Mold Awareness ICWUC Center for Worker Health and Safety Education 329 Race St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-621-8882 (office) 513-621-8247 (fax) [email protected] http://www.hsed.icwuc.org Established and Administered by: International Chemical Workers Union Council In Cooperation with: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers United Food and Commercial Workers Union Coalition of Black Trade Unionists American Federation of Teachers American Federation of Government Employees United American Nurses University of Cincinnati, Department of Environmental Health Greater Cincinnati Occupational Health Center This material has been funded in whole or in part with Federal Funds from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences under Grant 5 U45 ES6162-14. Individuals undertaking such projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their professional judgment. Therefore, these materials do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services nor does mention of trade names, commercial products or organizations simply endorsement of U.S. Government. Worker Education and Training Branch National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences P.O. Box 12233 Mail Drop EC-25 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233 Copyright by International Chemical Workers Union 2005 Table of Content Tab 1: Water Damage Tab 2: OSHA Quick Card (mold) Map of US (mold) OSHA Standards on Mold Bible on Mold Mycology – The study of fungi The Fascination Fungi Kingdom Forms of Moisture Dirty Sock Syndrome (Ultraviolet Lights) Dirty Sock Syndrome (NC) What cause Dirty Sock How a Mold Reproduces Oregon OSHA Fact Sheet (mold) Florida Fact Sheet FEMA (MOLD) Tab 2: CDC (mold) FEMA (mold & mildew and flood damage) What you need to know about mold USDA (food and mold) Power Point slides on Mold Small Group Activity (what is mold) Tab 3: Health Effects of Mold Asthma and Allergy Health Effects Health Effects of Mold Fact Sheet (health effects) Mold Exposures during Pregnancy Diagnostic Checklist Farmers Lung Power Point (health effects) Small Group Activity (health effects) Glossary Tab 4: Assessment and Monitoring Check list AFT Check list Walkthrough inspection Building Maintenance Teachers Classroom Ventilation Checklist Building Assessment Disaster Site Guide Mold Testing Sampling Overview Moisture Meter Lazar Wireless Water Alarm Power Point Tap 5: PPE & APR’s Tap 6: Remediation Levels of Protection Guidelines for Remediation FEMA (mold a growing threat) FEMA (mold and mildew) Mold Remediation Wheel SOP Reporting and Cleaning Mold Web Sites Power Point slides Tab 1 Table 1 presents strategies to respond to water damage within 24-48 hours. These guidelines are designed to help avoid the need for remediation of mold growth by taking quick action before growth starts. If mold growth is found on the materials listed in Table 1, refer to Table 2 for guidance on remediation. Depending on the size of the area involved and resources available, professional assistance may be needed to dry an area quickly and thoroughly. Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention Guidelines for Response to Clean Water Damage within 24-48 Hours to Prevent Mold Growth* † Water-Damaged Material Actions • • For non-valuable items, discard books and Books and papers papers. • • Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals. • · Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry. § Carpet and backing - dry within 24-48 hours • • Remove water with water extraction vacuum. • • Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier. • · Accelerate drying process with fans. Ceiling tiles • · Discard and replace. Cellulose insulation • · Discard and replace. Concrete or cinder block surfaces • • Remove water with water extraction vacuum. • · Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters. Fiberglass insulation • · Discard and replace. § Hard surface, porous flooring (Linoleum, • • Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild ceramic tile, vinyl) detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary. • · Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry underflooring if necessary. Non-porous, hard surfaces • · Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild (Plastics, metals) detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary. Upholstered furniture • • Remove water with water extraction vacuum. • • Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters. • · May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage professional who specializes in furniture. Wallboard • • May be dried in place if there is no obvious (Drywall and gypsum board) swelling and the seams are intact. If not, remove, discard, and replace. • · Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible. Window drapes • · Follow laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer. Wood surfaces • • Remove moisture immediately and use dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and fans for drying. (Use caution when applying heat to hardwood floors.) • • Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to dry. • · Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying. *If mold growth has occurred or materials have been wet for more than 48 hours, consult Table 2 guidelines. Even if materials are dried within 48 hours, mold growth may have occurred. Items may be tested by professionals if there is doubt. Note that mold growth will not always occur after 48 hours; this is only a guideline. Please note that Tables 1 and 2 contain general guidelines. Their purpose is to provide basic information for remediation managers to first assess the extent of the damage and then to determine whether the remediation should be managed by in-house personnel or outside professionals. The remediation manager can then use the guidelines to help design a remediation plan or to assess a plan submitted by outside professionals. †If a particular item(s) has high monetary or sentimental value, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage specialist. §The subfloor under the carpet or other flooring material must also be cleaned and dried. See the appropriate section of this table for recommended actions depending on the composition of the subfloor. Source: USEPA, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Table 2: Guidelines for Remediating Building Materials * with Mold Growth Caused by Clean Water † Material or Furnishing Affected Cleanup Methods 2 SMALL - Total Surface Area Affected Less Than 10 square feet (ft ) Books and papers 3 Carpet and backing 1, 3 Concrete or cinder block 1, 3 Hard surface, porous flooring (linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl) 1, 2, 3 Non-porous, hard surfaces (plastics, metals) 1, 2, 3 Upholstered furniture & drapes 1, 3 Wallboard (drywall and gypsum board) 3 Wood surfaces 1, 2, 3 MEDIUM - Total Surface Area Affected Between 10 and 100 ft2 Books and papers 3 Carpet and backing 1,3,4 Concrete or cinder block 1,3 Hard surface, porous flooring (linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl) 1,2,3 Non-porous, hard surfaces (plastics, metals) 1,2,3 Upholstered furniture & drapes 1,3,4 Wallboard (drywall and gypsum board) 3,4 Wood surfaces 1,2,3 LARGE - Total Surface Area Affected Greater Than 100 ft2 or Potential for Increased Occupant or Remediator Exposure During Remediation Estimated to be Significant Books and papers 3 Carpet and backing 1,3,4 Concrete or cinder block 1,3 Hard surface, porous flooring (linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl) 1,2,3,4 Non-porous, hard surfaces (plastics, metals) 1,2,3 Upholstered furniture & drapes 1,3,4 Wallboard (drywall and gypsum board) 3,4 Wood surfaces 1,2,3,4 Table 2, continued *Consult Table 1 if materials have been wet for less than 48 hours, and mold growth is not apparent. These guidelines are for damage caused by clean water. An experienced professional should be consulted if you and/or your remediators do not have expertise in remediating contaminated water situations. Tab 2 QUICKTM CARD Mold Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. When present in large quantities, molds have the potential to cause adverse health effects. Health Effects of Mold Exposure • Sneezing • Cough and congestion • Runny nose • Aggravation of asthma • Eye irritation • Dermatitis (skin rash) People at Greatest Risk of Health Effects • Individuals with allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other lung diseases. • Individuals with a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV patients). How to Recognize Mold • Sight – Usually appear as colored woolly mats. • Smell – Often produce a foul, musty, earthy smell. Preventing Mold Growth • Remove excess moisture with a wet-dry vacuum and dry out the building as quickly as possible. • Use fans to assist in the drying process. • Clean wet materials and surfaces with detergent and water. • Discard all water damaged materials. • Discard all porous materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours. General Mold Cleanup Tips • Identify and correct moisture problem. • Make sure working area is well ventilated. • Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags. • Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. • Disinfect cleaned surfaces with 1/4 to 11/2 cup house- hold bleach in 1 gallon of water. CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products that con- tain ammonia. • Use respiratory protection. A N-95 respirator is rec- ommended. • Use hand and eye protection. For more complete information: Occupational Safety and Health