# Presentation: 222018

## Mold:Definition, Procedures and Regulations

**Ralph P. Jesse**
**Environmental Protection Specialist**
**USDA – ARS - MWA**
**1815 North University Street**
**Rm. 2014**
**Peoria, IL 61604**
**309-681-6644**
_**ralph.jesse@mwa.ars.usda.gov**_** **

## Objectives

**Basic understanding of fungal biology**
**Procedures for investigation and abatement**
**Regulations and guidelines**

## Mold In Buildings

**WHAT is mold?**
**WHO is affected?**
**WHERE is the mold?**
**WHEN is mold a problem?**

## Mold - What Is It?

- Microscopic Fungi (living, naturally occurring organism)
- The Kingdom fungi includes mushrooms, yeast, and mold
- “Mold” and “fungus or fungi” can be used interchangeably
- Does not have chlorophyll
- Present in almost every commercial building / public building / school / home
- Includes Stachybotrys “toxic black mold”

## What Does Mold Need To Grow?

Ubiquitous microorganism present in ambient air

Nutrient source such as organic substrates, cellulose fibers, wood products

Water / moisture source – hydrophilic

Oxygen 

Proper temperature and relative humidity

- Ubiquitous microorganism present in ambient air
- Nutrient source such as organic substrates, cellulose fibers, wood products
- Water / moisture source – hydrophilic
- Oxygen
- Proper temperature and relative humidity

## What Types Of Materials Will Mold Grow On?

Just about anything
All it needs is water and a nutrient source
Primarily cellulose containing products
Ceiling tiles
Drywall
Wood
Glass
Metal
Concrete block
Plastic

- Just about anything
- All it needs is water and a nutrient source
- Primarily cellulose containing products
- Ceiling tiles
- Drywall
- Wood
- Glass
- Metal
- Concrete block
- Plastic

## Types of Molds

There are over 30,000 known species of mold
Known allergens
Molds  mycotoxins
Disease - Mycotoxicosis
Common “toxigenic” species in buildings include:
	> Pennicillium
	> Aspergillus
	> Cladosporium
	> Chaetomium
	> Stachybotrys

- There are over 30,000 known species of mold
- Known allergens
- Molds  mycotoxins
- Disease - Mycotoxicosis
- Common “toxigenic” species in buildings include:
- 	> *Pennicillium*
- 	> *Aspergillus*
- 	> *Cladosporium*
- 	> *Chaetomium*
- 	> *Stachybotrys*

## Mycotoxin Producing Molds

*Stachybotrys chartarum *  **	**	**Aspergillus fumigatus ***	*
*Aspergillus flavus / parasiticus * **	**Aspergillus versicolor **
*Fusarium moniliforme * **	**	**Fusarium graminearum*
*Fusarium sporotrichioides**	**	**Paecilomyces varioti*
*Penicillium ochraceus**	**	**Penicillium brevicompactum*
*Penicillium aurantiogriseum**	**	**Penicillium expansum*
*Penicillium crustosum **	**	**Trichoderma viride*
*Penicillium verrucosum**	**	**Memnoniella echinata*
- * Molds requiring urgent risk management, _AIHA Guide_ ‘96

## Stachybotrys: Is It Really That Bad?

***Stachybotrys chartarum**** **(S. chartarum)** ** *is a toxigenic fungi and so are many other molds
- Exposures to *S. chartarum* can make some people sick and so can exposures to other molds
- Infants in environments with *S.* *chartarum* contamination may be at higher risk
- Other molds like *Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium* and *Alternaria* are more common and just as important
- The CDC recommends not according a higher status to *S. chartarum*

## Stachybotrys Under A Microscope

## Mycotoxins

**Powerful chemical released by fungi to help in competition for food**
**Contained in the spores, viable or nonviable**
**Penicillin, Satratoxin, Trichothecenes, Aflatoxins; originally studied as feed and food poisons (i.e. peanuts)**
**Explain some, but not all of hazardous properties of mold**

## Who Is Affected?

**Virtually anyone exposed to airborne mold can react to various properties of viable and nonviable mold spores.**
**Asthmatics and others with allergy to mold will react at lower exposure levels.**
**There may not be a no-effect level for some of these individuals.**
**Heavily exposed individuals run the risk of serious illnesses, beyond the toxic and allergic reactions:  farmers, renovation and demolition workers, and abatement workers.**
**Infants and susceptible individuals (e.g. persons with compromised immune systems, living with HIV, cystic fibrosis and the aged) will likely react at lower concentrations and require special attention.**

## Health Effects

**Long known to exacerbate allergies, asthma, etc.**** **
**Unresolved issue:**** **
- Does it cause (versus worsen) condition?
- Are effects permanent?
**General belief that removal of person from mold-infested environment alleviated condition**** **
**Evidence now suggests:**** **
- Some conditions _caused_ by mold
- Some such conditions may be permanent

## Health Effects cont.

Mycotoxin exposure
Microbial VOCs
Respiratory system – asthma and pnuemonitis
Impaired immune system function – toxicosis
Severe headaches, chronic fatigue, muscle pain
Skin irritation and dermatitis
Cold and flu-like symptoms
Individual responses to exposure – affects people differently
Pre-existing medical conditions such as allergies, persons with weakened or compromised immune systems

- Mycotoxin exposure
- Microbial VOCs
- Respiratory system – asthma and pnuemonitis
- Impaired immune system function – toxicosis
- Severe headaches, chronic fatigue, muscle pain
- Skin irritation and dermatitis
- Cold and flu-like symptoms
- Individual responses to exposure – affects people differently
- Pre-existing medical conditions such as allergies, persons with weakened or compromised immune systems

## Where Does Mold Come From?

**Always present in the ambient environment**
**Abundant in soil, rotting vegetation and potted plants**
**Spores and mold fragments are easily transported through the air**
**Need moisture, acceptable temperatures and food source to live and multiply**

## Where Are There Problems?

**In any building where damp conditions exist or have existed: homes, schools, offices, apartments, barns, etc.**

## Geographic / Regional Problem Areas

**The Hot Zone: Southeastern US and Gulf Coastal States are major problem areas**
**Regions where basements and high water tables coexist**
**Inland areas with a history of flooding**
**Most coastal areas**

## When Does Mold Contamination Become A Problem?

**Growth on or within walls, ceiling tiles, and rugs that exceeds 10 ft****2**** in extent**
**Growth in HVAC systems and ducts**
**When asthmatics, immune-compromised and other sensitive occupants are present**
**Serial episodes of mold contamination in the same area / building**
**When the problem is not taken seriously**

## The Biology Of Mold

**Fungi can be identified to genus or species level (i.e. *****Aspergillus***** vs. *****Aspergillus versicolor*****)**
**We need to know the species to properly assess risk**
**Mold serves an important purpose in nature, it’s the major mechanism for recycling nutrients**
**Supports other species**
**Spores vary in size - 2 - 60 μm**

## The Biology Of Mold

**Gets nutrition through releasing enzymes into the surrounding media and absorb back nutrients**
**Reproduces by forming and broadcasting spores**
**Colonies can reproduce in 5 - 10 days **
**A colony 1” diameter ~ 400,000,000 spores**
**Spores viable for decades or longer**

## Ecology Of Mold In Buildings

**Temperature of ~ 5 - 38****o ****C**
**Nutrients**
- soil
- dirt
- cellulose in paper, carpet backing, cork, pipe wrap, etc.
**Water:  water them and they will grow!**
- condensation in humid rooms, crawlspaces, tunnels, closets
- damp basements
- wet sections in air-conditioning ducts
- leaky roofs

## Relative Humidity:  60% 

**Associated w/ overgrowth of biologicals**
- Ventilation systems
- Carpet, wall spaces, insulation
- Ceiling tiles, window seals
****** ****upper airway moisture**
- Allows dust & H2O soluble toxic chemicals to dissolve
- can cause upper airway irritation, inflammation, cough

## When Does Mold Occur?

**Mold colonizes when moisture and food source exist**** **
**Construction materials create food source **
**Use of paper and wood products in construction materials **
**Add water (leaking pipes / flooding / damaged roof) = mold colonization **

## Investigating and Testing to Assess the Extent of the Problem

## IAQ – Investigation Protocol

**Requires systematic approach**
- complex
- potential causes
**Objectives**
- Gather info. about bldg.
- Signs & symptoms of those w/ health complaints
- Locate & ID potential causes
- Determine work relatedness of illnesses
- Remediate by removing / isolating source

## IAQ Investigation Plan

- Questionnaires for employee complaints
- Diary
- Walk-through
- Sampling procedures
- Remediation protocols

## IAQ Influenced by:

**Temperature**
**Humidity**
**Air movement**
**Ventilation**

**Hotel**

##    Private office building

**   ****Private office building**

**   ****Municipal office building**

** ****Family health center**

**       ****Public school**

## Sources & Causes of Poor   	Indoor Air Quality

**Chemical**
**Biological**
**Physical**
**Psycho-social**

## Biological Sources

**Pollen**
**Mold / Fungus**
**Bacteria**
**Viruses**
**By-products of microbes**

**Epithelial cells**
- Pet dander
- Human skin particles
**Dust mites**
**Insects               (& insect parts)**
- Roaches

## Biological Sources

**Standing water / damp areas**
**Humidity / microbial growth / trigger illness & allergies**
**Humidity / dust mite growth ******** causes asthma / allergies**

## Protocol for Inspection

**Interviews with occupants and building staff:**
- Reported symptoms, periodicity and location
- History of water damage
**Walk-through**
- Visual colonies
- Ventilation
**Remember standard IAQ parameters: CO2, CO, RH, T, VOCs, etc.**
**Mold tests and reports**
**Communication**

## Investigation

Initial Assessment
Visual inspection
Evidence of water damage
Moisture measurements
Mold growth
Air and / or surface sampling – not always
Determine extent of impacts
Photographic documentation
Final report summarizing findings

- Initial Assessment
- Visual inspection
- Evidence of water damage
- Moisture measurements
- Mold growth
- Air and / or surface sampling – not always
- Determine extent of impacts
- Photographic documentation
- Final report summarizing findings

## Conduct Walk-Through and Investigation

**Learn history of building**
**Review construction documents**
- as-built drawings
- HVAC installation and operation information
**Review maintenance history**
**Review reported employee complaints**
**Inspect all areas believed to be impacted**
**Low key approach if no prior complaints have been received**
**Photographic / video documentation of existing conditions**

## Non-Invasive Inspection

**Borescope**
**FLIR - Thermal Imaging and Infra-red Cameras**
**Moisture meter – Protimeter**
**Flashlight**

## Invasive Inspection

- 50% of mold problems may be hidden from view
- Concealed problems within wall cavities, ducts, beneath carpets and tiles etc.
- Holes can be cut for visual inspection, air samples, sample probes

## Hidden Mold

## Slide 38

## Slide 41

## Slide 42

## Slide 43

## Slide 44

## Slide 45

## Handling a Pervasive Problem

- If widespread (beyond common areas) develop communication plan for disclosure to occupants
- Develop an overall strategy (e.g. aggressive assessment, remediation and repair usually the best approach)
- Assemble the rest of team needed to implement strategy

## After initial investigation, assessment and formulation of testing / sampling strategy, team may also include:
Architect / Engineer
Remediation Contractor
Third party Environmental Consultant
HVAC Professional
Medical Professionals
Allergist
Epidemiologist
Pulmonary Physician
Microbiologist

- Architect / Engineer
- Remediation Contractor
- Third party Environmental Consultant
- HVAC Professional
- Medical Professionals
- Allergist
- Epidemiologist
- Pulmonary Physician
- Microbiologist

**Assemble Team**

##  Communication

- Assess risk asap and review regularly
- Keep all stakeholders informed
- Provide clear and accurate briefing
- Know your comfort zone and seek advice if unsure
- Be proactive

## Assess and Evaluate Potential Illness Impacts

- Determine likelihood of impacts based on sampling data
- Develop a strategy for handling illness claims
- To evacuate / relocate or not?
- Must be based on sound scientific and medical information and principles

## Sick Buildings versus Sick Occupants

**SBS - Sick Building Syndrome: a collection of health complaints or symptoms that do not fit a case-definable disease, such as headache, eye irritation, scratchy throat, itchy skin, cough, etc.**
**BRI - Building-Related Illness: a collection of signs and symptoms that fit a case-definable disease, such as new onset asthma, Legionnaires’ disease, humidifier fever, tuberculosis, etc.  **

## How Do You Know If Your Building Has Made Them Sick?

**Has there been an objective medical evaluation?**
**What is their illness?**
**Does it seem plausible given the history of the building?**
**Is it supported by mainstream science?**
**Have you considered other causes?**
**Do they have a history of claims?**

## Assess the Source and Scope of the Problem

**Identify all affected areas**
**Identify all impacts**
- Property damage
- Scope of remediation / repairs
- Illness
**Identify all sources of water intrusion**
**Identify water and mold pathways**
- Roof and building envelope
- Basements
- Pipe chases
- HVAC systems
- Air Handlers
- Ducts

## Leaks from hot water tanks 
Sewage backflows
Condensation
high relative humidity
temperature
high – air holds more moisture
low – surfaces (e.g. pipes, windows, etc.)
Flooding from water line breaks
Sprinkler head breaks
Infiltration through other building construction materials

**Sewage backflows**
**Condensation**
- high relative humidity
- temperature
- high – air holds more moisture
- low – surfaces (e.g. pipes, windows, etc.)
**Flooding from water line breaks**
**Sprinkler head breaks**
**Infiltration through other building construction materials**

- Water & Moisture Sources

## 
Poor building maintenance practices
Slow neglected leaks in plumbing fixtures
Water and moisture from housekeeping and janitorial activities
HVAC system components such as chillers, cooling coils, condensate lines, drain pans, etc. 
Other sources such as icemakers, refrigerators, sinks, toilets, lab operations, drinking water fountains, etc.

- Poor building maintenance practices
- Slow neglected leaks in plumbing fixtures
- Water and moisture from housekeeping and janitorial activities
- HVAC system components such as chillers, cooling coils, condensate lines, drain pans, etc.
- Other sources such as icemakers, refrigerators, sinks, toilets, lab operations, drinking water fountains, etc.

- Water & Moisture Sources cont.

## Water Intrusion Control & Prevention

Moisture control and water intrusion prevention is the single most critical element and preventing mold growth inside buildings.
Immediate drying, cleaning, and / or removal of water damaged building materials must be performed within 48 hours of the initial water damage in order to prevent mold growth.
Sources of water intrusion should also be identified and corrected as soon as reasonably possible or the mold will return.

**Moisture control and water intrusion prevention is the single most critical element and preventing mold growth inside buildings.**
**Immediate drying, cleaning, and / or removal of water damaged building materials must be performed within 48 hours of the initial water damage in order to prevent mold growth.**
**Sources of water intrusion should also be identified and corrected as soon as reasonably possible or the mold will return.**

## Slide 56

## Slide 57

## Drying Procedures

- Four General Principles of Drying
- 	Excess Water Extraction & Removal
- 	Evaporation & Air Movement
- 	Dehumidification
-  dehumidifier
-  humidistat-controlled exhaust fan
- 	Temperature Control

## Slide 59

## Slide 60

## Mold Monitoring and Assessment

## Monitoring and Testing for Mold

**Sampling and / or testing should be conducted after the initial meeting, walk-through and occupant interviews**
**The choice of sampling and / or testing methods should have a logical connection to observations and occupant health complaints**

## Air, Bulk and Surface Sampling

**Some tests:**
- Air samples:
- culturable
- non-culturable
- Bi-air cassette – does both
- Tape, bulk, swab & water samples: direct microscopic examination, qualitative assessment

## Sterile Swabs

## Types of Biological Samples

**Air**
** ****Viable or “Culture-based”**
- Employs the use of an Andersen (or similar) sampler
- Results usually reported as “colony forming units per cubic meter of air” (CFU/m3)
**Non-viable or “Non-culture-based”**
- Employs the use of a spore trap sampler
- Results usually reported as “particles per cubic meter of air” (particles/m3)

## Bioaerosol Sampling

**Fungi and bacteria by impactor / culture plate methods (i.e. Andersen sampler)**
- Requires sanitary handling
- 28.3 Liters (1 cubic foot) per minute** **
- Predominant individual genera and / or species identified
- Relative prevalence
- Indoor / outdoor ratio

## Types of Biological Samples

## Types of Biological Samples

## Slide 69

## Slide 70

## The BioCassetteTM

## Types of Biological Samples

**Non-viable or “Non-culture-based”**
- Bulk sample, Dust sample, Soil sample, Swab sample, Tape sample, Water sample, Wipe sample
- Results usually considered qualitative
- Can reveal types of fungi present and whether these fungi are reproducing by the presence or absence of “fruiting” structures, etc.

## Bioaerosol Sampling

**Analysis by non-culture-based methods (e.g. spore trap, Air-O-CellTM cassette)**
- Identification and quantitation of (non-viable) particulate matter, including fungal spores, hyphae, etc.
- Predominant individual genera and / or species identified
- relative rank or relative prevalence
- indoor / outdoor ratio

## Non-Viable Air Sampling

**Zefon Air-O-CellTM Sample Cassette**
- Collects all airborne spores, pollen, fibers and other particulates
- 15 Liters per minute (Lpm)** **
- Collected particles are analyzed by microscopic direct examination
- Mold spores identified to genera level
- Laboratory turn around quick and results can be useful for final clearance

## Types of Biological Samples

## Zefon Air – O - CellTM

## Types of Biological Samples

**Bulk Samples**
**Viable or “Culture-based”**
- Results reported as CFU per gram of sample
-  **Non-viable or “Non-culture-based”**
- Direct visual examination yields quick turnaround time, but results are preliminary and qualitative
- May understate the number of different types of fungi present

## Importance of QA / QC Practices and Procedures

**Laboratory selection and evaluation**
**Sample chain of custody**
**Choosing the correct sampling method**
**Equipment – pre- and post-calibration**
**Blanks**
**Documentation**

## Interpreting Lab Reports

**Disparity in opinion regarding what count is normal / acceptable**
**Ask the lab**
**US Non Residential Buildings 1993 - 2000 samples, 75% of which yielded fungal counts less than 178 cfu/m3**
**Species present and comparison with outdoor mycoflora more important than absolute numbers**

## Abatement of Mold Contamination

## 
	Develop scope of work
	Prepare written remediation protocols
	Qualified contractors
	Third-party Environmental Consultants
	Removal and decontamination
	Final visual inspections and verification clearance 	testing (typically air & surface samples)

- 	Develop scope of work
- 	Prepare written remediation protocols
- 	Qualified contractors
- 	Third-party Environmental Consultants
- 	Removal and decontamination
- 	Final visual inspections and verification clearance 	testing (typically air & surface samples)

**Remediation and Abatement**

## Remediation and Abatement

**Develop a remediation plan first**
**The key to mold control is moisture control**
- Remember to address the source of the moisture problem
- Remember to check for high humidity and condensation problems as well as actual water leaks, maintenance issues, and HVAC system problems

## Remediation and Abatement

**Protect the health and safety of building occupants and abatement workers**
**Consult with safety and health professionals**
**Contractors should be using personal protective equipment and containment as appropriate**

## Mold Cleanup

**The purpose of a abatement should be to mitigate mold while preventing human exposure and minimizing damage to building materials and furnishings**
**All mold contamination must be cleaned up**
**Dead mold is still allergenic and some dead molds can be toxic**

## Biocides

**Biocides are toxic to molds and often are toxic to humans as well (e.g. bleach, Sporicidin****®****)**
**Some biocides are considered pesticides and, in some jurisdictions, only registered pesticide applicators may apply these products**
**ACGIH discourages use**
**Alternative - detergent**
**Post-remediation sampling for hazardous ingredients from MSDS**

## Project Monitoring

**Why should you monitor?**
- Documentation of remedial efforts, including conditions before, during and after efforts
- Management of liability
- Gather data for future evaluation and use

## Project Monitoring

**Monitoring Points**
- Prior to commencement of abatement activities (initial assessment)
- At abatement commencement
- During abatement
- After completion of abatement
**Often abatement companies will sample during the activities**
**Be sure to formulate a legally defensible sampling strategy**

## Quality Controlof the Abatement Project

**“****The principal quality assurance performance indicator is documentation that the precipitating water or moisture sources have been identified and eliminated.” **
**from **_**Final Report of AIHA Microbial Growth Task Force**_** (May 2001)**

## Other recommended key QA performance indicators are:
Documenting appropriate containment protocol
Documenting that cleaning was performed according to specifications

from Final Report of AIHA Microbial Growth Task Force (May 2001)

- Documenting appropriate containment protocol
- Documenting that cleaning was performed according to specifications
- from _Final Report of AIHA Microbial Growth Task Force_ (May 2001)

**Quality Control****of the Abatement Project**

## Other recommended key QA performance indicators are:
Documenting that mold removal has been in accord with the approved remediation plan
Documenting that remediated areas were checked for any remaining unremediated mold and / or water damage that may have been revealed during the demolition / cleaning process

from Final Report of AIHA Microbial Growth Task Force (May 2001)

- Documenting that mold removal has been in accord with the approved remediation plan
- Documenting that remediated areas were checked for any remaining unremediated mold and / or water damage that may have been revealed during the demolition / cleaning process
- from _Final Report of AIHA Microbial Growth Task Force_ (May 2001)

**Quality Control****of the Abatement Project**

## New Remediation Technology

- Building Fumigation Using Chlorine Dioxide Gas to permeate construction materials including wall cavities** **
- Non-intrusive remediation
- Follow up verification clearance testing has proved successful
- Building must be evacuated and tented
- Safety – flammable gas
- Cost and logistical issues **  **

## Mold Remediation Scenario

Initial assessment revealed multiple sources of water intrusion and water damaged building materials  

Extensive visible mold growth identified during assessment  

Written remediation protocols developed including use of negative pressure containments and air scrubbers 

Remediation work consisted of demo. of entire inside of building

Final visual inspections and clearance sampling performed at end of project

- Initial assessment revealed multiple sources of water intrusion and water damaged building materials
- Extensive visible mold growth identified during assessment
- Written remediation protocols developed including use of negative pressure containments and air scrubbers
- Remediation work consisted of demo. of entire inside of building
- Final visual inspections and clearance sampling performed at end of project

## Slide 93

## Slide 94

## Slide 95

## Mold Resistant Coatings

**Mold Resistant Coatings**

## Worker Protection

**No worker who has any sort of immune suppression, asthma or mold allergy or who has recently had a severe cold or flu should undertake work**
**NIOSH respirator with HEPA, or PAPR**
**Goggles, gloves, safety boots **
**Disposable TYVEK****TM**** suit**
**Electrical Safety**

## Slide 98

## Abatement - General Points

**Remedy the water problem first**
**Classification of work and work practices based on NYC 1993 protocol**
**April 2000 revision significantly less rigorous than 1993 protocol**

## Small area clean up (Level I)> 10 square feet

**Can still cause health risk or contaminate other areas**
**Regular staff with suitable training and protection **
**Work area unoccupied - adjacent areas OK (exceptions) **
**Dust suppression, sealed bags for removal **
**Clean-up with damp cloth and detergent**

## Mid size isolated area clean-up(Level II)10 - 30 square feet

**Regular staff with suitable training and protection **
**Work area unoccupied - adjacent areas OK (exceptions) **
**Work area plastic sheeted and tape sealed **
**Dust suppression, sealed bags for removal **
**HEPA vacuum Clean-up with damp cloth and detergent**

## Large isolated areas (Level III)30 -100 square feet

**H and S professional consultation **
**Trained workers, with personal protection **
**Work area plastic sheeted and tape sealed**
**Seal ducts and grills**
**Work area and directly adjacent areas unoccupied - high risk individuals moved  **
**If abatement dusty use Level 4 procedures **

## Level 4:  Extensive Contamination >100 square feet contiguous 

**H and S professional consultation **
**Trained workers, with full personal protection **
**Work area fully contained, HEPA exhaust, airlocks and decontamination room**
**Adjacent areas can be occupied - high risk individuals moved  **
**HEPA vacuum and clean up before barriers dismantled**
**Air monitoring prior to reoccupancy**

## Level IV Contamination

## Level V - Remediation of HVAC

**Small areas <10 square feet regular staff, larger areas trained workers**
**System shut down**
**Consider biocide**
**Consultant supervision and air sampling prior to reoccupancy if large scale contamination**
**Mold**
**Biocides**
**Coatings**

## Mold In Crawl-spaces

**Perform drainage and foundation improvements first, if necessary**
**Consider several options, perhaps in combination, to reduce moisture load in the crawl-space**
**Cover soil with thick moisture barrier or concrete over open soil**
**Provide powered ventilation, perhaps push / pull, perhaps on humidistat control**
**Remove fibrous insulation, replace with closed cell foam**

## Post-abatement Monitoring

## Steps to Remediation Closure

**No visual and / or sensory evidence of mold contamination during walkthrough of the building**
**No visual and / or sensory evidence of mold contamination during inspection of HVAC system**
**Measurements of temp., humidity, CO2, and CO within recognized guidelines / standards**
**Sampling for biocides or coatings**
**Acceptable results following sampling and analyses for mold**

## Clearance Criteria

**“****The success of a remediation effort is judged in part by the visible degree of contaminant removal that is achieved.”**
**“****Effectiveness may also be confirmed by sampling.”**
**From **_**Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control**_** (ACGIH, 1999)**

## Clearance Criteria

**“****The ultimate criterion for the adequacy of abatement efforts for treating biological contamination is the ability of people to occupy or reoccupy the space without health complaints or physical discomfort.”**
**From **_**Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control**_** (ACGIH, 1999)**

## Regulations and Guidelines

## Regulations

No US EPA Regulations – While EPA recently implemented guidelines for remediation projects, currently, no EPA regulations or standards regarding airborne mold contaminants exists
OSHA Regulations - General Duty Clause
Guidance documents on investigation, sampling, and remediation 
State and Local guidelines
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard S500 and S520 - the definitive mold remediation standard
Focus is shifting towards required licensing of consultants and contractors
Highly improbable that interior permissible exposure levels in buildings will ever be established

- No US EPA Regulations – While EPA recently implemented guidelines for remediation projects, currently, no EPA regulations or standards regarding airborne mold contaminants exists
- OSHA Regulations - General Duty Clause
- Guidance documents on investigation, sampling, and remediation
- State and Local guidelines
- The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard S500 and S520 - the definitive mold remediation standard
- Focus is shifting towards required licensing of consultants and contractors
- Highly improbable that interior permissible exposure levels in buildings will ever be established

## Mold Legislation

- State
**California**
- October 2001 - Toxic Mold Bill passed
- Directs CA Department of Health to set limits and standards regarding mold
- Requires landlords and sellers to make certain disclosures regarding mold contamination
- Includes presence of mold in housing codes

## Mold Legislation

- State (continued)
**New York**
- NYC Department of Health has implemented Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments
- While the Guidelines are intended for the use of building engineers and management and are not a legal mandate, their ultimate application in the courts is foreseeable

## Mold Legislation

- State cont.
**Maryland**
- Promulgating legislation to protect workers from mold related illnesses
**Texas**
- Investigating the issue
**Other States**
- Some have created specific agencies to deal with mold and other indoor air quality health issues (i.e. Minnesota Department of Health's Indoor Air Unit)

## Guidelines

**EPA**
- IAQ
- Mold
**ASHRAE Standard 62 – 1989 - IAQ**
- requires air filters or dust collectors to remove microbes
- systems should be designed to prevent growth of microbes
**ASHRAE Standard 55 - 2004 – Thermal Comfort**

## The 1992 ASHRAE Comfort Zone

## Consensus Standards

**ACGIH Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control**
**New York City Panel, 1993 (Revised April 2000)**
- Set abatement practices classified by area of mold to be abated
- Revision recommends same precautions regardless of species
**AIHA Field Guide, 1996**
- Urgent risk management recommended for confirmed presence of
*Stachybotrys chartarum*
*Aspergillus versicolor*
*Aspergillus flavus*
*Aspergillus fumigatus*
*Fusarium moniliforme,* etc.

## Internet Resources 

**Pathcon Labs**
- _[http://](http://www.pathcon.com/)__[www.pathcon.com](http://www.pathcon.com/)_
**CDC / NIOSH**
- _[http://](http://www.cdc.gov/mold)__[www.cdc.gov/mold](http://www.cdc.gov/mold)_
**Mold Help**
- _[http://www.mold-help.org/index.php](http://www.mold-help.org/index.php)_
**ACGIH**
- _[http://www.acgih.org/resources/press/Mold05.htm](http://www.acgih.org/resources/press/Mold05.htm)_
**New York City Health Department**
- _[http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html](http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html)_
**US EPA**
- _[http://](http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/index.html)__[www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/index.html](http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/index.html)_
- _[http://](http://www.epa.gov/mold/index.html)__[www.epa.gov/mold/index.html](http://www.epa.gov/mold/index.html)_

**AIHA**
- _[http://](http://www.aiha.org/content/topics/mold)__[www.aiha.org/content/topics/mold](http://www.aiha.org/content/topics/mold)_
**EML**
- _[http://www.emlab.com/app/fungi/Fungi.po](http://www.emlab.com/app/fungi/Fungi.po)_
**The Mold Inspector**
- _[http://](http://www.moldinspector.com/index.html)__[www.moldinspector.com/index.html](http://www.moldinspector.com/index.html)_
**The University of Minnesota – EHS**
- _[http://](http://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/flood.html)__[www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/flood.html](http://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/flood.html)_
**The Illinois Mycological Association**
- _[http://www.ilmyco.gen.chicago.il.us/index.html](http://www.ilmyco.gen.chicago.il.us/index.html)_
**Xenco Labs**
- _[http://](http://www.xenco.com/xLabs_Mold_Library_A.htm)__[www.xenco.com/xLabs_Mold_Library_A.htm](http://www.xenco.com/xLabs_Mold_Library_A.htm)_

## Questions & Answers