NEW ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD - MOLD
By Greg Carlson, HCCP,RAM, RCM, nyarm The National Association of Home Builders and the National Apartment Association have issued "white papers" on the hazards to residents' health from mold.

Although at the moment there is no Federal, State or City legislation or regulations concerning mold, there have been several hundred lawsuits filed concerning health problems caused by mold.

In 1999 there were over 140 lawsuits filed seeking over 30 billion dollars in damages. A 1998 lawsuit was filed for 8 billion dollars in a wrongful death suit which claims mold was the cause of death.

Mold can be found in an apartment (especially in bathrooms), in common areas, and in basements. For more detailed information visit the Federal Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) web site at www.epa.gov/ or call "indoor air quality" at 800-438-4318 or 202-484-1307. Currently, the only New York City information on the subject is a 1993 Department of Health report called "Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments." For a copy of the report visit their web site at: www.ci.nyc.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html

Below is useful information from the Federal (EPA) web site:
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency - Mold Resources http://www.epa.gov/iag/pubs/moldresources.html


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