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Home , Indoor mold

California Department of Health Services Info Sheet in My Home: What Do I Do? Revised June 2004 This is an update of our info sheet providing basic information to people who have experienced water damage to their home. It describes health concerns related to mold exposure, and it also provides general guidelines on prevention, mold detection, as well as cleanup of mold -contaminated materials. Additional resources and documents are referenced. ABOUT MOLD Can mold become a problem HEALTH EFFECTS in my home? What are ? Molds will grow and multiply What symptoms are Molds are simple, microscopic whenever conditions are right— commonly seen with mold organisms, present virtually everywhere, sufficient moisture is available and exposure? indoors and outdoors. Molds, along organic material is present. Be on the Molds produce health effects with mushrooms and yeasts, are fungi lookout in your home for common through inflammation, allergy, or and are needed to break down dead sources of indoor moisture that may lead . Allergic reactions (often material and recycle in the to mold problems: referred to as hay fever) are most environment. For molds to grow and • Flooding reproduce, they need only a food source • Leaky roofs common following mold exposure. – any organic material, such as leaves, • Sprinkler spray hitting the house Typical symptoms that mold-exposed , paper, or dirt— and moisture. • leaks persons report (alone or in combination) include: Because molds grow by digesting the • Overflow from sinks or sewers • Respiratory problems, such as organic material, they gradually destroy • Damp basement or wheezing, difficulty breathing, and whatever they grow on. Sometimes, • Steam from shower or cooking shortness of breath new molds grow on old mold colonies. • Mold growth on surfaces can often be • Wet clothes drying indoors or • Nasal and sinus congestion seen in the form of discoloration, clothes dryers exhausting indoors • Eye (burning, watery, or frequently green, gray, brown, or black Warping floors and discoloration of reddened eyes) • Dry, hacking but also white and other colors. Molds walls and ceilings can be indications of • Nose or release countless tiny, lightweight moisture problems. on • rashes or irritation , which travel through the air. windows or walls is also an important , memory problems, mood indication, but it can sometimes be swings, nosebleeds, body aches and How am I exposed to indoor caused by an indoor combustion problem! Have fuel-burning appliances pains, and fevers are occasionally molds? routinely inspected by your local utility reported in mold cases, but their cause is not understood. Everyone is exposed to some mold or a professional heating contractor. on a daily basis without evident harm. It is common to find mold spores in the air Should I be concerned about How much mold can make inside homes, and most of the airborne mold in my home? me sick? spores found indoors come from outdoor Yes, if contamination is It depends. For some people, a sources. Mold spores primarily cause extensive, it can cause very high and relatively small number of mold spores health problems when they are present persistent airborne exposures. can trigger an attack or lead to in large numbers and people inhale Persons exposed to high spore levels can other health problems. For other many of them. This occurs primarily become sensitized and develop allergies when there is active mold growth within persons, symptoms may occur only to the mold or other health problems. when exposure levels are much higher. home, office or school where people live Mold growth can damage your Nonetheless, indoor mold growth is or work. People can also be exposed to furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and unsanitary and undesirable. Basically, if mold by touching contaminated cabinets. Clothes and shoes in damp you can see or smell mold inside your materials and by eating contaminated closets can become soiled. In time, home, take steps to identify and foods. unchecked mold growth can cause eliminate the excess moisture and to serious damage to the structural cleanup and remove the mold. elements in your home.

June 2004 California Department of Health Services / Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet Mold in My Home: What Do I Do? Page 1

Are some molds more Anyone with health problems they usually considered a housekeeping task that is the responsibility of homeowner hazardous than others? believe due to molds should consult a medical professional. or landlord, as are roof and plumbing Allergic persons vary in their repairs, house cleaning, and yard sensitivities to mold, both as to the Additional fact sheets on Mold and maintenance. amount and the types to which they Health Effects are available from Another reason the health react. In addition to their allergic CDHS: department does not recommend testing properties, certain types of molds, such · Health Effects of Toxin -Producing for mold contamination is that there are as Stachybotris chartarum, may produce Molds in California few available standards for judging what compounds that have toxic properties, · chartarum (atra) — a is an acceptable quantity of mold. In all which are called . mold that may be found in water- locations, there is some level of airborne Mycotoxins are not always produced, damaged homes mold outdoors. If sampling is carried and whether a mold produces · Fungi and Indoor Air Quality out in a home, an outdoor air sample mycotoxins while growing in a building · Misinterpretation of Stachybotrys also must be collected at the same time depends on what the mold is growing Serology as the indoor samples, to provide a on, conditions such as , pH, These documents are available from the baseline measurement. Because or other unknown factors. Investigation individual susceptibility varies so When mycotoxins are present, they Branch, (510) 622-4500, or on the web greatly, sampling is at best a general occur in both living and dead mold at www.dhs.ca.gov/ehib/. guide. spores and may be present in materials The simplest way to deal with a that have become contaminated with suspicion of mold contamination is: If molds. While Stachybotrys is growing, you can see or smell mold, you likely a wet slime layer covers its spores, DETECTION OF MOLD have a problem and should take the preventing them from becoming steps outlined below. Mold growth is airborne. However, when the mold dies How can I tell if I have mold likely to recur unless the source of and dries up, air currents or physical in my house? moisture that is allowing mold to grow handling can cause spores to become You may suspect that you have is removed and the contaminated area is airborne. mold if you see discolored patches or cleaned. At present there is no environmental cottony or speckled growth on walls or test to determine whether Stachybotrys or if you smell an earthy or growth found in buildings is producing musty odor. You also may suspect mold GENERAL CLEAN-UP toxins. There is also no blood or urine contamination if mold-allergic test that can establish if an individual individuals experience some of the PROCEDURES has been exposed to Stachybotrys symptoms listed above when in the chartarum spores or its toxins. house. Evidence of past or ongoing The following is intended as an water damage should also trigger more overview for homeowners or apartment Who is at greater risk when thorough inspection. You may find dwellers. We recommend that you consult one of several more thorough exposed to mold? mold growth underneath water-damaged surfaces or behind walls, floors or documents currently available as Exposure to mold is not healthy for ceilings. guidance, listed in the USEFUL anyone inside buildings. Therefore, it is PUBLICATIONS section below. always best to identify and correct high Should I test my home for moisture conditions quickly before mold Elements of the Clean-up mold? grows and health problems develop. Procedures Some people may have more severe The California Department of symptoms or become ill more rapidly Health Services does not recommend • Identify and eliminate sources of than others: testing as a first step to determine if moisture • Individuals with existing respiratory you have a mold problem. Reliable air • Identify and assess the magnitude conditions, such as allergies, sampling for mold can be expensive and and area of mold contamination chemical sensitivities, or asthma. requires expertise and equipment that is • Clean and dry moldy areas – use • Persons with weakened immune not available to the general public. containment of affected areas systems (such as people with HIV Owners of individual private homes and • Bag and dispose of all material that infection, cancer chemotherapy apartment generally will need to pay a may have moldy residues, such as patients, and so forth) contractor to carry out such sampling, rags, paper, leaves, and debris. • Infants and young children because insurance companies and public • The elderly health agencies seldom provide this service. Mold inspection and cleanup is

June 2004 California Department of Health Services / Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet Mold in My Home: What Do I Do? Page 2

Assessing the Size of a Mold • Work for short time periods and rest • Use non-ammonia soap or in a location with fresh air. detergent, or a commercial cleaner, Contamination Problem • Air out your house well during and in hot water, and scrub the entire There will be a significant after the work. area that is affected by the mold. difference in the approach used for a • Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on Never use a gasoline engine indoors small mold problem – total area affected cement-block walls or other uneven 2 (e.g., water pump, pressure washer or is less than 10 ft – and a large surfaces. generator), as you could expose your contamination problem – more than 100 • Rinse cleaned items with water and 2 family to toxic carbon monoxide. ft . In the case of a relatively small area, dry thoroughly. A wet/dry vacuum the clean-up can be handled by the cleaner is helpful for removing homeowner or maintenance staff, using Removal of Moldy Materials water and cleaning items. personal protective equipment (see Clean up should begin after the below). However, for cases of much moisture source is fixed and excess Disinfection of Contaminated larger areas, it is advisable that an water has been removed. Wear gloves experienced, professional contractor be Materials when handling moldy materials. used. For in-between sized cases, the Disinfecting agents can be toxic for • Discard porous materials (for type of containment and personal humans, not just molds. They should be example, ceiling tiles, sheetrock, protection equipment to be used will be used only when necessary and should be carpeting, and wood products). a matter of judgment. handled with caution. • Bag and discard moldy items; if Disinfectants are intended to be properly enclosed, items can be applied to thoroughly cleaned materials Can cleaning up mold be disposed with household trash. and are used to ensure that most • Dry affected areas for 2 or 3 days. hazardous to my health? microorganisms have been killed. Spores are more easily released when Yes. During the cleaning process, Therefore, do not use disinfectants moldy materials dry out, hence it is you may be exposed to mold, strong instead of, or before, cleaning materia ls advisable to remove moldy items as detergents, and disinfectants. Spore with soap or detergent. Removal of soon as possible. counts may be 10 to 1000 times higher mold growth from nonporous materials If there was flooding, sheetrock usually is sufficient. Wear gloves, than background levels when mold- should be removed to a level above the mask and when using contaminated materials are disturbed. high-water mark. Visually inspect the Take steps to protect you and your disinfectants wall interior and remove any mold- family’s health during cleanup: • After thoroughly cleaning and contaminated materials. • When handling or cleaning moldy rinsing contaminated materials, a

materials, it is important to use a solution of 10% household bleach to protect yourself from What can I save? What (for example, 1½ cup household inhaling airborne spores. should I toss? bleach per gallon of water) can be can be purchased from used as a disinfectant. You should discard moldy items hardware stores; select one that is • Using bleach straight from the that are porous and from which it will be effective for removal difficult to remove mold completely: bottle is actually LESS effective (sometimes referred to as an N-95 paper, rags, wallboard, rotten wood, than diluted bleach. particulate respirator). However, • Keep the disinfectant on the treated carpet, drapes, and upholstered respirators that remove will not material for the prescribed time furniture. Contaminated carpet is often protect you from fumes (such as bleach). before rinsing or drying; typically difficult to thoroughly clean, especially Minimize exposure when using bleach 10 minutes is recommended for a when the backing and/or padding can or other disinfectants by ensuring good bleach solution become moldy. Solid materials – glass, ventilation of the area. plastic, and metal – can generally be • Bleach fumes can irritate the eyes, • Wear protective clothing that is kept after they are thoroughly cleaned. nose, and throat, and damage easily cleaned or discarded. clothing and shoes. Make sure • Use rubber gloves. working areas are well ventilated. • Try cleaning a test area first. If you Clean-up • When disinfecting a large structure, feel that this activity adversely When attempting to clean less make sure that the entire surface is affected your health, you should porous items (i.e., solid items such as wetted (for example, the floors, consider paying a licensed floors, cabinets, solid furniture), the first joists, and posts). contractor or other experienced step is to remove as much mold as • Properly collect and dispose extra professional to carry out the work. possible. A cleaning detergent is disinfectant and runoff. • Ask family members or bystanders effective for this purpose. Wear gloves, • Never mix bleach with ammonia; to leave areas that are being cleaned. mask and eye protection when doing toxic fumes may be produced. this cleanup.

June 2004 California Department of Health Services / Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet Mold in My Home: What Do I Do? Page 3

Can air ducts become How can I prevent indoor USEFUL PUBLICATIONS contaminated with mold? mold problems in my home? Links to the following documents can be Yes. Air systems can become Inspect your home regularly for the found at http://www.cal-iaq.org. contaminated with mold. Duct systems indications and sources of indoor may be constructed of bare sheet metal, moisture and mold listed on Page 1. General Information sheet metal with fibrous glass insulation Take steps to eliminate sources of water Molds, Toxic Molds, and Indoor Air on the exterior, or sheet metal with an as quickly as possible. If a leak or Quality. Detailed overview for the internal fibrous glass liner, or they may flooding occurs, it is essential to act legislature by the California Research be made entirely of fibrous glass. Bare quickly : Bureau. sheet metal systems and sheet metal • Stop the source of leak or flooding. Mold in Workplace – CDHS-HESIS with exterior fibrous glass insulation can • Remove excess water with mops or Infosheet. Useful overview with be cleaned and disinfected. If water wet vacuum. specific resources for workers. damaged, ductwork made of sheet metal • Whenever possible, move wet items with an internal fibrous glass liner or to a dry and well ventilated area or Biological Pollutants in Your Home. made entirely of fibrous glass will often outside to expedite drying. Move Concise booklet by U.S. EPA and ALA need to be removed and discarded. rugs and pull up areas of wet carpet aimed at affected homeowner. Ductwork in difficult-to-reach locations as soon as possible. Mold and Moisture. Appendix H in the may have to be abandoned. If you have • Open closet and cabinet doors and U.S. EPA IAQ Tools for Schools other questions, contact an air duct move furniture away from walls to cleaning professional or licensed increase circulation. Clean-up Guidance contractor. • Run portable fans to increase air Repairing Your Flooded Home. circulation. Do NOT use the Excellent resource by the American Red Can ozone air cleaners help home’s central blower if flooding Cross and FEMA, with details on remove indoor mold or has occurred in it or in any of the technical & logistical issues. ducts. Do NOT use fans if mold Guidelines on Assessment and reduce odors? may have already started to grow -- more than 48 h since flooding. Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Sometimes air cleaners are Environments. Widely referenced promoted to remove indoor mold or • Run and window air conditioners to lower humidity. guidelines developed by the New York associated odors, and some of these are City Department of Health. designed to produce ozone. Ozone is a • Do NOT turn up the heat or use Mold Remediation in Schools and strong oxidizing agent that is used as a heaters in confined areas, as higher Commercial Buildings. Valuable, new disinfectant in water and sometimes to increase the rate of guidance by U.S. EPA, also applicable eliminate odors. However, ozone is a mold growth. to residences. known irritant. Ozone generators • If water has soaked inside the walls, have been shown to sometimes produce it may be necessary to open wall indoor levels above the safe limit. cavities, remove baseboards, and/or Consultants, Laboratories & Clinics Furthermore, it has been shown that pry open wall paneling. CDHS Listing of Consultants Offering IAQ Services in California. Self - ozone is not effective in controlling molds and other microbial reported database of contractors. contamination, even at concentrations FOR LOCAL ASSISTANCE: CDHS List of Laboratories for far above safe health levels. Also, Contact your County or City (Mold) Testing. Identifies ozone may damage materials in the Department of Health, Housing, or labs providing bioaerosol testing. home, for example, cause rubber items Environmental Health Association of Occupational & to become brittle. For these reasons, the Environmental Clinics. www.aoec.org. California Department of Health Services strongly recommends that California Department of Health Services Additional Information: you NOT use an ozone air cleaner in (CDHS) IAQ Info Sheet U.S. EPA IAQ INFO, 800-438-4318, any occupied space. Refer to the 9 am to 5 pm, Eastern Time, CDHS IAQ Info Sheet: Health Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor State of California www.epa.gov/iaq/ of Ozone-generating Air Cleaning Kimberly Belshé, Secretary Devices (January 1998), available on the Health and Human Services Agency CDHS Indoor Air Quality Section, CDHS-IAQS web site. Sandra Shewry, Director 850 Marina Bay Parkway (EHLB), Department of Health Services Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-620-2874 © California Department of Health Services, 2004

June 2004 California Department of Health Services / Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet Mold in My Home: What Do I Do? Page 4