Mold In Your Home and at Work

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Mold

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What is mold?

M

old

is a term used to describe a type of fungus that can be found all year round both indoors and outdoors. This fungus can be a fuzzy-looking growth that appears on the surface of organic or porous materials in damp conditions. Mold may be black, gray, green, yellow, orange, or various other colors and may have a velvety or wooly texture. There are many different species of mold, some of which can be detected by a musty odor.

Outdoors molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and

humid conditions, although it can grow in cold weather. Most mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. Mold needs moisture to grow and becomes a problem only when there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Common sources of indoor moisture that cause mold problems include flooding from roof or plumbing leaks, or from rain water that gets into basements and crawl spaces. Bathroom showers and steam from cooking may also create mold problems if not well ventilated.

Molds can grow on many

types of substances. There are molds that

grow on wood, carpet, foods, and insulation. Building materials are susceptible to mold growth when they are exposed to excessive moisture, and especially if they remain wet. Molds reproduce by making microscopic cells or spores that usually can not be seen yet flow through the air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

Why is mold a concern?

S

mall

amounts of mold growth at home

or at work are not a major concern.

Mold should not be allowed to grow and

health problems for some people. Mold

can also damage building materials,

finishes, and furnishings, and in some

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What is mildew?

B

lack

,

or Toxic Mold, as the media refers to it is usually associated with a specific type of mold and heavy water damage. Black mold is usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold that results from severe flooding. Hurricanes that cause severe flooding of houses that stay wet

What is black mold?

for some time may develop black mold in-side. Not all molds that appear to be black are stachybotrys. The known health effects from exposure to stachybotrys are similar to other common molds, but have inconclusively been associated with more severe health effects in some people.

M

ildew

is a form of mold that grows when mold spores settle on a surface. It commonly develops on damp surfaces in warm, poorly ventilated, dark areas. Mildew thrives in warm, humid weather. A musty odor often indicates mildew. Bathrooms, closets, basements, and crawl spaces are prime areas for mildew. If you notice a black, gray, white, or even pink splotch on your wall, furniture, bathroom tile, draperies, or even on your clothes, it is probably mildew. Mildew can grow anywhere there is moisture, dirt, and heat.

A bedroom closet that stores clothing can

attract mildew when it is warm and humid

and the closet door stays closed with no

ventilation. If a home is closed up for the

summer with no ventilation or circulation

mildew can form on the furniture and

create a strong odor for you to come home

to from vacation. Mildew can rot fabrics

and discolor walls and wood surfaces if

allowed to continue to grow.

The best way to prevent mildew is to

keep your home, furnishings, and fabrics

dry and clean. Good ventilation is also

necessary especially if you are going to be

away for some time. Simply leaving the air

conditioning on a low setting can provide

enough circulation in the summer when a

house is empty and it is humid outside.

Mildew that does form on clothing and

other materials can be cleaned without

disposing of the materials. The proper

cleaners should be used to clean the

mildew so as not to ruin the clothing or

furniture. There are several commercial

mildew removal products on the market.

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How does mold affect people?

How can I be exposed to mold?

M

ost

people have no reaction when ex-posed to mold. Allergic reactions simi-lar to common pollen or animal allergies, and irritation are the most common health effects for individuals sensitive to mold. Allergic reactions include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or lungs. Our reactions to allergens vary greatly depending on the individual, so we cannot say how much mold is too much. Some individuals are only sensitive to some types of mold.

I

nhaling

or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive in-dividuals. These reactions may be immediate or delayed. Some individuals are affected by

the musty odor of mildew, and the majority of individuals have no reaction at all to exposure to the molds present in indoor and outdoor air.

There is a wide variability in how people are affected by mold exposure. Elderly people, infants and children, and asthma sufferers may be affected more severely and quickly than others. Those with special health concerns should consult their doctor if they are concerned about mold exposure. Symptoms that may seem to occur from mold exposure may be due to other causes, such as bacterial or viral infections or other allergies.

In most cases symptoms from mold are temporary and eliminated by correcting the problem.

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Sources of mold:

M

old

growth may occur in your home/ business if there is sufficient moisture and organic material. Moisture may be in the form of standing water, condensation, or high humidity. Indications of a moisture problem may include discoloration of the ceiling or walls, warping of the floor, or condensation on the walls or windows. Organic materials can include ceiling tile, drywall, wood, or carpet padding.

Common sources of moisture include: Flooding

Roof leaks Plumbing leaks Drainage problems

Damp basements and crawl spaces Steam from the bathroom or kitchen • • • • • •

Condensation resulting from poor or improper insulation or ventilation Humidifiers

Wet clothes drying inside the home or a clothes dryer venting indoors Poor or improper ventilation of combustion appliances

There are some areas of the home that are always susceptible to mold growth and should be part of routine cleaning to keep them under control. These areas include:

The seal on the refrigerator door Shower curtains

Shower stalls and bathroom tiles Window moldings

Surfaces on and around air conditioners • • • • • • • • •

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How do I know if I have a

mold problem?

I

f

there is mold growing in your home or of-fice you will usually see it or smell it. Look-ing for evidence of water damage and visible mold growth should be the first step in detect-ing a mold problem. In most cases a mold problem will find you in the form of the musty odor that comes from mildew and some other molds, or you may find evidence of water dam-age, water stains, or standing water from a plumbing leak or rain entry sitting in a hu-mid area for an extended time. For example, if water runs into a crawl space of your home and sets there for a while, especially in warm weather, mold is liable to grow on the wood beams in the crawl space in the form of a black, fluffy looking growth. It is very easy to detect. Hidden mold such as behind walls or behind wall paper will sometimes have an

odor or will eventually keep growing until it is visible, sometimes growing right through sheet rock or paint coverings.

Should I run air tests to see if I have a

mold problem?

I

f

you do not see mold or smell a potential mold problem, then there should be no need to run air tests to see if you have a mold prob-lem. Testing for mold can get expensive and you should have a valid reason for running the tests such as an odor or visible growth. In addition, there are no standards for “acceptable” levels of mold in the indoor environment. When air sampling is run, the results are usually used to compare the levels of mold in the indoor environment with those found outdoors. If the levels inside

are that much higher than the levels outside, then there may be a problem indoors. Air sampling for mold is also only telling you what the levels are at the given times that the samples are run. They could vary greatly at different times of the day, week, or month. If you know you have a mold problem by smell or sight, then the levels in the air is irrelevant. It is more important to spend time and

resources getting rid of the mold and solving the moisture problem that is causing the mold situation.

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Should mold be sampled to identify

what type of mold it may be?

What do I do once I have found mold?

I

n

most cases, if visible growth is present, sampling for the species (type) of mold is unnecessary. If mold is visible the cause of the mold should be determined and fixed, and then the mold properly removed. What type of mold it is does not make a difference

when there is a problem and it needs to be fixed. If samples are taken to determine species, then the results should be to help answer a specific question. For example:

If a source for mold cannot be determined, mold found indoors may be identified to determine if it is from an outside source.

•

Medical diagnosis may require the type of mold present to verify an allergy or reaction. Individuals can be allergic to one or more types of mold and to determine which type(s) cause the reaction, identification may be necessary.

Any analysis for mold should be performed by an experienced and proficient laboratory. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommends using an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) EMLAP accredited lab.

•

I

f

there is mold growth in your home or business, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem that contributed to the mold. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, then the mold will come back.

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Who should do the cleanup?

C

leanup

should depend on the size of the problem. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommends that if the moldy area is less than ten (10) square feet (roughly a 3ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself following the USEPA guidelines of personal protection and proper cleaners (see Related Resources at the end of this brochure).

There are cases though when you should not try and do the job yourself. For example:

If there has been a lot of water damage and there is substantial mold growth (greater than 10 square feet).

If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other

contaminated water, then you should use a professional with experience in cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

If you suspect the heating/air conditioning system (HVAC) is causing the mold or may be contaminated with mold, then an HVAC expert should be contacted. If a contractor is hired to perform the clean up, make sure the contractor has experience working with mold. Check their references and inquire about their cleanup procedures. Clean up should not begin until the source of the problem is determined and fixed.

•

The cleanup process may include some or all of the following steps:

Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).

All wet materials should be thoroughly dried or discarded. Mold growing on hard surfaces (wood and concrete) can be cleaned. Do not paint or caulk moldy

surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel or have the mold grow through the paint.

Areas where mold has been cleaned should be monitored periodically for new mold growth or signs of additional moisture. This may indicate the need for further repairs or removal of material. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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How do I know when the remediation

or cleanup is complete?

Ways to control moisture

to prevent mold:

The water or moisture problem must be completely fixed before the cleanup or remediation can be considered finished. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present.

1.

2.

People should be able to occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms related to the mold problem. The site should be revisited shortly after cleanup and periodically thereafter to check for signs of water damage or mold growth.

3.

4.

When water leaks or spills indoors, ACT QUICKLY and dry it up

immediately. The longer water sits, the more chance of mold growing. Clean and repair roof gutters

regularly. This prevents water from running into or under a house. 1.

2.

Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.

Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. Keep indoor humidity low by using air conditioners, de-humidifiers, exhaust and ceiling fans as necessary.

3.

4.

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Mold Facts

• Mold growth is caused by some type of moisture.

• A mold problem can usually be seen or smelled without the need for testing.

• Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people.

• Reactions to mold can be immediate or delayed.

• Everyone is not allergic to mold or to all types of mold.

• Most people have no reaction to mold.

• Mold grows year round, inside, and outside.

• Mold growth should be attended to and the source fixed as soon as possible.

• There are currently no standards for sampling the air for mold.

• Black or toxic mold is usually the result of heavy water damage.

• In most cases, if a water problem is corrected and dried within 24 to 48 hours, a

mold problem will not occur.

For Additional Information:

Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection

201 N Chestnut St.

Winston-Salem, NC 27101-1362

(336) 703-2440

www.forsyth.cc/EAP

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OSHA

Preventing Mold Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace

EPA

A Brief Guide To Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

CES

Rid Your Home of Mildew, Insite 2

Mildew Prevention in the Home

FCS-237

Moisture Control & Prevention Guide FCS-486

U. S. Environmental Protection

Agency (USEPA)

www.epa.gov

Occupational Safety & Health

Administration (OSHA)

www.osha.gov

American Industrial Hygiene

Association (AIHA)

www.aiha.org

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

www.cdc.gov

North Carolina Cooperative

Extension Service (CES)

www.ces.ncsu.edu

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium

• Penicillium

• Alternaria

• Aspergillus

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality:

Dampness and Mould[PDF - 2.52 MB]. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.

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Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.

• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air. • Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.

• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.

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Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.

• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months. • Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans. • Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.

• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.

• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.

• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery. What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops • Greenhouses • Saunas • Farms • Mills • Construction areas • Flower shops • Summer cottages

I found mold growing in my home, how do I test the mold?

Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been established.

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A qualified environmental lab took samples of the mold in my home and gave me the results. Can CDC interpret these results?

Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the building’s characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.

What type of doctor should I see concerning mold exposure?

You should first consult a family or general health care provider who will decide whether you need referral to a specialist. Such specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold infections. If an infection is in the lungs, a pulmonary physician might be recommended. Patients who have been exposed to molds in their workplace may be referred to an occupational physician. CDC is not a clinical facility. CDC does not see patients, diagnose illness, provide treatment, prescribe medication, or provide referrals to health care providers.

My landlord or builder will not take any responsibility for cleaning up the mold in my home. Where can I go for help?

If you feel your property owner, landlord, or builder has not been responsive to concerns you’ve expressed regarding mold exposure, you can contact your local board of health or housing authority. Applicable codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and similar issues about mold generally fall under state and local (not federal) jurisdiction. You could also review your lease or building contract and contact local or state government authorities, your insurance company, or an attorney to learn more about local codes and regulations and your legal rights. CDC does not have enforcement power in such matters, nor can we provide you with advice. You can contact your county or state health department about mold issues in your area to learn about what mold assessment and remediation services they may offer. You can find information on your state's Indoor Air Quality program at

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I'm sure that mold in my workplace is making me sick.

If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you work, you should first consult your health care provider to determine the appropriate action to take to protect your health. Notify your employer and, if applicable, your union representative about your concern so that your employer can take action to clean up and prevent mold growth. To find out more about mold, remediation of mold, or workplace safety and health guidelines and regulations, you may also want to contact your local (city, county, or state) health department.

You should also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, at

http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.

I am very concerned about mold in my children’s school and how it affects their health.

If you believe your children are ill because of exposure to mold in their school, first consult their health care provider to determine the appropriate medical action to take. Contact the school’s administration to express your concern and to ask that they remove the mold and prevent future mold growth. If needed, you could also contact the local school board.