matter, rotting waste material, and other funguscontaminated debris. The fungal material is

carried into the respiratory tract when airborne

dust particles are inhaled.

There are many different kinds of fungi,

including mildew, molds, rusts, and yeasts. Most

of these are harmless, but some can cause

respiratory and other disorders when workers

inhale or come into contact with fungi. Inhalation

is the route of exposure of most concern to flood

cleanup workers. The recommendations below

offer strategies for workers renovating flooded

buildings, homes, and structures to protect

themselves while handling building materials that

are visibly contaminated with fungi.

For workers cleaning up flooded buildings,

homes, and other structures, excessive moisture

or water accumulation indoors will encourage the

growth of the fungi that are already present.

Some fungi have the potential to cause adverse

health effects such as allergic responses and

asthma attacks. Individual who are sensitive to

molds may have signs and symptoms of allergic

reactions such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation,

and wheezing. These individuals should

minimize fungal exposure by wearing respirators,

gloves, and eye protection. They should also

seek to eliminate fungi, as described below.

In addition, repeated or prolonged contact of

the skin with flood water and continuous

sweating can lead to fungal skin infections. These

can be minimized or avoided by washing the skin

with warm, soapy water and keeping it as dry as

possible.

What to do if Symptoms Develop

If a cleanup worker experiences severe

allergic or skin symptoms, or severe flu-like

symptoms, he or she should seek medical

For all workers that may be expo

and fungi:

■ Avoid breathing dust (fungal spor

by wet building materials, crops, 

materials.

■ Consider using an N-95 NIOSH-

disposable respirator as a minimu

working with moldy or damp hay, 

compost, or building materials.

■ Consider discarding all water dam

materials. Articles that are visibly 

with mold should be discarded. W

doubt, throw it out.

■ Surfaces that have a light coverin

should be scrubbed with warm, s

and rinsed with a disinfectant ma

liquid household bleach mixed in 

water.

■ CAUTION: Do not mix bleach wi

cleaning products that contain am

■ After working with mold-contamin

materials, wash thoroughly, includ

scalp, and nails.

■ If the safety of food or beverage is 

throw it out. Only drink safe drink

has been bottled, boiled, or treate

confirmation that the community w

safe for consumption.

For workers that are cleaning up 

buildings and homes that have been 

consider the following recommenda

■ If flooding has caused severe dam

building or home and there is the 

extensive mold growth, consult w

insurance carrier or local health d

identify a professional with exper

Remediation.
2003

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies, or standards. It d

any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards 

refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impa

upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999. See also OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

■ Remove building materials and furnishings that

are wet and may become contaminated with

mold growth and place them in sealed

impermeable bags or closed containers. Large

items with heavy mold growth should be

covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed

with duct tape before being removed from the

area. These materials can usually be

discarded as ordinary construction waste.

■ Remove and discard porous organic materials

that have become wet or are visibly

contaminated (e.g., damp insulation in

ventilation system, moldy ceiling tiles, and

mildewed carpets). Again, these materials can

usually be discarded as ordinary construction

waste.

■ Clean and disinfect nonporous surfaces where

microbial growth has occurred with detergents,

chlorine-generating slimicides, or other

■ Silos and other enclosed areas sh

vented prior to entry. However, th

eliminate the problem entirely. If 

transporting or working with mold

feed, exposures are likely to be th

the feed and the worker are encl

barn, silo or other structure. Wor

need to wear respirators.

■ Workers uncapping a silo, shoveli

working with feed, especially in a

space, should always wear at a m

NIOSH-approved N-95 particula

Grain and hay should be stored w

For additional information concer

health effects, and addressing flood 

materials, please see OSHA’s Safe

Topics webpage on Molds and Fun

www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds/index.