Mold Prevention and
Remediation
Agenda
How Does Mold Exposure Occur?
Requirements for Mold Growth
Health Effects Associated with Mold
Exposure
 Objective
 Water Damage Clean-Up/Mold Prevention
 What Do I Do If I Find Mold?
 Hazard Assessment
 Mold Remediation (Clean-up/Removal)
 Occupant Communication
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How Does Mold Exposure
Occur?
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Mold is a naturally occurring organism that
produces seed-like spores that are small enough
to travel through the air.
We are exposed to mold daily in the air we
breathe.
Exposure occurs through breathing, ingestion,
and/or skin contact.
The level of airborne molds increase when
moisture problems arise in buildings creating
mold growth on building materials.
Requirements for Mold Growth
Moisture or high relative humidity (>60%)
 Temperature between 40-100 ˚F
 Organic matter
 Source of spores
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Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
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The most common health effect of mold is
allergic reaction.
Molds can cause a variety of health risks
dependent on the type and amount of mold
present, and the susceptibility and sensitivity
of the person being exposed.
Most workers will have no reaction at all
when exposed to mold, while others may
have underlying health conditions that make
them more sensitive to the effects of mold
exposure.
Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
Allergic Reactions
 Fungal Infections
 Other
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Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
Allergic Reactions
Health Effect
Dermatitis
Explanation
Red itchy skin and/or rash.
Asthma
May
be aggravated or caused by exposure
to mold, resulting in attacks of coughing,
wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Reactions usually occur within minutes
after exposure, and may repeat 6-10 hours
later.
Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
Allergic Reactions cont…
Health Effect
Explanation
Allergic Rhinitis Similar to hay fever or the common
or Sinusitis
cold, but over an extended period of time.
Symptoms may include a runny nose,
nasal or sinus congestion, irritated or red
eyes, irritated or scratchy throat, and
cough.
Reactions occur quickly after exposure
to molds.
Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
Allergic Reactions cont…
Health Effect
Hypersensitivity
Pneumonitis
Explanation
Involves the lungs and the body.
Symptoms include tightness in the
chest, difficulty breathing, cough, fever,
and muscle aches.
Reactions occur 6-8 hours after
exposure.
Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
Fungal Infections
Health Effect
Explanation
Invasive
Only occurs in severely
Pulmonary
immunocomprimised.
Aspergillosis
Symptoms include pneumonia plus
fever, bone pain, chills, headache, and
weight loss.
Aspergilloma
Symptoms include cough, coughing up
blood, and weight loss.
Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
Fungal Infections cont…
Health Effect
Allergic
Bronchopulmonary
Aspergillosis
Explanation
Worsening of underlying condition
(asthma or cystic fibrosis) plus
coughing up blood and weight loss.
Health Effects Associated with
Mold Exposure
Other
Health Effect
Reported Symptoms
Explanation
Fatigue, headache, fever, muscle
ache, difficulty concentrating and
mood changes.
The cause of these symptoms are
not completely understood.
Objective
The objective of the Mold Prevention and
Remediation Program is to utilize
prevention techniques to minimize the
potential for mold and fungal growth,
identify, control and remediate areas
containing fungal growth, and to protect all
University employees.
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Mold needs moisture and a food source to grow.
The key to mold and fungus growth prevention is
eliminating the moisture source and clean-up of
materials within 24-48 hours.
When any source of moisture is found, report it
to Facilities Services for repair and dry out the
area as soon as possible.
Water Damage Clean-Up and Mold Prevention
tips and the EPA Guidelines presented on pages
7 – 10 of the Mold Prevention and Remediation
Program must be followed to prevent mold and
fungal growth.
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Facilities Services and Other Maintenance
Personnel
– Must locate the source of the moisture and
eliminate the causative agent and;
– Utilize prevention techniques to minimize the
potential for mold and fungal growth.
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Drying effectiveness is determined by
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Temperature
Humidity
Air Movement
Time
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Temperature and Relative Humidity
– As temperature increases, the moisture holding
capacity of air increases, and since moisture in the
air remains the same, relative humidity decreases.
– As temperature decreases, the moisture capacity
of air decreases, and since moisture in the air
remains the same, relative humidity increases.
– Lower relative humidity promotes evaporation
and drying.
– Higher relative humidity slows evaporation and
can lead to condensation and secondary damage.
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Types of Drying Systems
– Open or Natural Dehumidification: doors and
windows are open and continuous ventilation
is provided by air movers.
– Closed or Mechanical Dehumidification: use
of dehumidification equipment with doors and
windows closed.
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Use open or natural dehumidification
– During conditions of low outside humidity
and moderate temperatures.
– When specific humidity of outside air remains
at 20 grains per pound (gpp) or less than the
specific humidity of the inside air.
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Use closed or mechanical dehumidification when
– Outside temperature is below dew point.
– The outside humidity is high.
– Moisture is in a difficult-to-ventilate basement.
– Weather conditions are variable.
– The building has no windows or sealed windows.
– Security issues do not allow ventilation.
– There are multiple wet structural components.
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
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Protimeter Moisture Measurement System
– Can be used to measure
 Temperature
 Relative Humidity
 Specific Humidity
 Moisture Content of Materials
 Condensation
– Demonstration
Water Damage Clean-Up and
Mold Prevention
Example Scenario
A flood soaked the carpet in one of the
ground floor rooms in a building on
campus. What do you do?
Water Damage Clean up and
Mold Prevention
Answer
DRY WITHIN 24 HOURS
 Remove all material from the carpet.
 Remove the water with a water extraction
vacuum.
 Shampoo the carpet
 Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers and
use fans to accelerate the drying process.
What Do I Do If I Find Mold?
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Follow cleaning and removal procedures for
mold/fungal growth that covers an isolated area less
than 10ft2.
Report all visible mold/fungal growth that covers an
isolated area of 10ft2 or more to Environmental Health
and Safety, before further action is taken.
Report all visible mold/fungal growth that would
require destroying or removing the material to
Environmental Health and Safety, regardless of area,
before further action is taken.
Report all visible mold/fungal growth in a Heating,
Ventilating, and Air Conditioning System to
Environmental Health and Safety, regardless of area,
before further action is taken.
Hazard Assessment
If warranted EH&S will conduct a hazard
assessment.
 Visual Inspection
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– The presence of mold, water damage, or musty
odors must be addressed immediately, beginning
with a visual inspection.
– Ventilation systems must be visually checked for
damp filters and other damp conditions. Ceiling
tiles, walls, cardboard and paper must also be
visually inspected for mold growth.
– When visible mold growth is present, the
remediation process must begin.
Hazard Assessment
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Sampling
– Air sampling methods for some fungi
cannot be used to definitely rule out
contamination.
– However, when visible mold growth is not
present, but suspected, and/or an
individual has been diagnosed with a
disease that is, or may be associated with
fungal exposure, air monitoring may be
necessary.
Hazard Assessment
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Sampling
– The purpose of air monitoring is to
determine location and extent of
contamination.
Hazard Assessment
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Sampling
– Air monitoring may also be conducted to
determine the effectiveness of the
remediation by verifying that air
concentrations of mold and fungal spores
are similar to ambient or outdoor air.
– If air monitoring is performed, outdoor air
and non-suspect area samples must also
be collected for comparative purposes.
Clean-Up and Removal
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Four levels of contamination
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Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)
Mid-Sized Areas (10 ft2 – 100 ft2)
Large Areas (More than 100 ft2)
HVAC Contamination
Clean-up and Removal
Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)
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BGSU staff may conduct remediation,
using wet methods, under the following
conditions:
– Mold/fungal growth remediation would not
require destructive cleaning procedures
and/or;
– Mold/fungal growth to be remediated is not
located in a HVAC system.
Clean-up and Removal
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Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)
cont…
Level 1: Clean Up
1. The area should be unoccupied during cleaning.
2. Consult cleaning instructions for specific
materials located on page 12 of the Mold
Prevention and Remediation Program.
3. Wear chemical resistant gloves and chemical
goggles during clean up. A N95 filtering face
piece can be used on a voluntary basis according
to the "Voluntary Use" rules covered in Personal
Protective Equipment and Hazard
Communication training. (See Handout)
Clean-up and Removal
Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)
cont…
4. Mist or wet the affected area with a detergent
solution.
5. Leave the detergent solution on the affected area
for five to ten minutes prior to removal.
6. Remove contaminated material that cannot be
removed with a detergent solution in a sealed
plastic bag and throw it out in regular trash.
7. Mop the area with a detergent solution after clean
up and make sure all areas are left dry and visibly
free from contamination and debris.
Clean-up and Removal
Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)
Example Scenario
A localized roof leak occurred wetting two wooden
chairs with upholstered seats. The chairs showed
signs of mold growth on the wood and upholstered
seats. The growth was collectively under 10 square
feet. After immediately notifying Campus Operations
for repair, what measures would you take to clean the
chairs?
Clean-up and Removal
Level 1: Small Isolated Areas (10 ft2 or less)
Chart
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Wood
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Method 1 – Wet vacuum/steam clean
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Method 2 – Damp-wipe surfaces with wood floor cleaner
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Method 3 – HEPA vacuum after the material has been
thoroughly dried and dispose of contents in a well sealed
plastic bag.
Upholstered Seat
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Method 1 – Wet vacuum/steam clean
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Method 3 – HEPA vacuum after the material has been
thoroughly dried and dispose of contents in a well sealed
plastic bag.
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Method 4 – Discard and dispose of as normal waste in
seal plastic bag.
Clean-up and Removal
Level 2: Mid-Sized Areas (10 ft2 – 100 ft2)
Level 3: Large Areas (More than 100 ft2)
Level 4: HVAC Contamination
Outside contractors will perform
remediation. Environmental Health and
Safety must be consulted prior to
remediation.
Clean-up and Removal
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Outside Contractors
– Midwest Environmental Control, Inc.
 (419) 382 – 9200
 Dale Bruhl
 Scott Sellers
Occupant Communication
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Communication with building occupants will be
coordinated by Environmental Health and Safety.
If a large-scale remediation project is found, the
affected employees must be notified.
The notification must include a description of the
remedial measures and a timetable for
completion.
Individuals with health problems that
appear to be related to bioaerosol
exposure must see their physician
if a problem exists.
Summary
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How Does Mold Exposure Occur?
Requirements for Mold Growth
Health Effects Associated with Mold Exposure
Objective
Water Damage Clean-Up/Mold Prevention
What Do I Do If I Find Mold?
Hazard Assessment
Mold Remediation (Clean-Up/Removal)
Occupant Communication
Where to Get More Information
 Macher, Sc.D., M/P.H., Editor, Bioaerosols Assessment and
Control, American Conference of Industrial Hygienists.
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1999.
 Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings,
U.S. EPA. April 2001.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/images/moldremediation.pd
f
 LSU Ag Center Research and Extension.
http://www.lsuagcenter.com
 University of Minnesota.
http://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/flood.html
 Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in
Indoor Environments, New York City Department of
Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational
Disease Epidemiology. April 2000.
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html