When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. 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). Molds can also cause asthma attacks in some individuals who are allergic to mold. Measures to mitigate flood damage include: Floodproofing describes mitigation measures that decrease the risk of flood damage in structures. Gloves protect the skin from contact with mold, as well as from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Flooding can cause sewage from sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. 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. Floodwaters in closed-basin lakes accumulate over long periods of time and may stay for weeks, months, or years. Remediators, particularly those with health related concerns, may wish to check with their physicians or other health-care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. This finding may convince the investigators that the mold is growing within, and being disseminated by, the HVAC system. Information on worker safety and health, compliance assistance, laws and regulations, cooperative programs, state programs, statistics, and newsroom. An official website of the United States government. The same information is contained in both locations, but the intranet version is behind the FEMA firewall. In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or the mold growth will reoccur. If any individual has health concerns, doubts, or questions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult a health professional. Some jobs may require the use of dust-tight chutes to move large quantities of debris to a dumpster strategically placed outside a window in the remediation area. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to wear appropriate PPE while performing this task. Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas. Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? Other forms of hazard mitigation include provision of emergency services, private property protection, information and awareness, and infrastructure protection activities; there may also be. 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. An example of a dry floodproofing measure is to apply a waterproof veneer, such as a layer of brick backed by a waterproof membrane, directly to the outside surface of an existing structure. River and stream flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash flooding in minutes. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's publication, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings," or other guidelines developed by professional or governmental organizations. Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. Microscopic identification of the spores/ colonies requires considerable expertise. Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. Use hand, eye, and respiratory protection. The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mopped with a detergent solution and be visibly clean prior to the removal of isolation barriers. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air passes through the filter. These remediation guidelines are based on the size of the affected area to make it easier for remediators to select appropriate techniques, not on the basis of research showing there is a specific method appropriate at a certain number of square feet. 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. 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?" Additional Information Visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics webpage on Mold at: www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. Health Effects of Mold Exposure Examples of fungicides include hexachlorobenzene, organomercurials, pentachlorophenol, phthalimides, and dithiocarbamates. 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. Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a communitys floodplain management ordinances or laws. Wells suspected of being contaminated should be inspected by a professional. If dislodged, these tanks also pose serious threats to public safety and to the environment. There are molds that grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation, while other molds feast on the everyday dust and dirt that gather in the moist regions of a building. New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). If contaminant practices effectively prevent mold from migrating from affected areas, it may not be necessary to remove people from surrounding work areas. Group meetings held before and after remediation with full disclosure of plans and results can be an effective communication mechanism. Devastating floods occur throughout the United States every year. industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals) who respond to mold and moisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the general public, also may find these guidelines helpful. 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. It is a violation of Federal (EPA) law to use a biocide in any manner inconsistent with its label direction. Inexpensive (less than $50) models that monitor both temperature and humidity are available. Information on indoor comfort products and services. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) developed this 3-part video series. Videos in the series include: For more information on damp buildings and health effects, see the 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, published by The National Academies Pressin Washington, DC. All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight; mold needs only a viable seed (spore), a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature to proliferate. 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. This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. Mold is a public health issue that is addressed by appropriate local, state, and federal experts. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat in certain individuals. Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. You can request the phone number for an HM Insurance Specialist or the JFO Insurance Hotline phone number from your supervisor. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. Filing and appealing flood insurance claims are covered. Disposable PPE should be discarded after it is used. Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with: Full face piece respirators with HEPA cartridges; Disposable protective clothing covering entire body including both head and shoes; and. The remediation manager should rely on professional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Also, find EPA mold resources, including frequent questions, mold publications, images and a glossary of terms. Additional elevation of electrical components above the recommended level further reduces the risk. If you exit from the course, you will need to start that lesson over again. 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). Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Information on building regulations, science, and technology. Actions that tend to disperse mold include: breaking apart moldy porous materials such as wallboard; destructive invasive procedures to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; removal of contaminated wallpaper by stripping or peeling; using fans to dry items or ventilate areas. Any remediation work that disturbs mold and causes mold spores to become airborne increases the degree of respiratory exposure. Floods are one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer. Accredited laboratories must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)). Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Consult an engineer for the appropriate filter efficiency for your specific HVAC system, and consider upgrading your filters if necessary. 1 2 Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. Such persons should receive training on proper clean up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. Other floods develop very quickly. Information about floodplain management ordinances is best provided by the local government. A major bloom involving a large area of a collection or one involving highly toxic mold species will require outside professional advice and assistance to stop the mold growth, clean the collection, and render the affected area safe for use again. 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. When using fans, take care not to extend the zone of contamination by distributing mold spores to a previously unaffected area. Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes. Respirators used to provide protection from mold and mold spores must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). However, sampling results can be used as a guide to determine the extent of an infestation and the effectiveness of the cleanup. In addition to elevating large utilities, household appliances such as washing machines and dryers should be elevated above potential flood waters. Mold Cleanup. To help accomplish this goal, by the end of this course you will: Click on the "Exit" button to close this window and access the menu listing all lessons of this course. The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards. A. Either a half mask or full face piece air-purifying respirator can be used. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed. Level III: Large Isolated Areas (30 - 100 square feet) - e.g., several wallboard panels. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. 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. Flash flooding is the rapid flooding of low-lying areas. Many communities have adopted even stricter standards in their floodplain ordinance and require higher elevation called freeboard. Freeboard helps compensate for many unknown factors that can contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated in base flood elevations, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the effects of urbanization of the watershed. As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. Sampling, if conducted, should show that the level and types of mold and mold spores inside the building are similar to those found outside. People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms. 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. In this lesson you will learn about the different types of flooding that occur along coasts, rivers, streams, and lakes. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth often will occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains uncorrected. Emergency management and public health professionals can easily share these resources digitally. It serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. business. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere - inside or outside - throughout the year. Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. Consequently, appropriate personal protective clothing (i.e., reusable or disposable) is recommended to minimize cross-contamination between work areas and clean areas, to prevent the transfer and spread of mold and other contaminants to street clothing, and to eliminate skin contact with mold and potential chemical exposures. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in designing mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods for microbial contaminants, and interpretation of results. Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard. Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended. There are various types of equipment useful in mold assessment and remediation. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. This document will help those responsible for building maintenance in the evaluation of remediation plans. This section presents remediation guidelines for building materials that have or are likely to have mold growth. . Inhalation is the exposure of most concern to cleanup workers. Before planning the remediation assess the extent of the mold or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials. Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur. Method 4: Discard Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Pass the final exam. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Identify and correct moisture problems. 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. D. When deciding if relocating occupants is necessary, consideration should be given to the size and type of mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with the remediation activity, and the amount of disruption this activity is likely to cause. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. 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. Indoor environmental quality training center giving courses in building moisture and biocontamination, and managing and operating facilities for good IAQ. Flood waters often carry hazardous and toxic materials, including raw sewage, animal waste, oil, gasoline, solvents, and chemicals. Short circuits in flooded systems pose an increased potential for fire. These courses address basic mitigation measures to reduce risk from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires, at a level appropriate for communication to the general public. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). The last screen provides instructions on how to complete the final exam. Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction is a FEMA produced series of 31 fact sheets providing technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings. Such persons should receive training on proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. Spend the time needed to become familiar with the purpose of and intended audience for the resources and publications that are included in this lesson. However, OSHA does not control this information and cannot guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. Some biocides are considered pesticides, and some states require that only registered pesticide applicators apply these products in schools, commercial buildings, and homes. 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. 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. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended. The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immuno-compromised individuals are present). Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed. Business owners who are concerned about the cost of professional help can contact the OSHA Consultation Project Office in their state for free consultation service. If you choose to hire outside assistance to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience with mold remediation. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. The guidelines have been designed to help construct a remediation plan. Remember to change filters as appropriate, especially following any remediation activities. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLYthe mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. This safety and health information bulletin provides recommendations for the prevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention. A. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. The publication, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home[EPA 402-K-02-003] reprinted September 2012, is available in: The publication, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, [EPA 402-K-01-001] reprinted September 2008,is available in: The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control Infographic 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. After a flood, there are many mitigation measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of future flood damage. Last updated on March 14, 2023. Extending the casing at least 2 feet above the highest known flood elevation, Installing a sanitary seal or cover on the casing, Installing a backflow value in the water line, The importance of directing the public to local building officials before they begin repairs or rebuilding, How FEMA addresses the topic of flood-related mold with the public, Which publications are available to promote flood mitigation, What FEMA-approved online resources are available for flood mitigation, What appropriate actions to take when advising the public, Recognize the information and advice to provide regarding mold, Identify FEMA partner organizations and the websites that contain FEMA mitigation publications, Identify the correct actions to take when advising the public regarding flood mitigation and the NFIP. Floodproofing measures are generally designed to protect individual components of a structure, not to bring the structure into compliance with a communitys floodplain ordinance. These guidelines are subject to change as more information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available. An important reference with guidelines for immuno-compromised individuals can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Learn about mold growth indoors, including topics like basic information about indoor mold growth, how mold can affect health and mold testing. A filter with a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined by Test Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, may be appropriate. Proper well construction will protect a well from contamination. Molds are part of the natural environment. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. Official websites use .gov HEPA vacuums also are recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? Identify floodproofing measures including the difference between wet and dry floodproofing. By reading this safety and health information bulletin, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation may be able to reasonably judge whether mold contamination can be managed in-house or whether outside assistance is required. A N-95 respirator is recommended. You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water or moisture problem. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly. 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. This completes this lesson. Complete all of the lessons. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. EPA 402-K-01-001. Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings.