BEST PRACTICES AND NEW
DEVELOPMENTS AROUND
RADON AND MOLD
Dan Tranter, MPH
Minnesota Department of Health
10/1/13
Alliance for Healthy Homes Convening
Radon Basics
A widespread lung carcinogen
Radon Key Facts





A colorless, tasteless,
odorless gas
From uranium in soil
Cancer-causing
Radioactive
Leading cause of lung
cancer for non-smokers
Health Effects Of Radon

Second leading cause of lung
cancer in the United States
 Estimated to cause 21,000
deaths annually*
 MN 700-1,000
 Second only to smoking

Leading cause of lung cancer
for non-smokers
* EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (June 2003, EPA -402-R-03 -0003)
What Level of Radon is
Considered Safe?

There is no
known safe level of radon exposure

World Health Organization (WHO)
 2.7 pCi/L health based standard

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
 4 pCi/L ‘action level’ based on 1980s
mitigation technology

Minnesota Department of Health
 2 pCi/L (mitigators usually reduce to < 2)
Radon in Minnesota
EPA
MDH
Radon Awareness Act
New law, effective 1/1/14, that will inform
home buyers and sellers
Why Real Estate?
Common Questions
I never heard about radon…Why?
 Why did I not hear about this when I
bought my home?
 Why didn’t my realtor tell me about
radon?
 Why isn’t the government doing more
to ensure we know about this
hazard?

Background

Radon not regulated in MN


Except new construction since 2009
General disclosure requirements in real estate
(MS 513.55) inadequate

Discourages seller from testing


Misleading to buyer


have to disclose if high
can check off ‘no radon environmental concern’ if never tested
Do real estate professionals educate their
clients?
Radon Awareness Act




Applies to most residential real estate
Buyers and sellers given information
 MDH radon publication
 Radon Warning Statement
 Seller Discloses:
 whether radon levels known (i.e., no testing)
 history of testing/mitigation
 records of testing/mitigation
Does not apply to renting
Effective 1/1/14
Radon Warning Statement
The Minnesota Department of Health strongly recommends that ALL
homebuyers have an indoor radon test performed prior to purchase or taking
occupancy, and recommends having the radon levels mitigated if elevated
radon concentrations are found. Elevated radon concentrations can easily be
reduced by a qualified, certified, or licensed, if applicable, radon mitigator.
Every buyer of any interest in residential real property is notified that the
property may present exposure to dangerous levels of indoor radon gas that
may place the occupants at risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer.
Radon, a Class A human carcinogen, is the leading cause of lung cancer in
nonsmokers and the second leading cause overall. The seller of any interest in
residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information
on radon test results of the dwelling.
Impact
Increased awareness  increased
testing radon reduction  lung
cancer reduction
 In Illinois, 3 – 4 x increase in radon
testing during real estate transactions
 About 100,000 MN residential real
estate transactions per year

Looking Forward
Real Estate Publication
 Model disclosure forms
 New website
 Educate real estate professionals
 Recruit radon professionals
 Provide materials to all interested
parties

Partnerships & Outreach
Education and Outreach at the Community
Level
Partnerships

Local Agencies
44

Counties
Non-profits
housing,
health, etc.
Contractors: technical assistance
1-2 per month
 Builders:

Gold
Standard for Radon
MDH Offers Test Kits to
Partners





Free
Short test (2-7 days)
Long test (3+ months)
Contact me
Recommend selling
 Revenue
 Greater
kit usage
Suggestions regarding test
kits


Provide public booklet with test kits
MDH cannot guarantee test kits available at all
times
 When
test kits run out provide test kit order form
(retail: $8/kit)
 Test kits available at $4 per kit to govt (State’s
Master Contract CPV List-MN Dept Admin)

Track your test kits (usage, results)
Radon Resources
See our website:
www.health.state.mn.us/radon
Gold Standard for RRNC

MN code requires passive radon resistance
feature
 But...20%

Gold Standard Builders offer fan to customers
 95

of new homes > 4pCi/L action level
builders
Builders provided:
 marketing
 training
 test
kits
 brochures
 point for Green Path
Radon Contractor Listings

Two types:
 Radon
Measurement Professionals
 Radon Mitigation Professionals

Certified by:
 National
Radon Proficiency Program
 National Radon Safety Board

Training provided through Midwest Universities
Radon Consortium
 St.

Paul Dec 2-7, 2013
Contractors NOT licensed by state for radon
Radon Data for your
Community


MDH has maps
Star Tribune data portal by zip code
 http://www.startribune.com/local/190270511.html
Upcoming Outreach
Activities








Press releases
W. MN Town Hall Meetings (?)
Radio PSAs
 Nov: KS95, KDWB, K102
 Jan: WCCO (?)
Test kit distribution
Health & Home Shows
New construction ads
Quarterly Radon Meetings
Sign up to receive radon email updates through our
website: www.health.state.mn.us/radon
Radon Trends
Monthly Calls/Emails
(12/11 – 6/13)

Starts earlier, sustained
250
200
150
100
50
0
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
MDH Web Hits
35000
30000
Web Hits
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
Air Chek Kits Analyzed
1600
1400
Test Kits Anlayzed
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Quarterly Mitigations
Mold in Homes
Mold Basics
A common health concerns
MDH Perspective on Mold





All molds may cause
health problems.
Mold growth should NOT
be tolerated in occupied
indoor areas
Moisture is the key to
preventing mold.
Inspect, don’t test
(usually)
Cleaning is based on
amount of growth and
material it’s on
What is Mold?



Natural (fungus)
Mold spores (seeds)
are everywhere
Mold growth is the
problem:
Odors
 Unsightly
 Destroying building
 Health

For Mold Growth To Occur:
Spores
 Air
 Moderate
temperatures
 Food source
(organic matter)
 Moisture

Health:
Mold Allergies

5% of people
Asthma
 Hay fever
 Rashes


Hypersensitivity
Pneumonitis (rare)
Very high levels (silos)
 Cleaning large amounts,
frequently

Photo Courtesy AAAAI
Health:
Mold Infections

Serious infections very rare
in healthy people


Source: Usually Bird or Bat
droppings
Possible if weakened
immune system
HIV+
 Uncontrolled diabetes
 Medication for cancer or
transplant

Health:
Toxic Effects





May be possible, but not well understood
Controversial
Many molds produce toxins
Not likely to be enough toxins in air
Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (rare)

Need very heavy levels (cloud of spores, such
agriculture)
Other Indoor Air Contaminants
Cause Similar Symptoms
Moisture Related
Cockroaches Bacteria
Not Moisture Related
Smoke, Pets, Chemicals, etc
Dust Mites
Addressing Moisture
Flooding, Condensation,
Leaks
Flooding:
Over-land
Rushford August 2007
Flooding:
Over-land
Cleaned by hosing down
Sheetrock very moldy on
back side
Flooding:
Plumbing burst
Condensation:
Humidity
Exhaust fans present, working?
Dryer ducted outside?
Condensation:
Humidity



Poor air circulation
Cold surfaces
Moisture sources
 Humidifiers,
many
plants, aquarium

Keep winter
humidity at 20-30%
Leaks:
Roof--Ice Dams
Leaks:
Windows/Heavy Rain
Leaks:
Plumbing
Leaks:
Basement & Crawlspace
Remediation
Safely and thoroughly remove growth
Don’t Clean Mold if You Have a
Known Health Problem


Talk to your doctor
Examples:




Severely weakened immune
system
Uncontrolled asthma or known
severe asthma sensitivity to
mold
Diagnosed with
hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Common-sense

If you had severe reaction in a
known moldy place
MDH does not Recommend
Mold Testing in Most Cases


Expensive, when done right
Usually unnecessary:
Mold visible/known, or
 Moisture problem known, so mold can be found


No health standard
Mold is naturally present in environment
 Individual susceptibility varies a lot


Testing may miss problem
Levels can vary by time, location
 Different testing methods

Identify and Map Dampness
Moisture
Meters
Infrared
Camera
Identify Scope of Problem before
Starting to Clean
Review History, Check a few areas
Remove ventilation diffuser
Peel back carpet
Small hole in drywall/cabinet
Peel back base board
Cleaning Process
Remove ‘mud/muck’ and debris
Remove porous items and building materials
Scrub remaining hard surfaces with soap and
water
Apply bleach
1)
2)
3)
4)


Dry quickly
5)

6)
recommended for sewage, over-land flood
1/4 -1/2 cup per gallon water
fans, open windows, dehumidifier, furnace on
continuous
Rebuild when drying is complete
Clean Up
Important points



Structural members should be removed by
contractor or knowledgeable person
Move salvageable items (e.g., not porous
furniture) outside for cleaning
Clean up should be done to 2 feet beyond
affected area
 check

backside of walls/floors
Use of antimicrobials or pesticides by a for-hire
company is regulated
Replace Moldy Porous
Materials









Flooring
 carpet and pad
 linoleum or laminate
Sub-floor / underlayment
 pressed-wood, plywood
Walls
 drywall, pressed-wood,
 lathe and plaster (major damage)
Insulation
 cellulose, fiber glass
Furniture
 upholstered, particle board
Ceiling tiles
Wall paper, inexpensive wall coverings
Paper materials
Non-metal materials in ductwork
Clean Semi-porous Moldy
Materials...if structurally sound

Flooring


Walls




concrete or solid wood
Furniture


concrete, brick, solid wood, lathe and plaster
Subfloor/underlayment


stone, tile, vinyl, concrete, wood, rubber
solid wood, metal, plastic, glass
Laminated furniture if laminate in tact
Foam insulation
Unlined or uninsulated metal ductwork
Personal Protection:
Just Water Damage or Small Mold Problem



Small Problem:
 Less than 10 sq ft,
 No severely
susceptible people,
and
 Small amount of dust
produced
Respiratory protection
 N95
No containment needed
Personal Protection and Containment:
Larger Mold Problems




Larger Problem
 > 10 sq. feet, or
 Dusty clean-up, or
 Susceptible people
Consider inspection and/or clean-up
specialists
Respiratory Protection
 HEPA/N100/P100
Containment
 poly
single or double
sheeting
 Exhaust to outdoors or
HEPA air machines
Working with Bleach

Apply to cleaned surfaces
 Should



be no mud or soiling
Use ¼ - ½ cup per gallon water to treat
surfaces
Wear gloves
Ventilate the area
 open
windows, use fans
Respirators

Do NOT use surgical mask or nuisance dust
mask
Respirators




N95 or N100/P100/HEPA
Do fit check
Remove facial hair
Will restrict air flow to lungs
Rebuilding

Should wait till materials are completely dry
 May
take months
 Can monitor with moisture meter
Assistance is Limited


Where flood or water event
 Homeowner’s insurance
Where inadequate insulation/sealing  condensation
 Local weatherization programs (MN DEED)

Fix up loans
 Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency

Valuation reduction of homestead property damaged by mold
 Under Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.11, subdivision 21

In rental properties
 Local housing/code enforcement (property maintenance code)

In new construction
 Local building official (building code)
When to Seek
Professionals

Mold / moisture Inspector
 odors
or other signs of hidden mold and you can’t
figure scope of problem

Mold removal specialist
 if
large amount of mold present
 highly sensitive people present

Building contractor
 removing

structural components
Asbestos, lead, chemical spills, or other hazard
abatement
Where to Receive Further
Training/Certification




University of Minnesota – Continuing
Education
American Council for Accredited Certification
Indoor Air Quality Association
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and
Restoration Certification
MDH Perspective on Mold
(revisited)





All molds may cause health problems.
Mold growth should NOT be tolerated in
occupied indoor areas.
Moisture is the key to preventing mold.
Inspect, don’t test (usually).
Cleaning is based on amount of growth and
material it’s on.
Questions?
Dan Tranter
Indoor Air Unit
Supervisor
651-201-4618
daniel.tranter@state.mn.us
www.health.state.mn.us/healthyhomes