Guidance Introduction Mold Prevention Investigating, Evaluating & Remediating Moisture & Mold Problems Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention Table 2: Mold Remediation Guidelines Checklist for Mold Remediation Resources List Appendix A: Glossary, References, Acknowledgements Appendix B: Introduction to Molds In January 2019, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for General Buildings (PDF) These tools may help identify and determine the severity of known and unknown areas of dampness and mold, prioritize repair and remediation, and track past and present problems. An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. These barriers, including levees, berms, floodwalls, and temporary barriers, may be used to create a protected area for a single structure or for multiple structures. before taking further action. Learn more about mold and moisture control. NFIP Claims Handbook tells policyholders what to do before, during, and after a flood. Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding explains the meaning of retrofitting and details six retrofitting methods that protect the house from flooding including elevating, wet and dry floodproofing, relocating, floodwalls, and protecting service equipment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. A. The Consultation Program can help the employer evaluate and prevent hazardous conditions in the workplace that can cause injuries and illnesses, including mold problems. Other moisture problems may result from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building, or unvented combustion appliance. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. The document summarizes basic procedures for mold remediation after flooding and other disasters with an emphasis on worker protection. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants. Community Floodplain Management ordinances. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published: World Health Organization (WHO) Document. Education and training on cleaning and maintenance. If you know you have a mold problem, it is more important to spend time and resources removing the mold and solving the moisture problem that causes the moldy conditions than to undertake extensive testing for the type and quantity of mold. National Flood Insurance Program Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage: How You Can Benefit provides brief information on ICC Coverage. Distinguish between types types of flooding, including flash, coastal, river and stream, and closed-basin flooding. Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or mold remediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provide oversight for the project. Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). Other resources are intended for use by building and emergency management professionals. The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards. While it is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores, controlling moisture can control indoor mold growth. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a communitys floodplain management ordinances or laws. Health Effects of Mold Exposure Seasonal rainfall and storm systems can cause the lake level to rise faster than it can empty. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. In addition, air sampling may provide tangible evidence supporting a hypothesis that investigators have formulated. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim paid has amounted to nearly $48,000. Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? Their website, FLASH.org, has preparedness and post-disaster materials that Hazard Mitigation staff or the public can easily access. Further, the inclusion of these resources is not intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, by the author of the reference or the organization operating the service identified by the reference. Emergency management and public health professionals can easily share these resources digitally. In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or the mold growth will reoccur. Follow all local building codes. No major drilling or cutting of dry wall is required. In this lesson you learned about: Future risks associated with the hazard event that resulted in the disaster declaration, Mitigation measures available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property, Identify the different types of flooding that occur in the United States, Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public, List the importance of directing individuals to local building officials, engineers, and other specialists before starting repairs, Match FEMA information, publications, and websites that support the mitigation recommendationsto specific audiences, How to receive credit for this independent study course. Additional elevation of electrical components above the recommended level further reduces the risk. Improper maintenance and design of building heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as insufficient cooling capacity for an air conditioning system, can result in elevated humidity levels in a building. Use the Tab key to move forward through each screens navigation buttons and hyperlinks, or Shift + Tab to move backwards. Short circuits in flooded systems pose an increased potential for fire. Filing and appealing flood insurance claims are covered. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (. Many of these mitigation measures involve elevating equipment above the expected flood levels. Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings, WHOGuidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (PDF), World Health Organization, 2009, 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Resources for Public Health Professionals. C. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. The following sections discuss the various types of PPE that may be used during remediation activities. Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. Floodplain management ordinances require that when a structure in the floodplain has Substantial Damage or undergoes Substantial Improvement, the owner must bring the structure into compliance with the most current standards when repairing or rebuilding. These guidelines are subject to change as more information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available. The purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to remove moldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage to building materials and furnishings. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. The following list of resources includes information developed and maintained by public and private organizations. The last screen provides instructions on how to complete the final exam. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms. Losing these tanks results in major costs and inconvenience to their owners. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). Remember to change filters as appropriate, especially following any remediation activities. However, OSHA does not control this information and cannot guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. The work area should be unoccupied. An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality [Page title updated in 2012], Biological Pollutants [Page title updated in 2012], Building Air Quality (BAQ) [Page title updated in 2012], Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air Quality [Page title and link updated in 2015], Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings [Page title and link updated in 2015], Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools [Page title updated in 2015], Resources for Flood Cleanup and Mold [Link updated in 2019], Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide [Link updated in 2015], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings, Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Jewish Health Medical and Research Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Managing water infiltration into buildings, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, SHIB 03-10-10 A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace - English, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, (formerly Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine), Office of Science and Technology Assessment. which agency is responsible for the message to the public about mold hazards and remediation? This can be done by using moist techniques, such as a damp cloth or pad, for mold removal and by bagging the material in the confined space for later removal. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). When you use biocides as a disinfectant or a pesticide, or as a fungicide, you should use appropriate PPE, including respirators. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting. Although the level of personal protection suggested in these guidelines is based on the total surface area contaminated and the potential for remediator or occupant exposure, professional judgment always should play a part in remediation decisions. ONLY the mold publications that have been provided by the American Red Cross B. Some specific species of mold produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions. The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment? A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home (pdf) (1.38 MB) Structures must be elevated by trained professionals. A user id and password are required to access either website. The primary function of personal protective equipment is to prevent the inhalation and ingestion of mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes. The guidelines have been designed to help construct a remediation plan. Please refer to the discussion of the different levels of remediation to ascertain the type of respiratory protection recommended. All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris. Wells suspected of being contaminated should be inspected by a professional. C. The State Health Department . Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may adhere to equipment surfaces. We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold. It also should include steps to carefully contain and remove moldy building materials in a manner that will prevent further contamination. A. If you are in doubt about sampling, consult an industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional with experience in microbial investigations to help you decide if sampling for mold is necessary or useful, and to identify persons who can conduct any necessary sampling. Remediation plans may vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered. Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes. Bioaerosols Assessment and Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology 2002. Some of the more common items include: Moisture meters measure/monitor moisture levels in building materials, and may be helpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materials following water damage. Note: If the Next button is dimmed, you must complete an activity before you can proceed in the lesson. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid). The outside of the bags should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a detergent solution or HEPA vacuumed in the decontamination chamber prior to their transport to uncontaminated areas of the building. U.S. EPA IAQ Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO). Such persons should receive training on proper clean up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. The remediation manager's highest priority must be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. A community can permanently eliminate the risk of flood damage to buildings in a floodplain by purchasing the properties from their owners and removing the structures. Substantial Improvement is defined as improvement with a cost that is equal to or greater than half of the market value of a structure before the improvement. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. Information on health-related topics including asthma molds in the environment, and occupational health. Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Centers for Disease Control. The cost of flood insurance varies depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property's flood risk. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., known as FLASH, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation across a variety of natural hazards, including floods. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard. This completes this lesson. If you suspect that the HVAC system is contaminated with mold, or if mold is present near the intake to the system, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or consult EPA's guide, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" A JFO Insurance Hotline, manned by HM Insurance Specialists, may be established after large flood disasters and is for the use of FEMA staff only. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLYthe mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. Priority is given to businesses with fewer than 250 employees at a worksite, with further consideration given to the severity of the worksite problem. Mold grows where there is sufficient moisture. An important reference with guidelines for immuno-compromised individuals can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Use Ctrl + Tab to deselect an element or reset to the beginning of a screens navigation links (most often needed for screens with animations or media). The information in these guidelines is intended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it be used, as a detailed guide to mold remediation. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). It is important to be able to discuss basic information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with anyone concerned about flooding. There is a tremendous risk of mold growth after flooding. Occupational and environmental health and safety information. Accredited laboratories must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)). This completes this lesson. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. There are various types of equipment useful in mold assessment and remediation. Remediation can be conducted by the regular building maintenance staff as long as they are trained on proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. Are there existing moisture problems in the building? Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. Pass the final exam. Floodproofing measures are generally designed to protect individual components of a structure, not to bring the structure into compliance with a communitys floodplain ordinance. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. D. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. Air sampling for mold may not be part of a routine assessment because decisions about appropriate remediation strategies often can be made on the basis of a visual inspection. Flash flooding is the rapid flooding of low-lying areas. For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' document, "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control." Ventilation ductwork also can be protected from flooding by locating it above the base flood level. Topics in this lesson include: At the end of this lesson you will be able to: There are two reasons why Hazard Mitigation staff talk to the public about the National Flood Insurance Program: First, the NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that participate in the NFIP. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. It provides an overview of mold and how it impacts peoples health, what can be done to fix a mold problem, and how to prevent mold problems. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings. Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots as soon as possible, but no more than 48 hours after discovery. Second, each community participating in the program has adopted a floodplain management ordinance, which reflects the flood risk information provided in the FEMA flood maps. The effects of flooding can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or extensive, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. However, the spores in the ambient air will not cause further problems if the moisture level in the building has been corrected. Molds may cause localized skin or mucosal infections but, in general, do not cause systemic infections in humans, except for persons with impaired immunity, AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, or those taking immune suppressive drugs. Study Resources . Refer interested individuals to local building officials and plumbing specialists before undertaking any of these measures. Most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects. Click on the "Back" or the "Next" buttons at the top and bottom of screens to move backward or forward in the lesson. To help with these costs, the NFIP includes Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage for all eligible properties insured under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. Outdoor utilities such as heat pumps or air conditioners can be protected by placing them on an elevated platform above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Molds are part of the natural environment. Their website is located at www.nahb.org. River and stream flooding may be triggered by heavy rains, melting snows, and storm surge. Always consider consulting a health professional to address any employee health concerns. Most molds are harmless but some can cause infections, allergy symptoms and produce toxins. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. Information on worker safety and health, compliance assistance, laws and regulations, cooperative programs, state programs, statistics, and newsroom. 2. Remediation includes both the identification and correction of the conditions that permit mold growth, as well as the steps to safely and effectively remove mold damaged materials. This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Raising electrical system components helps avoid such problems. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. If the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, consult a professional who has experience cleaning and repairing buildings damaged by contaminated water. These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. In addition, sampling and analysis should follow any other methods recommended by either OSHA, NIOSH, EPA, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, or other recognized professional guidelines. Make sure that work areas are well ventilated. When advising members of the public about reducing the risk of future hazard damages, direct them to local building officials before beginning any repairs or rebuilding because: Building codes, permits, inspection requirements, and zoning ordinances may be involved, A floodplain ordinance may affect rebuilding when the structure has sustained Substantial Damage, Building officials will reinforce the point that only licensed professionals are qualified to perform structural repair or structural mitigation work. Preventive Maintenance Preventing mold growth in occupied areas The key to mold prevention is moisture control. If the structure is damaged or improved, but not to the regulatory definition of Substantial Damage or Substantial Improvement or if it already meets the ordinance, the owner can reduce the risk of future damages by selecting other, less expensive mitigation measures. When informing the public about flood control barriers, it is important to point out that this type of mitigation measure can affect local drainage, possibly creating or worsening flood problems for others. If contaminant practices effectively prevent mold from migrating from affected areas, it may not be necessary to remove people from surrounding work areas. It is recommended that personnel be trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator). Owners can have their buildings moved by professionals to a safer place outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air passes through the filter. Other floods develop very quickly. These direct reading devices have a thin probe that is inserted into the material to be tested or pressed directly against the surface of the material. Mold Cleanup. Always, read and follow product label precautions. www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area, using outside air if possible, and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Aside from official FEMA websites, there are FEMA-partner organizations that provide comprehensive, user-friendly information and guidance on flood mitigation. Substantial Damage is defined as damage from any source for which the cost of repair is equal to or greater than half of the market value of the structure before the loss. Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. 1. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but they also create health hazards. IS 322: Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff After a disaster event, which agency is. There are two main types of floodproofing measures: Wet floodproofing is any measure applied to a structure and/or its contents that prevents or reduces damage from flooding while allowing flood waters to enter the structure. However it CAN meet requirements for non-residential and commercial structures. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area, as a background level of mold spores comparable to the level in outside air will persist. Looking for condensation and wet spots. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in impermeable bags or containers in such a way as to prevent release of the debris. Flash flooding is usually caused by intense rainfall and can flood an area in less than six hours. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Moisture meters can be used on materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices since the 1970s, which resulted in tightly sealed buildings with diminished ventilation, contributing to moisture vapor buildup. Individuals with persistent health problems that appear to be related to mold exposure should see their physicians for a referral to practitioners who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialties and are knowledgeable about these types of exposures. Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. If you are working in a DRC or other outreach venue, your supervisor will explain which NFIP publication to distribute and to whom. ONLY the mold publications that have been provided by the American Red Cross B. CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of the American people at home and abroad.
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