Based on a presentation by Jonathon Klane, KEITH Inc.,at the 2004 Governors Conference on Affordable Housing,

with contributions by Bob Stilwell (Maine DHHS) and Mark Morehouse (Environmental Safety Professionals)

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Presented by:

Nick Ferrala, B.A., CIECLewiston, Maine

207-657-7360

nick@aqmservices.com

Air Quality Management ServicesDiscovering Solutions for Healthier Living

Mold: Facts and Fallacies(and some other IAQ stuff,

too)2

True or False?...Mold as an indoor environmental issue is growing rapidly and making things very “problematic” for professionals in many disciplines.

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TRUEFear of mold has increased dramatically.Much of this fear is based on misinformation and ignorance.Now ‘everyone’ is afraid they have a mold problem.Lawsuits!Fleeing insurance companiesKnee-jerk legislation

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What is mold?

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Mold(s) include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of filaments. Fungi that grow as single cells are called yeasts. Fungi that are not microscopic = mushrooms.

Mildew: Many, many definitions exist for Mildew In it’s most common uses, Mildew is not a correct

scientific term The term mildew is often used generically to refer to

mold growth Proper use: Mildews are Fungi that cause diseases in

plants (Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew)

Live in virtually any environment containing moisture, proper temperature, oxygen and nutrients (food). Reproduce in several ways, one of which (common) results in large numbers of tiny spores that may become airborne. Found everywhere in our environment, indoor and out. “Generally speaking, people are exposed to molds every day without adverse health effects”.

Mold(s)

Relative size scale

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Mold Spores

Vary in SizeSome are: Very Small Can be

Very High Density

Analogy –dandelions in the wind

Ecology

Role of Fungi – Nature’s RecyclerDegrade Dead Organic Material Important - Degradation of Resistant Materials

Containing Cellulose & Lignin (Wood)Without Fungi, the Earth Would be Covered with Dead Plant Material

Benefits to Mankind

Soil Fertility – AgricultureFoods & Beverages Bread Wine & Beer Cheeses

AntibioticsBiotechnology Production of drugs and chemicals

Problems

Adverse Health Effects for PeopleDegradation of Food & Agriculture Items e.g. 10-50% Loss of Fruit Crops

Degradation of Other Items (Plastics, Papers, Clothing, etc.)Wood Degradation – Buildings & Structures

Mold Health EffectsInfections – rare environments and immuno-compromised individuals.Allergic reactions and worsening of asthma symptoms – sensitive and pre-disposed individualsOverall, it is very controversial (and unclear) whether or not mold causes serious health effects in otherwise healthy individuals (in residential environments)

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Controversial Health Effects

Does Mold cause asthma?Sick Building symptoms – dizziness, memory loss, many moreToxicosis – direct action of a Chemical or Substance on the Body, Causing Damage or Altering Function e.g. Carbon Monoxide – interferes with

Oxygen Transport in the bodyPoor or no evidence – difficult to prove in practical situations

True or False?...There is such a thing as “toxic mold” technically speaking.

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FALSEMolds by themselves are not toxic.Molds produce mycotoxins, which are by-products of metabolism.Mycotoxins are large complex molecules and are not readily volatile and therefore, exposure is only through direct contact such as ingestion or inhalation of enormous amounts of mold spores or fragments.

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True or False?...All mold species produce “toxic mycotoxins”

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FALSENot all molds produce toxins.Not all molds that produce toxins do so all the timeDifferent mycotoxins are produced depending on what the mold is growing on.Example: the mold used to make bleu (or blue) cheese, when grown on sheetrock instead of in milk, can produce a toxin.

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True or False?...Molds can produce chemicals called “volatile organic compounds” or “VOCs”.

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TRUEVOC’s are a by-product of fungal metabolism.These are chemicals that can often be detected as musty/moldy odors. Like mycotoxins, the types of VOC’s produced depend on the substrate – the stuff the mold is eating – as well as the species.VOC’s often cause odors and some are thought to cause some health effects.

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True or False?...Mold causes mostly allergic reactions, triggers asthma, sinus congestion, runny noses, eye irritation, nausea, and fatigue.

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TRUE

The news stories about dire health problems caused by inhaled mold are based on incomplete or faulty investigations.Much of our information of serious health effects from mold comes from extreme environments and extreme exposures E.g. agricultural, wastewater treatment Most residential situations come no where

near these kinds of exposures 22

True or False?...Killing mold renders it harmless.“I can just spray a little bleach on it”

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FALSEPeople’s reactions to mold are based on the allergens (e.g. proteins) and chemicals associated with the spores and other fragments. These reactions will be the same whether the mold spores are dead or alive.Soap and water does a better job of cleaning and doesn’t introduce harmful chemicals into the home.

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True or False?...There are known safe and unsafe levels of mold and/or mold spores (similar to OSHA’s limits for chemicals).

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FALSEThere are no known thresholds differentiating harmful from harmless levels of mold.Everyone reacts differently, so the level of mold that is acceptable to one person is not acceptable to another.The only ‘safe’ level of mold in a residence is when it’s not growing indoors.That means keep the water outside!Laws requiring standards won’t work.

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True or False?...Only a space without any mold spores is healthy.

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FALSEThere are mold spores everywhere, all the time. Even in winter.The goal is to eliminate the excess moisture that allows the mold spores to grow.So - fix leaks in the building envelope and plumbing QUICKLY, and provide adequate ventilation to remove moisture due to normal occupancy.

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True or False?...I should have someone do an air test (or use a kit on my own) to determine if there is a mold issue.

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FALSEThere are many mold tests.There is no standard guidance on when to use any of them.There are good and bad aspects to every type of mold test.It is very difficult to interpret mold sample results even for the pros.

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True or False?...Air tests are a good first step to evaluate my living space.

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FALSEA thorough walk-through evaluation of a residence is more informative than a battery of air tests.Locating possible sources and removing them is better.Air tests may be used IN CONJUNCTION with a physical evaluation to answer some questions, but should never be relied upon alone.

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A Note on IAQ TestingExcept for radon, most indoor air contaminants are the direct result of something you can see/smell/identify without testing.“Air quality testing” is a useless term because there are so many things that can be checked for in indoor air.There is no single “screening test” for all aspects of air quality.

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IAQ testing- continued…The only “IAQ test” that you should ever consider on its own (without a walk-through evaluation) is a RADON TEST.Radon is a problem state wide.Radon is a proven cause of lung cancer.Each year, radon causes about 165 lung cancer cases in Maine.

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So if Mold is Everywhere…What can we do about it?

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Mold in Our EnvironmentMold is everywhere: in soil on plants and trees suspended in outdoor air (airborne spores

and other fragments) which will come indoors on air currents

Some people may be bothered by mold from the outdoors, but… Mold as an indoor air quality problem

generally occurs when mold is growing indoors

How Can Fungal Growth Be Limited?

The leading factor in Fungal growth is the availability of sufficient Water or Moisture. To Control Fungal Growth – Control the Moisture Temp, pH, Food Source, Oxygen, Water – We

can only Control the Water

STOP THE MOISTURE TO STOP THE FUNGUS

Common Moisture SourcesIndoors Outdoors

Humidifiers Flooding

Cooking and Dishwashing Rain or Snowmelt

Bathing/Showering Seasonal High Humidity

Plumbing Leaks Ground Moisture

Ice Dams / Roof Leaks Groundwater Infiltration

Firewood Storage Indoors Wet Building Materials

Unvented Clothes Dryer

Improper Venting of Combustion Appliances

Fix Leaks / Resolve Issues to Prevent Moisture Impact and Mold Growth

Mold Remediation

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When you see it, fix it!

True or False?...If left alone, mold (on building materials) will go away over time.

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FALSEMold will not go away by itself.It may go dormant for a long time, then die, but the filaments will last a long time after that. The spores last even longer.First, get rid of the moisture problem that allowed the mold to grow, then get rid of the mold.

** NEVER MIX BLEACH WITH AMMONIA-BASED CLEANING PRODUCTS

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True or False?...Mold growth is related directly to the presence of water (moisture or humidity).

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TRUEMold spores are everywhere. The only reason mold doesn’t take over is lack of moisture.Control the moisture, and you control the mold.MOLD IS A SYMPTOM OF AN UNCORRECTED WATER PROBLEM!Water + building materials = MOLD

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True or False?...Water must be dried up within 24-48 hours to prevent or limit mold growth.

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TRUEDry up water QUICKLYTake extra care to thoroughly dry porous materials (like carpeting)If you don’t, the mold will make you wish you had!He who hesitates is lost. It doesn’t take much hesitation to lose the

race with Mold.

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True or False?...Ripping out the mold using standard construction and demolition practices will remove the mold and the problem.

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FALSEStandard construction and demolition methods will usually disturb mold spores, causing them to become airborne and dispersed throughout the area.Clean mold from surfaces first, then remove contaminated, porous materialsCould require a restoration company. Any clean up must be done in a controlled manner.

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True or False?...Mold remediation and cleanup always requires professional abatement personnel.

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FALSEHowever…small to moderate mold clean up must be done carefully, those involved must have protective equipment (N95 respirator, goggles, gloves, clothes that can be laundered or disposed of). Hand washing is the most important protection.Controlled Manner = avoid dispersing spores to other areasBig clean ups should be left to the guys in the moon suits.

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True or False?...I know enough about mold to deal with it in a prudent and reasonable manner.

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…Maybe…Be Informed:

Maine Indoor Air Quality Council www.maineindoorair.org, click on “Fact Sheets”

CDC - Facts About Mold and Dampness http://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm

EPA - A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html

EPA - Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings www.epa.gov/iaq

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation http://www.iicrc.org/index.shtml

Information provided to TenantsInstruction to contact the landlord (in writing) about the moisture problem.CDC mold information.US EPA mold guide.If landlord won’t look into the issue: -Instruction to contact administrator of funding source if rent subsidized.- References to Maine legal documents if requested.

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Maine law cites provided to tenants

Local health officer authority-miscellaneous nuisance complaint (Title 22, section 454)-abatement authority (Title 17, section 2702)

Implied warranty & covenant of habitability-(Title 14, section 6021)

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Air Quality Management ServicesDiscovering Solutions for Healthier Living

Nick Ferrala207-657-7360

nick@aqmservices.com