GENERAL SECTION

Identifying and Controlling MOLD


INTRODUCTION
The health issues associated with the presence of mold and fungi in building and residential homes have recently emerged into the public awareness arena. Television and newspapers regularly report schools closing or relocating students due to illness caused by mold and fungi. The same issues are impacting the hotel industry, real estate transactions, commercial property owners, and homeowners. Mold is a hot topic on the agendas of school boards, hotel management teams, and others who must consider its potential impact. Not only must they contend with the potential adverse health effects of molds on occupants, but also the negative publicity, cost of control, and potential loss of future business if the facility becomes known for mold and fungi problems. The questions “Should we be concerned?” and “What do we do?” echo through meeting rooms across the country. The two-part answer is identification and control.

IDENTIFICATION – THE FIRST STEP
Three key ingredients necessary to trigger mold growth are temperature, a nutrient or food source, and moisture. First, gather information by interviewing building occupants and/or maintenance staff to identify areas where conditions may favor mold growth. Second, conduct a thorough on-site visual inspection, which may include boring through walls to verify the condition of building materials in specific locations. Based upon the results of the investigation, bulk samples (swab, wipe, or core) and/or air samples are collected to identify the types of mold present and determine its relative abundance. Air sampling is useful in determining the airborne mold concentration for that particular moment in time. However, air sampling results that show little to no airborne mold can provide a false sense of security, because mold may be incubating just behind the next wall. Air sampling should never be the sole indicator to detect the presence of mold. Proper identification is the critical first step in controlling mold and fungi.

CONTROL
The most effective method to reduce or limit mold growth and proliferation is moisture control. Moisture control techniques will be specific to the particular combination of moisture source and building materials affected, and may be a one-time event or a continuing task. Depending upon the level of damage to the building materials, treatment can range from sanitizing and/or decontaminating building components to complete abatement of severely affected building materials. In addition, critical building systems such as heating and ventilation ducts, which can distribute mold spores, should have assessment and treatment scheduled into the facility maintenance plan. Finally, proactive control strategies will also include modification of staff work practices that incorporate steps to limit the spread of mold and reduce the potential for release of mold spores into the air, should be instituted. Although it is impossible to completely eradicate mold, an effective control program will minimize its negative impacts and implications.


Please contact Dan Woody or Jerry Beaudion at 513-489-2255 or toll free at 800-229-1443 or by e-mail at dtw@paynefirm.com or ghb@paynefirm.com for more information or any questions. For more information about the Payne Firm, please visit our website at www.paynefirm.com.