All You Can Learn About Mold in a Single Day

Presented by LEW Corporation

Course outline1) What is Mold?2) History of Mold3) Health Effects4) Causation5) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 6) Remediation7) Professional Services

What is Mold?

• Molds or fungi are simple microscopic organisms.

• They are found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

• Over 1.5 million species of fungi, only 72,000 described.

• They break down dead organic material for food. Ex. Dry leaves, twigs AND building material.

What is Mold?

Spores(conidia)

Hyphae

What is Mold?

•Mold growth is commonly green, white, brown or black but can also be seen in other colors.•It can also change color as it ages.

Microbiology 101

• Fungi:Ascomycetes (molds, mildew and yeast) Zygomycetes (bread molds) Basidiomycetes (mushrooms and puffballs)

• Bacteria: Pathogens (Legionella, M. tuberculosis)Endotoxins (Thermoactinomyces)Human Origin (Staphylococcus, Micrococcus)

• Viruses: Influenza, Hepatitis

• Protozoa: Acanthamoeba (humidifier fever)

History of Modern Mold• Mold has been around for millennia• In 1979 Sick Building Syndrome – really

began to come into existence• Then in the 1990s…

History of Mold, cont.

• 1993-1994: Stachybotrys connected to infants deaths in Cleveland. CDC later repealed connection due to flaws in study.

• 2002: Melinda Ballard awarded $32 million from Farmer’s Insurance. (Later reduced to $4 million)

• And last but certainly not least..

History of Mold

Should you be concerned about Mold?

• Yes, if the contamination is extensive. When airborne mold spores are present in large enough numbers to cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, and other respiratory problems.

• Are all molds hazardous? NO. Of the thousands of types of molds, only a relatively few have been associated with health effects in humans.

What are signs and symptoms of mold exposure

Respiratory problems

Nasal and Sinus Congestion

Eyes-Burning, watery, blurry

Dry, Hacking cough

Sore Throat Nose and Throat irritation

Shortness of breath

Skin irritation Central nervous system problems

Aches and Pains Possible fever Etc.

The Common Signs and Symptoms could be attributed to 100,000 other things. BUT THEY COULD BE DUE TO POOR IN-DOOR AIR QUALITY!

Health Effects

• 1) Infections (Mycosis)– Immunocompromised individuals

• 2) Toxigenic – mVOCs & mycotoxins

• 3) Allergenic– Majority of health effects

Health Effects, Cont.

Infections (Mycoses)• Includes Aspergillosis and Penicilliosis• Infections or mycosis may occur immune-compromised

people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease or COPD.

• Typically found in hospitals, nursing homes, etc.• Rarely originate from household exposure

Health Effects, Cont.

Toxigenic Effects• mVOCs and Mycotoxins

• Primary and secondary metabolites.

• Toxigenic effects are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.

Health Effects, Cont.

Allergic Reactions• Majority of effects in typical indoor

environments• Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was

sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people.

Health Effects, cont.• Components that can be antigenic to

humans– Particulate (spores and body parts)– Chemical (enzymes, mycotoxins, organic

chemicals)• Spores and other components DO NOT

need to be viable to cause allergic reactions. Dead mold can cause problems.

Summarize Fungi and Indoor Air Quality

• Ubiquitous in nature, indoors and outdoors• Decompose carbon materials by excreting chemical

enzymes• Will colonize any available carbon material, needing only

moisture– Examples of Carbon material include

• Naturally produce by-products that can be antigenic to humans– Particulate (spores and body parts)– Chemical (enzymes, mycotoxins, organic chemicals)

Rule #1: Microbial amplification in the indoor environment should not be tolerated

How does the issue start?

• Three factors needed for mold growth to occur:

1) Mold spores• Spores are found everywhere.

2) Food source• Most building materials are potential food sources

for mold. Ex: Drywall, wood framework, carpetingThe final and most important factor…

MOISTURE!!!!!!!

Black, Gray and White (clean) Water Floods Plumbing Leaks (toilets, sinks, tubs, etc.) Roof and Wall Leaks Condensation & Relative Humidity

Moisture!!!!!!

Then it grows

Until you have this problem.

HOW TO IDENTIFY MOLD AND POTENTIAL SOURCES OF MOLD GERMINATION

1. Visual assessment

2. Smells (musty)

3. Known water event

4. Resident complaint

5. Professional testing

Visual Assessment

• A visual inspection is the first step in identifying the extent of moisture damage, which may create conditions favorable for mold growth. To the maximum extent possible ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard, cardboard, duct liner, wood, carpet, paper, and other cellulose surfaces should be given careful attention during a visual inspection. Kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and HVAC systems should also be scrutinized.

Visual identification and past history is the best investigative technique.

Look for signs of water/moisture

Look in attic, unit’s, closets, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, basements, HVAC. etc. etc.

Use flashlights and mirrors to look inside wall cavities. (not smoke and mirrors)

Lift carpet.

Examples of things to look for

Leakspooling watermissing, broken or not properly directed leader downspoutswater stainingRust roof cracks improper flashingclogged drains broken windows and doorsBlocked of clogged vents Discolorations on building materials

Condensationdripping faucetsdishwasher, tub, sinks, and toilet Overflowsmissing roofing shinglesclogged guttersPlanter pots to close to structurescracks in foundationsproper grading of topographyproper insulation of piping Broken pumpsLeaking Fish tanks

Sweating pipes

Mold on ceiling tile from pipes

Missing or broken down spouts

Improper drainage

Signs of Water Staining

Rust or Moisture Damage

Smell & Water Events

• An earthy or musty odor, may also indicate that mold is present

• The use of a moisture meter, to measure the saturation in building materials, is useful in evaluating the extent of water damage and determining when the appropriate moisture level has been restored.

• It may be necessary to look inside of wall cavities or filter areas to determine the extent of any water damage or mold growth.

Resident Complaints

• Fill out a service request form and in doing so, record the observations of the resident regarding the presence of conditions that may be favorable to mold growth, or whether the resident believes mold growth is present.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Property Investigations

Air, Surface & Bulk Sampling

Remediation & Duct Cleaning

Licenses

• There are no federal, state or local licenses in the tri-state area.– Texas, Florida and Arkansas are the only states that currently

license consultants and contractors.

• American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) www.acac.org– Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC)– Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC)– Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI)– Certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI)– Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CRM) – Certified Microbial Remediatior (CMR)

Proposed NJ Mold Bill

• Assembly Bill No. 3773• Introduced February 3, 2011• Bill to establish exposure limits to mold in residential

buildings and procedures for the inspection, identification, and evaluation of mold growth.

• Amended and released by the Environment Committee on June 16, 2011

• Released from Appropriations Committee on November 21, 2011.

How to Test for Microbial Contaminants

Look for Reservoirs of AmplificationChronic moisture conditionsVisible growth or obvious odors

Surface/Bulk Sampling for Viable FungiSurface/Bulk Sampling for Non-Viable FungiAir Testing Uses and LimitationsIndustry Standards

How to test…

• If sampling is carried out, an outdoor air sample needs to be taken at the same time as the sample indoors, to provide a baseline measurement.

• Since the susceptibility of individuals varies so greatly, sampling is at best a general guide.

• Few available standards for judging what is an acceptable quantity for Mold sampling exist.

• Sampling should be performed by a trained Industrial Hygienist (IH) or a CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist).

Testing Moisture

Normal vs. Abnormal

1. check the moisture level of wood and masonry products for a vast range of quality control and dampness diagnosis applications.

2. Some of the instruments measure both the relative humidity (RH) and ambient temperature of an environment, along with calculating the dew point temperature.

Inside wall cavities

How to Test Air

Viable samples

“living”

Biotest RCS Sampler

Anderson Impactor

Viable samples

“living”

How to Test Air

EMLAB - BioCassette

How to Test Air

Non-Viable samples

“dead”

Surface SamplingTape Sample

Non-Viable samples

“dead”

Surface SamplingSwab Sample

Non-Viable or Viable

samples

How to Remediate Mold Contamination

• Guidance documents:– IICRC: S520, Standard Reference Guide for Professional

Mold Remediation– AIHA: Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Indoor

Mold– USNAVY: Remediation Wheel– NYCDHMH: Guidelines on Assessment and

Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments

US Navy Remediation Wheel

http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/IH/images/MR_wheel.gif

REMEDIATION•Find Source of Moisture

•Cure Source

•Wash area

•HEPA Vacuum

•Remove & Replace

Personal Protective Equipment

Recommended PPE:

Respirator – N95 HEPA filtered

Gloves

Eye protection

Optional PPE:

Polypropylene disposable suite

Disposable booties

Too much??

Methods of Remediation(Based on NYC Guidelines)

Methods of remediation based on size of affected area.

1) Small Isolated Areas – 10 ft2 or less2) Medium-Sized Areas – 10 ft2 - 100 ft2

3) Large Areas – greater than 100 ft2

Methods cont.

Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)a) Can be done by trained building staffb) Proper PPE (lungs, eyes and hands)c) Work area should be unoccupiedd) Containment (6 mil poly)

1) Floor of work area2) Egress Pathway3) Furniture, belongings, etc.

Methods cont.

Small Isolated Areas, cont.e) Reduce dust generation

a) Misting with detergent solution (DO NOT SATURATE)

b) HEPA vacuum-shrouded toolsc) HEPA vacuum at point of generation

Methods, cont.

Small Isolated Areas, cont.f) Cleaning and removal

1) Non-porous material (metal, glass, plastic)a. Wipe area with detergent solution until visibly clean.

HEPA, WIPE, HEPA

2) Porous Material (insulation, wall board)a. Remove to one foot beyond visible growth or water

damage

Methods, cont.

Small Isolated Areas, cont.g) Bag and dispose of removed material

1) No special disposal required

h) Work area should be wet wiped with detergent, HEPA vacuumed and wiped a final time.

Small Isolated Areas, cont.i) HEPA vacuuming and wiping shall start from

clean areas and work towards dirty areas in the following manner:

– Clean from top to bottom– Clean from edge of work areas towards air

scrubbers.j) All areas should be visibly free of mold, dust,

and debris.

Methods, cont.

Methods, cont.

Medium Sized Areas (10 ft2 to 100 ft2)a), b) and c) – same as Small Aread) Containment

1) Also, seal ventilation ducts with polye) - j) – same as Small Area

Methods, cont.

Large Areas (100 ft2 or greater)a)Work should be performed by trained

remediation professionals1) Half face respirators2) Full body coveralls3) Critical barriers between work and non-work

areas4) HEPA filtered air scrubbers

What to do to minimize risk

• Visual inspections w/ check lists• Incident Tracking log• Resident Letters• Tip sheet for residents• Mold Operations and Maintenance Training• Mold Operations and Maintenance Manual

References

NYC Guidelineshttp://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.shtml

EPAhttp://www.epa.gov/mold/http://www.epa.gov/mold/publications.html

CDChttp://www.cdc.gov/mold/

Thank You!

And remember questions are always free.

•1-800-783-0567•info@lewcorp.com•www.lewcorp.com