12th Street Block Association

MOLD HAZARDS

this is especially important for households with kids

Toxic Mold Environments: Moisture and My Home
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Molds can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any organic
substance with the presence of moisture and oxygen. It is nearly impossible to
eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment as mold spores are
nearly everywhere. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling
moisture. Moisture control should be with respect to elimination of water
infiltration from the exterior and condensation building up on the interior.
Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to
remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.
The press has successfully relayed the health concerns of Stachybotrys chartarum
(SC) contamination. However many fungi (e.g., species of Aspergillus,
Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Memnoniella) in addition to SC can
produce potent mycotoxins (poisons as a defense mechanism) that have been
identified as toxic agents.
Health Risks
Health risks are posed not only to the inhabitants of an affected building, but
to contractors performing renovations, remediation or cleaning. Health issues
include Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (OTDS) or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP).
OTDS may occur after one heavy exposure to dust contaminated with fungi. OTDS
produces flue- like symptoms. HP may occur after repeated exposures to an
allergen and can result in permanent lung damage. Many people's bodies respond
to fungi through allergic reactions including fatigue, runny nose, eye
irritation, cough, congestion and aggravation of asthma. Contact with fungi can
also cause dermatitis. Some studies (although unproven) have suggested an
association between SC and Pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis (an uncommon
condition that results in bleeding of the lungs) in infants, typically those
less than 6 months old. 1

Inhalation of fungal spores, fragments of spores or mycotoxins produced by a
wide variety of fungi can cause or increase allergic reactions, toxic effects or
infections. According to the NYC Department of Health, there are a limited
number of documented cases of health problems from indoor exposure to fungi. A
human must be directly exposed to the toxic fungi or by-product by means of
inhalation, dermal contact or ingestion to be affected. A standard regarding an
acceptable' level of exposure has not yet been established because humans react
differently based upon genetic predisposition, age, state of health and
exposures. The state of California has recently launched the nation's first
comprehensive effort to address complex liability issues associated with toxic
mold -the Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001 was signed into law and became
effective on January 1, 2002. The CA State Department of Health Services will
convene a task force to evaluate the health risk posed by mold, set standards
for identification, assessment, and remediation of mold, and develop permissible
exposure limits to mold. Other states may follow.
Detection
Concerns should arise when the presence of mold, water damage, or musty odors
are noticed. Upon discovery, the issue should be addressed immediately. The
first step in addressing the issue is to eliminate the water source. The second
step would be removal of the mold. A visual inspection is the first step in
identifying a possible contamination problem.
A visual inspection often is enough to warrant remedial action. The means of
remediation is determined by the extent of any water damage and mold growth
identified via visual assessment. The use of specialty equipment to view spaces
in ductwork or behind walls, or a moisture meter to detect moisture in building
materials, may be helpful in identifying hidden sources of fungal growth and the
extent of water damage.
Surface or air samples may need to be collected to identify specific fungal
contaminants as part of a medical evaluation if occupants are experiencing
symptoms which may be related to fungal exposure or to identify the presence or
absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g., discoloration and
staining). An individual trained in appropriate sampling methodology should
perform sampling.
Remediation
In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified
or fungal growth will recur. Clean-up, drying, and/or removal of water damaged
materials will prevent or limit mold growth. If the source of water is elevated
humidity, relative humidity should be maintained at levels below 60% to inhibit
mold growth. 2 The proper placement of a vapor barrier during construction or
renovation is as important as the proper execution of exterior weatherproofing.
Emphasis should be on ensuring proper repairs of the building infrastructure, so
that water damage and moisture buildup does not recur.
The size of the area impacted by fungal contamination primarily determines the
type of remediation.
Non-porous (e.g., metals, glass, and hard plastics) and semi-porous (e.g., wood,
and concrete) materials that are structurally sound and are visibly moldy can be
cleaned and reused. Porous materials such as ceiling tiles and insulation, and
wallboards with more than a small area of contamination should be removed and
discarded. Porous materials (e.g., wallboard, and fabrics) that can be cleaned,
can be reused, but should be discarded if possible. All materials to be reused
should be dry and visibly free from mold.

When cleaning surfaces contaminated with fungi, respiratory protection (e.g.,
N95 disposable respirator), in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection
standard (29 CFR 1910.134), is recommended. Gloves and eye protection should be
worn.
In a reas of extensive contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feet in
an area) a professional with experience performing microbial investigations
should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provide oversight for the
project. In these extensive cases, full-face respirators with high efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) cartridges should be worn in addition to disposable
protective clothing covering both head and shoes and gloves. The affected area
should be isolated (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and any other
openings); an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negative pressurization
and airlocks and decontamination room may be necessary. 3
In summary, water infiltration is more then a cosmetic inconvenience in the
least of cases and includes unseen health issues and structural issues in the
worst of cases. The presence of mold within an occupied, enclosed space provides
reason for concern. Dead or alive, the mold may pose a risk, although the levels
at which a risk is posed for any individual are undetermined and currently a
matter under debate and investigation. The important issues to remediate the
mold are removing the moisture source, properly protecting the vicinity and
removal of the mold and damaged materials.
Notes and References
New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational
Disease Epidemiology.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
Inc. Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy - ASHRAE Standard
(ANSI/ASHRAE 55-1992). Atlanta , Georgia , 1992
Environmental Protection Agency, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings
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