and some bacterial species) can produce other diseases. produce other diseases.

Health effects of mold Health effects of mold exposureexposure

Generally, undisturbed Generally, undisturbed moldmold is not a is not a substantial health hazard to most substantial health hazard to most people. people.

People who are allergic to People who are allergic to moldmold may may experience stuffy nose, irritated experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing and skin irritation. eyes, wheezing and skin irritation.

Gradually, this may lead to breathing Gradually, this may lead to breathing difficulty and shortness of breath. difficulty and shortness of breath.

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Mold Clean Up – Assessing Mold Clean Up – Assessing Exposure to MoldExposure to Mold

AssessmentAssessment is particularly important in is particularly important in determining remedial strategies and the determining remedial strategies and the need for personal protective equipment need for personal protective equipment (PPE)(PPE) for persons in the contaminated for persons in the contaminated area.area.

VentilationVentilation systems also should be visually systems also should be visually checked, particularly for damp filters, checked, particularly for damp filters, damp conditions elsewhere in the system, damp conditions elsewhere in the system, and overall cleanliness. and overall cleanliness.

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Protect YourselfProtect Yourself Protect yourself during assessment as well Protect yourself during assessment as well

as clean-up.as clean-up. PPEPPE=Personal Protective Equipment.=Personal Protective Equipment. Wear a properly fitted Wear a properly fitted N-95N-95 respirator sold respirator sold

at many hardware stores and follow at many hardware stores and follow supplied directions carefully. supplied directions carefully.

Wear Wear Long Gloves Long Gloves that extend to the middle that extend to the middle of the forearm, avoid thin rubber of the forearm, avoid thin rubber dishwashing gloves, use thicker neoprene dishwashing gloves, use thicker neoprene or PVC gloves.or PVC gloves.

Wear Wear Goggles Goggles that that do notdo not have ventilation have ventilation holes to avoid getting mold or mold spores holes to avoid getting mold or mold spores in the eyes.in the eyes.

Moisture AssessmentMoisture Assessment Moisture metersMoisture meters provide a way to measure provide a way to measure

moisture levels in building materials such moisture levels in building materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete. concrete.

Damaged materials should be removed Damaged materials should be removed and discarded. and discarded.

Humidity metersHumidity meters can be used to monitor can be used to monitor indoor humidity. Models that monitor both indoor humidity. Models that monitor both temperature and humidity are also temperature and humidity are also available.available.

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Mold AssessmentMold Assessment

Is there…Is there…– Visible moldVisible mold ( walls and ceiling ( walls and ceiling

discolored)discolored)– Moldy odorMoldy odor ( from a musty, earthy to ( from a musty, earthy to

foul stench)foul stench) If moldy area is larger than 10 If moldy area is larger than 10

square feet, consider calling a square feet, consider calling a professional for mold clean-up.professional for mold clean-up.

If the area is under 10 square If the area is under 10 square feet, consider clean-up yourself.feet, consider clean-up yourself.

Clean UpClean Up

If the mold area is less than 10 If the mold area is less than 10 square feet………..square feet………..

Mold Clean-upMold Clean-up Before clean-up begins, steps must be Before clean-up begins, steps must be

taken to remove all water and sources taken to remove all water and sources of water/moisture intrusion. of water/moisture intrusion.

Determine the Determine the extent extent of water of water damage and mold contamination.damage and mold contamination.

Plan and implement Plan and implement remediation remediation activitiesactivities. .

Establish containment and protection Establish containment and protection for workers and occupants.for workers and occupants.

DryDry any wet materials, if possible. any wet materials, if possible. Decontaminate or Decontaminate or remove damaged remove damaged

materials.materials.

Is It Damaged Goods?Is It Damaged Goods?

In general, In general, non-non-porous/non-absorbent porous/non-absorbent surfaces such as hard surfaces such as hard woods, plastics and woods, plastics and metal can be cleaned metal can be cleaned and disinfected.and disinfected.

Other items such as Other items such as carpet, mattresses carpet, mattresses and upholstered and upholstered furniture that have furniture that have absorbed moisture absorbed moisture should be discarded.should be discarded.

Supplies Needed Supplies Needed GlovesGloves 3 Buckets (one for bleach 3 Buckets (one for bleach

water, one for detergent water, one for detergent & the other for rinse & the other for rinse water)water)

Scrub BrushScrub Brush Mop and broomMop and broom N-95 Respirator maskN-95 Respirator mask Rags and spongesRags and sponges Wet-Dry Shop VacuumWet-Dry Shop Vacuum Trash bagsTrash bags 1 cup bleach to 1 1 cup bleach to 1

gallon of watergallon of water Detergent/ soap (Non-Detergent/ soap (Non-

ammonia detergent ammonia detergent phenolic or pine-oil phenolic or pine-oil based)based)

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Procedure for Mold Removal Procedure for Mold Removal Prepare first bucket of hot water and detergent Prepare first bucket of hot water and detergent

mixture according to package directions.mixture according to package directions. Prepare second bucket of hot water.Prepare second bucket of hot water. Prepare third bucket with a mix of 1 cup of bleach Prepare third bucket with a mix of 1 cup of bleach

in 1 gallon of water. in 1 gallon of water. Use first bucket: wash & scrub item/surface with Use first bucket: wash & scrub item/surface with

a stiff brush and the detergent mixture.a stiff brush and the detergent mixture. Use second bucket of hot water to rinse Use second bucket of hot water to rinse

item/surface.item/surface. Then use the third bucket to Then use the third bucket to

wash the item with the bleach mixture. wash the item with the bleach mixture. Dry the item, or leave it to dry. Dry the item, or leave it to dry.

Additional Safety Guidelines Additional Safety Guidelines for Mold Clean-up for Mold Clean-up

Never mix bleach with ammonia.Never mix bleach with ammonia. Mixing bleach and ammonia can Mixing bleach and ammonia can produce dangerous, toxic fumes. produce dangerous, toxic fumes.

Open windows and doorsOpen windows and doors to to provide fresh air. provide fresh air.

Wear non-porousWear non-porous gloves gloves andand protectiveprotective eye wear. eye wear.

Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Agency (EPA)

Consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Buildings for additional information. for additional information.

Although focused on schools and Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. applies to other building types.

You can get it free at your local Health You can get it free at your local Health Department or by calling the EPA Indoor Department or by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA web site at web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediatiohttp://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html . n.html .

Ensuring that Remediation Ensuring that Remediation or Clean-up is Finishedor Clean-up is Finished

Water or moistureWater or moisture problem has been fixed problem has been fixed completely.completely.

Mold removalMold removal has been completed when has been completed when there are no signs of visible mold or there are no signs of visible mold or moldy odors.moldy odors.

Revisiting the site after clean up should Revisiting the site after clean up should show show no signsno signs of water damage or mold of water damage or mold growth.growth.

Occupants should have Occupants should have no complaintsno complaints or or physical symptoms linked to mold or mold physical symptoms linked to mold or mold spores.spores.

Hand WashingHand Washing Hand washing is the single most Hand washing is the single most

important thing that you can do to important thing that you can do to protect your health when you clean protect your health when you clean up mold.up mold.

Always be sure to wash hands after Always be sure to wash hands after touching surfaces or objects that touching surfaces or objects that may have been in contact with mold, may have been in contact with mold, flood water or sewage and before flood water or sewage and before you eat or drink anything.you eat or drink anything.

Prevention Using Prevention Using Environmental ControlsEnvironmental Controls

Keep indoor humidity Keep indoor humidity below 60%, below 60%, use a use a dehumidifier if necessary.dehumidifier if necessary.

Clean & repairClean & repair roof gutters regularly. roof gutters regularly. Make sure water does Make sure water does NOTNOT collect collect

around the foundation of the house or around the foundation of the house or building.building.

Clean up water leaks or spills within Clean up water leaks or spills within 24-24-4848 hours to prevent mold growth. hours to prevent mold growth.

Properly Properly ventvent moisture producing moisture producing appliances.appliances.

How Did That Mold Get How Did That Mold Get Here?Here?

A leaky roof, too much humidity, a A leaky roof, too much humidity, a leaky bath tub drain?leaky bath tub drain?– Ensure proper maintenance on homes Ensure proper maintenance on homes

and buildingsand buildings– And remember…..And remember…..

www.epa.gov

Additional InformationAdditional Information American Red CrossAmerican Red Cross

– Repairing Your Flooded Home & What To Do After a Repairing Your Flooded Home & What To Do After a Flood or Flash Flood Flood or Flash Flood

--http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html,00.html

Centers for Disease ControlCenters for Disease Control– Clean Up Safely After a Natural Disaster Clean Up Safely After a Natural Disaster – http://http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup.aspwww.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup.asp

Facts About Mold and DampnessFacts About Mold and Dampness --http://http://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htmwww.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm

Environmental Protection AgencyEnvironmental Protection Agency– Flood Cleanup - Avoiding Indoor Air Quality ProblemsFlood Cleanup - Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems– http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/flood.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/flood.html

Additional InformationAdditional Information A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html Federal Emergency Management AgencyFederal Emergency Management Agency

After a Flood: The First Steps After a Flood: The First Steps http://www.fema.gov/pdf/hazards/fststpbr.pdfhttp://www.fema.gov/pdf/hazards/fststpbr.pdf

Dealing With Mold and Mildew in Your Flood Damaged Dealing With Mold and Mildew in Your Flood Damaged HomeHome

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rrr/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdfhttp://www.fema.gov/pdf/rrr/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf

Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationOccupational Safety and Health Administration Mold Fact Sheet Mold Fact Sheet http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/mold_fact.http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/mold_fact.pdfpdf

Flood Cleanup Fact SheetFlood Cleanup Fact Sheet http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/floodcleanuhttp://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/floodcleanup.pdfp.pdf

Fungi Hazards and Flood CleanupFungi Hazards and Flood Cleanup http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/Bulletin3.pdfhttp://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/Bulletin3.pdf