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Mold Resources
Contents
Introduction to Molds
Basic Mold Cleanup
Ten Things You Should
Know About Mold
Asthma and Mold
Floods/Flooding
Health and Mold
Homes and Mold
Indoor Air Regulations and Mold
Large Buildings and Mold
Schools and Mold and Indoor Air Quality
Other Mold-Related Resources/Links
| The publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold,
Moisture, and Your Home", is available in
HTML and
PDF
(278KB file size) formats. [EPA 402-K-02-003]
Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está
disponible en el formato PDF (moldguide_sp.pdf
- 796KB file). Documento de la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008.
The publication, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings", is available in
HTML and
PDF
(5MB file size) formats. [EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001]
Order publications from IAQ INFO
and EPA's NSCEP. Use the EPA Document Number when
ordering. |
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through
the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a
damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they
are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on
wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water
accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the
moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. 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.
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry
water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold
growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get
rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other
sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and
water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles
& carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold
exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory
complaints.
- 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.
- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the
mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold
growth.
- 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.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings
within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- 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.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on
cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors)
by adding insulation.
- 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).
- 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.
If you have IAQ and mold issues in your school, you should get a
copy of the
IAQ Tools for Schools Kit. Mold is covered in the IAQ
Coordinator's Guide under
Appendix H -
Mold and Moisture.
Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with
asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to
molds.
EPA's Asthma web
site
EPA's
Asthma Brochure
EPA's Mold page from
Asthma web site
Mold growth may be a problem after flooding. EPA's Fact Sheet:
Flood Cleanup:
Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems - discusses steps to take
when cleaning and repairing a home after flooding. Excess moisture in
the home is cause for concern about indoor air quality primarily
because it provides breeding conditions for microorganisms. This fact
sheet provides tips to avoid creating indoor air quality problems
during cleanup. U.S. EPA, EPA Document Number 402-F-93-005, August
1993.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): (800) 480-2520;
www.fema.gov
mitigation website:
www.fema.gov/mit
publications on floods, flood proofing, etc.
University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health &
Safety -
www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/flood.html.
"Managing Water Infiltration Into Buildings." A Systematized
Approach for Remediating Water Problems in Buildings due to Floods,
Roof Leaks, Potable Water Leaks, Sewage Backup, Steam Leaks and
Groundwater Infiltration. Questions and comments may be directed
to: Neil Carlson, M.S., CIH, Department of Environmental Health &
Safety, University of Minnesota, or Arif Quraishi, M.E., Vice
President, Special Projects, Indoor Environments Division, Institute
for Environmental Assessment, Inc.
Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with
asthma (See Asthma Section above);
molds can also trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
EPA's publication,
Indoor Air
Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, assists
health professionals (especially the primary care physician) in
diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air
pollution problem. It addresses the health problems that may be caused
by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office. Organized
according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental
tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building
syndrome, this booklet lists key signs and symptoms from exposure to
these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick reference
summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action. Also includes
references for information contained in each section. This booklet was
developed by the American Lung Association, the American Medical
Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the EPA.
EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994.
Allergic Reactions - excerpted from
Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals section
on: Animal Dander, Molds, Dust Mites, Other Biologicals.
"A major concern associated with exposure to biological
pollutants is allergic reactions, which range from rhinitis, nasal
congestion, conjunctival inflammation, and urticaria to asthma.
Notable triggers for these diseases are allergens derived from house
dust mites; other arthropods, including cockroaches; pets (cats,
dogs, birds, rodents); molds; and protein-containing furnishings,
including feathers, kapok, etc. In occupational settings, more
unusual allergens (e.g., bacterial enzymes, algae) have caused
asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human origin can
cause asthma in a subset of any appropriately exposed population."
Consult the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) website
Stachybotrys or Stachybotrys atra (chartarum) and health
effects
Go to top
The EPA publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your
Home", is available here in
HTML and
PDF
formats. This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners
and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to
prevent mold growth. A printed version will be available soon.
Biological
Pollutants in Your Home - This document explains indoor
biological pollution, health effects of biological pollutants, and how
to control their growth and buildup. One third to one half of all
structures have damp conditions that may encourage development of
pollutants such as molds and bacteria, which can cause allergic
reactions -- including asthma -- and spread infectious diseases.
Describes corrective measures for achieving moisture control and
cleanliness. This brochure was prepared by the American Lung
Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. EPA
Document Reference Number 402-F-90-102, January 1990.
Moisture control is the key to mold control, the Moisture Control
Section from
Biological Pollutants in Your Home follows:
Moisture Control
Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your
home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even
cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of
moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature
of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less
moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold
surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window).
This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.
There are many ways to control moisture in your home:
 | Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the
outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive
excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the
house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or
a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs
and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
|
| Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture
from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are
well-ventilated. |
| Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to
the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the
outside. |
| Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene
heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
|
| Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot,
humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the
appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
|
| Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses.
Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the
inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors
between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than
the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the
cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving
furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be
sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel
excessive moisture from the home. |
| Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can
absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to
grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In
certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete
floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting)
over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation
covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem. |
| Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to
another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and
dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are
cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For
example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the
growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of
air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air
conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from
the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the
different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.
|
Moisture On Windows
Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on
windows and other cold surfaces. Excess humidity for a prolonged time
can damage walls especially when outdoor air temperatures are very
low. Excess moisture condenses on window glass because the glass is
cold. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier
may be long showers, running water for other uses, boiling or steaming
in cooking, plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy
efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a
kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly.
Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass
warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there.
Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper
vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup.
Consult a building contractor to determine the adequacy of the vapor
barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure the
relative humidity in your house. The American Society of Heating and
Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends these maximum indoor
humidity levels.
Outdoor Recommended Indoor Temperature Relative Humidity
+20 F. 35%
+10 F. 30%
0 F. 25%
-10 F. 20%
-20 F. 15%
Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from
the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (
www.aham.org ).
Should You
Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - excerpt on duct
cleaning and mold follows, please review the entire document for
additional information on duct cleaning and mold.
You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:
There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g.,
sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling
system. There are several important points to understand concerning
mold detection in heating and cooling systems:
| Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be
accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to
show you any mold they say exists. |
| You should be aware that although a substance may look like
mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be
made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final
confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can
tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky
household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
|
| If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or
moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and
replaced. |
| If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are
not corrected, mold growth will recur. |
Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne
concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently,
there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold
contaminants.
EPA has a number of resources available, you can start with the
Indoor Air Quality Building Evaluation and Assessment Model (I-BEAM).
I-BEAM updates and expands EPA's existing Building Air Quality
guidance and is designed to be comprehensive state-of-the-art guidance
for managing IAQ in commercial buildings. This guidance was designed
to be used by building professionals and others interested in indoor
air quality in commercial buildings. I-BEAM contains text,
animation/visual, and interactive/calculation components that can be
used to perform a number of diverse tasks. See
www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/ibeam_page.htm
See also
"Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers" and the
"Building
Air Quality Action Plan"
Excerpt from the
Building Air
Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers,
Appendix C - Moisture, Mold and Mildew:
How to Identify the Cause of a Mold and Mildew Problem.
Mold and mildew are commonly found on the exterior wall surfaces
of corner rooms in heating climate locations. An exposed corner
room is likely to be significantly colder than adjoining rooms, so
that it has a higher relative humidity (RH) than other rooms at the
same water vapor pressure. If mold and mildew growth are found in a
corner room, then relative humidity next to the room surfaces is
above 70%. However, is the RH above 70% at the surfaces because the
room is too cold or because there is too much moisture present (high
water vapor pressure)?
The amount of moisture in the room can be estimated by measuring
both temperature and RH at the same location and at the same time.
Suppose there are two cases. In the first case, assume that the RH
is 30% and the temperature is 70oF in the middle of the
room. The low RH at that temperature indicates that the water vapor
pressure (or absolute humidity) is low. The high surface RH is
probably due to room surfaces that are "too cold." Temperature is
the dominating factor, and control strategies should involve
increasing the temperature at cold room surfaces.
In the second case, assume that the RH is 50% and the temperature
is 70oF in the middle of the room. The higher RH at that
temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure is high and
there is a relatively large amount of moisture in the air. The high
surface RH is probably due to air that is "too moist." Humidity is
the dominating factor, and control strategies should involve
decreasing the moisture content of the indoor air.
Go to top
The Agency's premier resource on this issue is the Indoor Air
Quality Tools for Schools kit. Our schools-related resources on the
web start at:
epa.gov/iaq/schools.
The asthma companion piece for the IAQ Tools for Schools kit,
titled Managing Asthma in the School Environment (epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma)
has been recently published. This publication has a section entitled
Clean Up Mold and Moisture Control at:
epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma/eat-cumcm.htm
Excerpt from
IAQ Tools for
Schools kit companion piece,
Managing
Asthma in the School Environment:
Common Moisture Sources Found in Schools
Moisture problems in school buildings can be caused by a variety of
conditions, including roof and plumbing leaks, condensation, and
excess humidity. Some moisture problems in schools have been linked to
changes in building construction practices during the past twenty to
thirty years. These changes have resulted in more tightly sealed
buildings that may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture
problems in schools are also associated with delayed maintenance or
insufficient maintenance, due to budget and other constraints.
Temporary structures in schools, such as trailers and portable
classrooms, have frequently been associated with moisture and mold
problems.
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth in Schools
Reduce Indoor Humidity:
| Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to the
outside. |
| Control humidity levels and dampness by using air conditioners
and de-humidifiers. |
| Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor humidity levels
between 30-60%. |
| Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in
food service areas. |
Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks, or spills:
| Check for moldy odors.
|
| Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls,
floors, and window sills. |
| Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains, or
mold. |
| Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains, or mold.
|
| Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip
pans. |
Respond promptly when you see signs of moisture and/or mold, or
when leaks or spills occur:
| Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings
within 24-48 hours of occurrence to prevent mold growth.
|
| Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold
growth. |
| 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. |
| Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions,
leaks, or spills. |
Prevent moisture condensation:
| Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e.,
windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding
insulation. |
Floor and carpet cleaning:
| Remove spots and stains immediately, using the flooring
manufacturer’s recommended techniques. |
| Use care to prevent excess moisture or cleaning residue
accumulation and ensure that cleaned areas are dried quickly.
|
| 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).
|
Go to top
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Indoor Air Quality Publications and Resources
An Office Building Occupant's Guide to IAQ -
epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html
Biological Contaminants -
epa.gov/iaq/pubs/bio_1.html
IAQ Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM) -
I-BEAM updates and expands EPA's existing Building Air Quality
guidance and is designed to be comprehensive state-of-the-art guidance
for managing IAQ in commercial buildings. This guidance was designed
to be used by building professionals and others interested in indoor
air quality in commercial buildings. I-BEAM contains text,
animation/visual, and interactive/calculation components that can be
used to perform a number of diverse tasks.
epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/ibeam_page.htm
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers (BAQ Guide) -
epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html
Building Air Quality Action Plan (for Commercial Buildings) -
epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/actionpl.html
Floods/Flooding -
epa.gov/iaq/pubs/flood.html
Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings -
epa.gov/molds/mold_remediation.html
For more subject-specific links, go to:
epa.gov/iaq/schools/links.html,
or epa.gov/iaq/asthma/links.html,
or epa.gov/iaq/moreinfo.html.
Antimicrobial Information Hotline
www.epa.gov/oppad001/
(703) 308-0127/(703) 308-6467(FAX)
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
email:
Info_Antimicrobial@epa.gov
The Antimicrobials Information Hotline provides answers to
questions concerning current antimicrobial issues (disinfectants,
fungicides, others) regulated by the pesticide law, rules and
regulations. These cover interpretation laws, rules, and regulations,
and registration and re-registration of antimicrobial chemicals and
products. The Hotline also provide information health & safety issues
on registered antimicrobial products, product label and the proper and
safe use of these antimicrobial products.
Other Links - Alphabetical Listing
The following list of resources includes information created and
maintained by other public and private organizations. The U.S. EPA does
not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or
completeness of this outside information. Further, the inclusion of such
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 on which the reference is maintained.
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
(847) 818-1800 www.acoem.org
Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental
exposures (this is a members only service).
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH)
(513) 742-2020 www.acgih.org
Occupational and environmental health and safety information
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
(703) 849-8888 www.aiha.org
Information on industrial hygiene and indoor air quality issues
including mold hazards and legal issues. See also their
"Facts About Mold: A Glossary"
and
General Mold Information
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
(800) 527-4723 www.ashrae.org
Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
(202) 347-4976 www.aoec.org
Referrals to clinics with physicians who have experience with
environmental exposures, including exposure to mold; maintains a
database of occupational and environmental cases
Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR)
(800) 272-7012 www.ascr.org
Disaster recovery, water and fire damage, emergency tips, referrals to
professionals
| Asthma and Allergic Diseases |
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
(800) 822-2762
www.aaaai.org
Physician referral directory, information on allergies and asthma
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA)
(800) 7-ASTHMA (800-727-8462)
www.aafa.org
Information on allergies and asthma
American Lung Association (ALA)
(800) LUNG-USA (800-586-4872)
www.lungusa.org
Information on allergies and asthma
Asthma and Allergy Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN*MA)
(800) 878-4403 or (703-641-9595)
www.aanma.org
Information on allergies and asthma
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
(301) 496-5717
www.niaid.nih.gov
Information on allergies and asthma
National Jewish Medical and Research Center
(800) 222-LUNG (800-222-5864)
www.njc.org
Information on allergies and asthma |
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
(613) 748-2003 [International]
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/index.cfm
Several documents on mold-related topics available and a
discussion on mold at -
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/imquaf/hehosu/hoast/hoast_001.cfm
including
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
(800) 882-8846
www.carpet-rug.com
Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet,
other carpet-related issues
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
(800) 311-3435
www.cdc.gov
CDC's National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)
(888) 232-6789
www.cdc.gov/nceh
Information on health-related topics including asthma, molds in the
environment, and occupational health
Mold page -
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/
"Questions and answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other
molds" -
www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/stachy.htm
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of
Native American Programs -
www.codetalk.fed.us/
Mold Prevention and Detection: A Guide for Housing Authorities in
Indian Country -
www.codetalk.fed.us/MoldDetection.pdf
Mold and Mildew Taking Control -
www.codetalk.fed.us/Mold_and_Mildew_Information_Taking_Control.htm
Energy and Environmental Building Association
(952) 881-1098
www.eeba.org
Information on energy-efficient and environmentally responsible
buildings, humidity/moisture control/vapor barriers
| Floods/Flooding |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
(800) 480-2520
www.fema.gov/mit
Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc.
University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health &
Safety
(612) 626-5804
www.dehs.umn.edu/remanagi.html
Managing water infiltration into buildings
University of Wisconsin-Extension, The Disaster Network
(608) 262-3980
www.uwex.edu/ces/news/handbook.html
Information on floods and other natural disasters |
Health Canada, Health Protection Branch, Laboratory Centre for
Disease Control, Office of Biosafety
(613) 957-1779
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/main/lcdc/web/biosafty/msds/index.html
Material Safety Data Sheets with health and safety information on
infectious microorganisms, including Aspergillus and other molds and
airborne biologicals
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
(360) 693-5675
www.iicrc.org
Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and
restoration industry
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
(800) 225-4772
www.issa.com
Education and training on cleaning and maintenance
International Society of Cleaning Technicians (ISCT)
(800) WHY-ISCT (800-949-4728)
www.isct.com
Information on cleaning, such as a stain removal guide for carpets
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) - Cornell University Department
of Environmental Health and Safety
http://msds.ehs.cornell.edu/msdssrch.asp
MSDSs contain information on chemicals or compounds including
topics such as health effects, first aid and protective equipment
for people who work with or handle these chemicals. The ~ 250,000
MSDS files contained in this database are derived from :
| the U.S. Government Department of Defense MSDS database
available for purchase from
Solutions
Software |
| a mirror of data from
siri.uvm.edu. |
| MSDS sheets maintained by Cornell University Environmental
Health and Safety and other Cornell departments. |
Mid Atlantic Environmental Hygiene Resource Center (MEHRC)
University City Science Center
3701 Market Street, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 966-6191/(215) 387-6321 (fax)
Indoor environmental quality training on topics such as mold
remediation Go to
http://www.mgi.org/n_mehrc.shtml
for a list of MEHRC course listings.
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
(202) 737-2926
www.nadca.com
Duct cleaning information
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
(847) 298-9200
www.nari.org
Consumer information on remodeling, including help finding a
professional remodeling contractor
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
(202) 289-7800
www.nibs.org
Information on building regulations, science, and technology
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
(800) 35-NIOSH (800-356-4674)
www.cdc.gov/niosh
Health and safety information with a workplace orientation
National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN)
(800) 858-7378
ace.orst.edu/info/nptn
Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including safety
and disposal information
New York Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and
Occupational Disease Epidemiology
(212) 788-4290
Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor
Environments
This document revises and expands the original guidelines to
include all fungi (mold). It is based both on a
review of the literature regarding fungi and on comments obtained by
a review panel consisting of experts in the fields of microbiology
and health sciences. It is intended for use by building engineers
and management, but is available for general distribution to anyone
concerned about fungal contamination, such as environmental
consultants, health professionals, or the general public.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
(800) 321-OSHA (800-321-6742)
www.osha.gov
OSHA Mold page -
www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds/
Information on worker safety, including topics such as respirator use
and safety in the workplace
Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
(703) 803-2980
www.smacna.org
Technical information on topics such as air conditioning and air ducts
Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education (SCMRE)
(301) 238-3700
www.si.edu/scmre
Guidelines for caring for and preserving furniture and wooden objects,
paper-based materials; preservation studies
University of Michigan Herbarium
(734) 764-2407
www.herb.lsa.umich.edu
Specimen-based information on fungi; information on fungal ecology
University of Tulsa Indoor Air Program
(918) 631-5246
www.utulsa.edu/iaqprogram
Courses, classes, and continuing education on indoor air quality
Water Loss Institute, an Institute of the Association of
Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) -
www.ascr.org
(800) 272-7012 or (410) 729-9900
http://www.ascr.org/institutes/wli/index.cfm
Information on water and sewage damage restoration
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These indoor air quality publications are also available through the
IAQ INFO Clearinghouse.
IAQ INFO
P.O. Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013-7133
1-800-438-4318/703-356-4020
(fax) 703-356-5386
iaqinfo@aol.com
or, you can order these publications directly via EPA's National
Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) (http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/).
web site. Your publication requests can also be mailed, called or
faxed directly to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 42419
1-800-490-9198/(513) 489-8695 (fax)
Please use the EPA Document Number when ordering from NSCEP or
from IAQ INFO.
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You can also read:
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This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and
renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to
prevent mold growth. Molds can gradually destroy the things they
grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings,
save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling
moisture and eliminating mold growth.
[EPA 402-K-02-003]
Available in
HTML and
PDF
formats.
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Una Breve Guía
para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está disponible
en el formato PDF (moldguide_sp.pdf
- 796KB file). Documento de la agencia EPA número
402-K-03-008.
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This document presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup
of mold and moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings;
these guidelines include measures designed to protect the health
of building occupants and remediators. It has been designed
primarily for building managers, custodians, and others who are
responsible for commercial building and school maintenance. It
should serve as a reference for potential mold and moisture
remediators. Using this document, individuals with little or no
experience with mold remediation should be able to make a
reasonable judgment as to whether the situation can be handled
in-house. It will help those in charge of maintenance to evaluate
an in-house remediation plan or a remediation plan submitted by an
outside contractor. Contractors and other professionals who
respond to mold and moisture situations in commercial buildings
and schools may also want to refer to these guidelines.
[EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001]
Available in
HTML
and
PDF formats.
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Order these and any Indoor Air Quality publication from
IAQ
INFO and EPA's NSCEP. Use the EPA Document Number
(highlighted in bold above) when ordering.
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