Sandler Occupational Medicine Associates © 2008 Current Mold Issues & Evaluation Anne M. Stumpf...

Sandler Occupational Medicine Associates © 2008

Current Mold Issues & Evaluation

Anne M. Stumpf CSP, CIH, MSSandler Occupational Medicine Associates, Inc.

January 07, 2008


Confusing issues

• No documentation of universal adverse health effects related to exposure to mold

• No established standards to measure individuals’ exposure

• No true definition of “toxic” mold• No universally accepted standard procedures for

sampling of or testing for mold in the indoor environment

• No clear “standards of care” for mold assessment and remediation work

• No established qualifications for mold “experts” (e.g., training, education, experience)

• Media hype and legal issues


Questions To Be Addressed

• What is mold?• Why are we concerned with mold?• What is the Toxicity of mold?• How does mold get inside buildings?• How can I prevent mold growth?• How do I remediate mold?• How and when to test for mold?


What is Mold?

• Forms of fungi found year around both inside & outside

• Thousands of species of mold each with unique growth patterns

• Produce spores that act like seeds to promote more colonies

• Encouraged by warm, humid and moist conditions• Common term of mildew• Naturally occurring and plentiful


Common species of mold

• Cladosporium

• Penicillium

• Alternaria

• Aspergillis


Why are we concerned with mold?

• Small amounts are not a major concern as most places have some mold

• In some inside environments mold is amplified

• Large amounts can cause health effects in certain individuals

• Produces nuisance odors• Can damage building materials


What is the Toxicity of Mold?

• Most people have no reaction to mold

• Some people have allergic reactions

• Irritation to eyes and respiratory system

• Most symptoms are temporary and are eliminated by correcting the mold problem


Mold Health Effects

• Allergies are most common reaction to contact with molds.Symptoms include: rhinitis, asthma and dermatitis

• Infection may occur in susceptible persons (compromised immune systems). Molds implicated include: Aspergillus fumigatus, Coccidioides, Histoplasma, and Blastomyces

• Reaction to mold odors: headache, nasal stuffiness, nausea or even vomiting.


Other reported symptoms

• Respiratory problems---wheezing, difficulty in breathing • Nasal and sinus congestion • Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light

sensitivity • Dry, hacking cough • Sore throat • Nose and throat irritation • Shortness of breath and lung disease • Chronic fatigue and immune system suppression • Skin irritation • Central nervous system problems (constant headaches,

loss of memory, and mood changes) • Aches,pains, fever, headaches and diarrhea


Who May Be Affected

• Wide variability in how mold affects individuals

• Some people who may be more susceptible to health effects

• Infants & children• Elderly• Pregnant woman• Individuals with

respiratory illnesses like asthma, allergies

• People with weakened immune systems


Can Mold Be toxic

• Some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxins

• Airborne mycotoxins have not been shown to cause health problems in occupants of commercial buildings & residences

• Some association with agricultural work with high chronic exposures

• “Toxic Black Mold” refers to Stachybotrys chartum typically associated with heavy water damage


How Does Mold Get inside Buildings

• Construction materials

• Materials, Furnishings, plants

• Tracked in – dirt

• Air infiltration


Common sources of water that supports mold growth

• Condensation• Water intrusion, diffusion• High Humidity• Water damage to materials• Leaks (i.e. plumbing, roof, slab, gutters,

windows)• Excessive use of water for cleaning


How Can I prevent Mold Growth

• Control Moisture• Keep humidity levels between 40%-60%• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier• Use adequate ventilation such as exhaust fans• Repair water leaks or intrusions promptly• Dry out wet materials & carpeting immediately. (48

hours rule)• Maintain positive pressure in buildings• Don’t keep buildings too cool


Information to assess Mold Complaints

• Location of the water intrusion• Materials affected –carpet, wallboard• Length of time of water intrusion or problem• What has already been done to address

water intrusion or odor (i.e. cleaners, removal of materials, etc.)

• Description of mold visible growth or odors (hidden behind or within)


How To Remediate Mold

• First – Repair water intrusion problem• Remove wet building materials• HEPA Vacuum dry surfaces• Use de humidifiers • Can use bleach solution to clean non-

porous surfaces• Do not try to dry carpet with A/C


When & How to Test for Mold

• Surface/ bulk samples• Spore traps (non-viable)• Cultured samples (Viable)• Clearance samples –if previous sampling has

already been conducted.• No set standards for testing and no “”safe”

limits established• Moisture readings < 10%

Sampling is not recommended if mold is visibly present


Sample Results

• No established limits

• Compare inside to outside

• Identify similar species

• Varies with seasons & time of day


Conclusion

• Prevent excessive moisture• Stop water intrusion/source• Gather as much history as possible

regarding intrusion & complaints• Remove damaged materials• Conduct follow-up investigations or

remediation to confirm that water intrusion has been eliminated


Additional Resources

• www.aiha.org

• www.cdc.gov

• www.epa.gov

• www.osha.gov

• www.niosh.gov

• www.acgih.org

http://www.aiha.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/

http://www.osha.gov/

http://www.niosh.gov/


Thank You For Your Interest

“We invite you to visit our newly designed website at www.somaonline.com!”

Sandler Occupational Medicine Associates © 2008 Current Mold Issues & Evaluation Anne M. Stumpf...

Documents

Transcript of Sandler Occupational Medicine Associates © 2008 Current Mold Issues & Evaluation Anne M. Stumpf...