Mold is always present in the indoor and outdoor environment. We want the indoor environment to have less than the outdoor. In some special cases we want it to be much less. Indoor mold can be visible or hidden behind surfaces. Some species are more dangerous than others, some points in the life cycle of a mold species are more dangerous. Some building occupants are more sensitive to mold than others. There are no absolute levels of airborne mold that represent a regulatory standard. All of these factors make mold a difficult management topic.
Mold needs food, water, and a comfortable temperature. The only variable we can control is moisture. Building materials are the food and facilities comfortable to occupants prove the proper temperature. Some materials that once prevented mold (lead paint) represent even worse health risks.
The first step in mold management, then, is to control humidity and sources of moisture. Unwanted, uncontrolled moisture sources are the first thing to find and correct if mold issues are suspected or identified.
If visible mold is present, then you have to address it. Some materials, like drywall, may be impossible to clean and therefore must be replaced while other materials can be cleaned and disinfected. Containment, engineering controls, and personal protection will be necessary for larger clean-up projects.
A building occupant may be hypersensitive to mold. Their sensitivity may not be due solely to the mold exposure. For example, they may have other allergies (food, for example) that build up toxins to a level difficult for their body to process, so the mold is like the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. Other occupants may have compromised health due to other conditions that render them very sensitive to mold. Air sampling to identify or quantify a mold issue may be inconclusive for these addressing the needs of these individuals. Humans can be more sensitive than the instruments and sampling methods available to us.
With few scientific or regulatory absolutes with mold issues, public relations take on a higher significance. Simple responsiveness is the first step, and management understanding the sensitivity variables mentioned above will help keep responsiveness from getting sidetracked. Proper management of the building envelope, HVAC systems, and other systems like plumbing that can contribute to mold problems is also important.
Air monitoring of indoor and outdoor mold concentrations can help management understand the general conditions and help occupants understand that the complete absence of mold and mold allergens is impossible. It is possible to go to the additional step of analyzing the difference between indoor and outdoor species if more information is needed.
Air monitoring outside containment during mold remediation projects can provide assurance to building occupants that their exposures are low and can help monitor the quality and care of the mold remediation team. Once again, there are no absolute standards for concentrations, just concentrations relative to outdoor or background interior levels.
In a typical mold response, the presence of visible mold represents enough information to take action. In special circumstances, such as complaints about especially toxic mold species, identifying the species of mold would be valuable to interpret health responses or, depending on the results, to reassure building occupants. Of course, this extra investigative step is an additional expense.
Most states do not have a licensing program for mold consultants or clean-up contractors. Thus, it is important to check credentials and references before selecting a vendor. For a large or visible project, securing third party oversight is a prudent course of action to get the best possible job.
When dealing with other environmental hazards like asbestos lead or paint, once you thoroughly cleaned up, they don't come back. Even when you thoroughly clean mold, there is a possibility it can come back. Ongoing vigilance and proper building maintenance will be necessary after the completion of a successful mold clean-up project.
META Environmental provides mold training and consulting services. We can train in-house staff or a preferred contractor in remediation. We provide program consultation, investigations (both moisture mapping and mold), and project design, oversight, and management.
