In this guide we’re going to explore how mold can impact our health, and most importantly, how we can prevent and safely remediate it as it applies to our workplaces. Let’s dive in!
Mold: A Sneaky Culprit
Mold is part of the great outdoors, where it plays an important role in breaking down organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead critters. Mold is a type of fungi, and there are thousands of species found in the United States alone. In fact, some of our favorite foods and medicines—like cheese and penicillin—owe their existence to mold.
But when mold makes its way indoors, it’s a different story. If mold starts growing inside your home or workplace, it can affect the look, smell, and even the structural integrity of the building. Mold can grow on virtually any surface, as long as there’s moisture, oxygen, and something organic to munch on. It reproduces by creating tiny spores that float through the air, and these spores can cause health problems when inhaled.
Mold is usually not an issue unless the spores find a damp spot and start growing. They’ll happily digest anything they land on—wood, paper, carpet, you name it. Molds especially love damp, dark, hidden spaces where light and air circulation are scarce. And if left unchecked, mold can cause structural damage to wood-framed buildings, weakening floors and walls.
Since mold requires water to thrive, it’s crucial to keep excessive moisture at bay. But sometimes, modern building practices can work against us. Tightly sealed buildings with poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup. Roof leaks, gutters that direct water into the building, and unvented appliances can also contribute to the problem. Even improperly maintained heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can result in elevated humidity levels.
Health Concerns: What Mold Can Do to Us
Currently, there are no federal standards for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. However, that doesn’t mean we should take mold lightly. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposure and health effects is ongoing, but we already know that molds can produce allergens, substances that can cause allergic reactions.
Allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed, and they often present as hay fever-type symptoms like a runny nose and red eyes. For some individuals who are allergic to mold, exposure can even trigger asthma attacks.
Localized skin or mucosal infections can also occur, but systemic infections are rare in healthy individuals. However, people with impaired immunity, such as those with AIDS or uncontrolled diabetes, may be more vulnerable. It’s essential to seek the advice of a medical professional if you experience any emerging health issues related to mold exposure.
Some species of mold can also produce mycotoxins under certain conditions, and the potential health effects of these toxins are still being studied.
Prevention: Keeping Mold at Bay
The key to mold control is moisture control. If water leaks or spills occur indoors, it’s essential to act quickly. A prompt response—within 24 to 48 hours—will help prevent or limit mold growth.
Here are some mold prevention tips to keep in mind:
- Repair plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure ASAP.
- Look for condensation and wet spots, and fix moisture sources promptly.
- Prevent moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing humidity. Insulate or increase air circulation, repair leaks, and use ventilation or dehumidifiers as needed.
- Keep HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
- Perform regularly scheduled building and HVAC inspections, including filter changes.
- Maintain indoor relative humidity below 70%, ideally between 25% and 60%.
- Vent moisture-generating appliances like dryers to the outside when possible.
- Ensure that kitchens and bathrooms are properly vented according to local code requirements.
- Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours of discovery.
- Provide adequate drainage around buildings and slope the ground away from foundations. Follow all local building codes.
Questions to Consider: Is Mold Already Here?
It’s important to stay vigilant and regularly assess whether mold has already found its way into your building. Here are some questions that can help you determine whether there’s a mold problem:
- Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged?
- Have building materials been wet for more than 48 hours?
- Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
- Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
- Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold?
- Has the building been recently remodeled or has the building use changed?
- Has routine maintenance been delayed or insufficient?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have a mold problem on your hands. It’s important to assess the situation and take appropriate remediation measures.
Remediation Plans
Before you start planning your mold takedown, take a good look at the extent of the mold or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials you’re dealing with. If you’re thinking of bringing in outside help for the cleanup, make sure you pick a contractor with experience in mold remediation. Check their references, and ask ’em to follow the recommendations in EPA’s publication, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings,” or other guidelines from professional or governmental organizations.
Your remediation plan should include steps to fix the water or moisture problem for good. You’ll also need to think about the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and how to carefully contain and remove moldy materials without spreading the contamination. Keep in mind that remediation plans can vary quite a bit, depending on the size and complexity of the job. And be prepared to revise your plan if things change or you discover new information.
Now, if you think your HVAC system might be contaminated with mold, or if there’s mold near the intake, get in touch with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or consult EPA’s guide, “Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?” before you take any further action. Don’t run that HVAC system if you know or suspect it’s contaminated with mold, or you’ll just spread it throughout the building. And if the water or mold damage came from sewage or other contaminated water, call in a pro who’s experienced in cleaning and repairing buildings damaged by that nasty stuff.
The top priority for a remediation manager should be protecting the health and safety of both the building occupants and the folks doing the cleanup. Remediators need to be careful not to expose themselves or others to mold-laden dust during the cleanup process. Be cautious to prevent mold and mold spores from getting into the air and being inhaled by the people in the building. In some cases, particularly when you’re dealing with large areas of contamination, the remediation plan might involve temporarily relocating some or all of the building occupants.
When deciding if relocation is necessary, consider the size and type of mold growth, the health effects reported by occupants, the potential health risks associated with the remediation activity, and the amount of disruption the activity is likely to cause. And before deciding to relocate anyone, think about the remediator’s ability to contain or minimize the aerosolization of mold spores, given their expertise and the workspace. When you can, schedule remediation activities during off-hours to minimize the impact on building occupants.
Remediators, especially those with health concerns, might want to check with their doctors or other health-care professionals before tackling mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. If you have any health concerns, doubts, or questions before starting a remediation or cleanup project, don’t hesitate to consult a health professional.
Taking Action: Mold Remediation
When it comes to mold remediation, acting swiftly is key. The goal is to clean up the mold and address the underlying moisture problem to prevent recurrence. Keep in mind that mold remediation can range from a simple cleanup job to a complex project requiring professional assistance.
If you have little or no experience with mold remediation, reading up on basic procedures and guidelines can help you decide whether the situation can be managed in-house or whether outside assistance is needed. If you suspect that mold has damaged the structural integrity of the building, consult a structural engineer or other professional with the appropriate expertise.
If mold remediation occurs, avoid eating, drinking, and using tobacco products and cosmetics in the work area to prevent contamination. Safety should always be a top priority.
So, how do you go about cleaning up the mess? Well, there’s a whole slew of methods for dealing with the damage caused by moisture control issues and mold growth. The best approach depends on the material you’re dealing with. Some options include:
- Wet Vacuum: Yup, there are vacuums made just for sucking up water. They’re great for cleaning up waterlogged floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. But don’t go using them on porous materials like gypsum board. And remember, kids, always clean and dry the tanks, hoses, and attachments after each use to avoid mold hitchhiking on your equipment.
- Damp Wipe: For nonporous surfaces, you can usually wipe away the mold with water and detergent. Just make sure to dry those surfaces as quickly and thoroughly as possible to avoid a mold encore. And always read and follow the instructions on your cleaning products.
- HEPA Vacuum: Once you’ve dried out your materials and removed the contaminated stuff, a HEPA vacuum is a good bet for the final cleanup. They’re also handy for cleaning up dust that may have settled outside the remediation area. But take care when changing the filter – protect yourself with a respirator, gloves, and eye protection to avoid exposure to mold and other nasties.
- Disposal of Damaged Materials: For unsalvageable items, seal ’em up in impermeable bags or closed containers, and dispose of them as ordinary construction waste. Be sure to package the mold-contaminated materials properly to minimize the spread of mold spores. For larger, mold-infested items, wrap them in plastic sheeting and seal with duct tape before removal.
- Use of Biocides: Generally, using biocides like chlorine bleach isn’t recommended during mold remediation. There might be some cases where it’s necessary, but it’s best to leave that decision to the pros. Biocides can be toxic to both people and animals, so if you do use them, ventilate the area well and exhaust the air outside. And for heaven’s sake, don’t mix bleach with ammonia – that’s a recipe for some seriously toxic fumes. Some biocides are classified as pesticides, and certain states require licensed applicators for their use in schools, commercial buildings, and homes. So make sure whoever’s using the biocide has the proper credentials.
- Fungicides: Fungicides, which are used to control fungi on outdoor plants, soil, and grains, should never be used indoors. They can be extremely toxic in an enclosed environment. If you do decide to use biocides, disinfectants, or fungicides, always suit up with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow the product label precautions. And remember, it’s against federal law to use a biocide in a way that’s inconsistent with its label directions.
For more detailed Mold Remediation Guidelines we recommend this informative OSHA page on Mold Remediation.
The Bottom Line
Mold may be a natural part of the great outdoors, but when it comes to our indoor spaces, it’s a pernicious foe that we need to keep in check. With proper moisture control, regular maintenance, and prompt remediation when needed, we can keep our homes and workplaces safe and healthy.
It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. And with a little knowledge and vigilance, we can all do our part in the battle against mold. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and remember to keep an eye out for any unwanted fungal guests.
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