By Eric C. Ratcliff
Indoor Mold
Mold Investigations
• CCGHD investigates mold complaints• Accept written complaints from current
tenants or close relatives• Don’t inspect owner occupied homes• Investigate only indoor mold issues• Don’t take samples – not useful
Black Mold
• CCGHD interested only in black mold• Recommend removal of other varieties• Mold & mildew are synonymous• An allergen like pollen• No scientific evidence of adverse health
effects• Anecdotal evidence of health effects
Health Effects of Mold
• Mainly respiratory – coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, congestion
• Other allergic reactions – headaches, burning eyes, skin rash, etc.
• Irritant• Does not cause colds• Can aggravate colds, flu, & Asthma
Exposure Limits
• No exposure limits• Link to health effects not scientifically
substantiated• Not known what quantity is acceptable• Sensitivity to mold varies from person to
person
“Toxic Mold”
• “Toxic mold” a misnomer• Mold itself isn’t toxic• Produce mycotoxins as a by-product• Toxic only if ingested• Stachybrotrys - “toxic” variety < 1% of mold• CCGHD assumes all black mold is “toxic”
“Killer Mold”
• “Killer mold” - media hype• Began by flawed study in Cleveland• CDC retracted entire study• Misinformation perpetuated by media &
lucrative lawsuits
Mold Problem ?
• Sanitarian identifies mold problem visually & by odor
• Musty odor, & 10 sq. ft. or more of visible black mold indicates a mold problem
Mold Removal
• < 10 sq. ft. is a small amount• 10 sq. ft. or more is generally the landlord’s
responsibility• < 10 sq. ft. - responsibility of the tenant
Large Amount Small Amount
Large Amount Small Amount
Mold Not An Issue
• If sanitarian can’t see it or smell it• In wall or ceiling cavity – provided there are no
holes• In unfinished attic• In unfinished basement• In garage
County Requirements
• Require removal in occupied rental units• No requirement for removal in vacant units• No requirement for removal in owner
occupied dwellings• Will issue NOV to landlord if appropriate
Outdoor Mold
• Not a health nuisance issue• Cannot be controlled• Not regulated• No requirement for removal
Algae on Buildings
• Green color• Algae is not mold• No adverse health effects• No requirement for removal
Window & Door Frames
• Responsibility of tenant to clean windows, window frames, & door frames
• Recommend regular cleaning
Bathroom Fixtures
• Tenant’s responsibility to clean bathrooms, & remove mold caused by showering
• Also tenant’s responsibility to clean toilets
Water Stains
• Water stains not a violation• Water stains can be confused with mold
Causes of Indoor Mold
• Water leaks• Excessive moisture• Mold needs moisture or water to grow• The key to controlling mold is controlling
moisture
Mold Prevention
• Repair leaks such as roof leaks, plumbing leaks, etc.
• Direct water away from buildings• Repair downspouts• Clean gutters
Mold Prevention
• Eliminate sources of moisture• Vent clothes dryer properly• Remove water on windowsills• Wipe down shower stall• Use bathroom vent• Purchase dehumidifier
Mold Prevention
• Keep furniture 4” - 6” away from outside wall• Keep interior doors open• Provide adequate ventilation• Maintain adequate heat• Report water leaks to landlord
Mold Removal Procedure
• If you see mold, remove it• Clean affected area w/ detergent & water• Rinse• Sanitize w/ 10% bleach solution• Let dry• Paint or seal if desired
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Respirator – half face w/ dust cartridges• Gloves – especially when using bleach• Coveralls or long sleeves
Containment
• Not required – mold isn’t asbestos• Doesn’t prevent mold – it’s already present• Keeps other areas clean• Limits exposure
Moldy Carpet
• Should be discarded, along with pad• Mold develops in wet carpet in ~ 6 days• Mold cannot be removed from textiles• Wet carpet should be taken up & dried• At least wet vac carpet
Other Moldy Items
• Professionally clean upholstered furniture• Clean leather w/ saddle soap• Separate books & papers – let dry• Wash & dry fabrics• Discard items
Mold Remediation Companies
• No state certification• Contact BBB• Get 3 estimates & a written contract• Costs $10,000.00 for basement• Save money - use elbow grease
Professional Mold Inspections
• No state certification• Air samples - $300.00 each• Complete air study - $3,000.00+• Air study includes indoor & outdoor sampling• Establishes relative concentrations
Mold Test Kits
• Available in hardware stores• Various kits available• Not recommended by CCGHD• If you test for mold, you will find it• If you can see it, remove it
Resource List
• www.clermonthealthdistrict.org• www.cdc.gov• www.epa.gov• www.aiha.org
The End