July 21, 2008—The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently offered the following tips to consider on how to clean up mold and minimize its adverse effects in various conditions, in light of the recent flooding in the Midwest. ASSE notes that mold grows easily in flood-related conditions such as standing water, humid air, and wet surfaces, particularly the longer these conditions remain.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that “surfaces wet longer than 48 hours with ‘clean water’ should be considered as potentially contaminated, and any surfaces in contact with ‘dirty water’ should be considered contaminated.” ASSE members recommend that people consult their state and local experts for more guidance regarding state and local laws and regulations addressing mold.
In addition, to lessen the chances of a mold colony growing in a store/business, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends: 1) keep the humidity level below 50 percent; 2) use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during humid months (depending on the climate); 3) use adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans, in the kitchen and bathrooms; 4) add mold inhibitors to paints before applying them; 5) clean bathrooms with mold-killing products; and 6) don’t put carpeting in bathrooms, basements, or other areas where moisture or water could be a concern.
ASSE offers the following tips for cleaning a facility/building area affected by mold:
- Avoid direct contact with affected mold areas as much as possible
- If it can be thrown away, throw it away. Replacements may be less expensive in the long term (and short term) than attempting to decontaminate some surfaces
- If it cannot be disposed of, decontaminate and then dry as thoroughly as possible. Moisture removal is a key factor to preventing future growth
- Wallboard can often be cut to the point of contamination and replaced with new sections
- Clean all tools after use, or dispose if possible, and also clean tools after each shift
- When in doubt about the structural integrity of a facility, obtain an evaluation by a licensed and qualified builder or structural engineer before entering. Medical clearance may also be necessary based upon the severity of mold in the area
- Individuals involved in mold remediation should be aware that attempts to mix chemicals to clean surfaces can cause further damage, such as the toxic gases that can be released when ammonia and bleach are mixed. Workers need to exercise caution, so as not to create additional hazards. The power supply (circuit breakers) should be turned off in the specific damaged areas/ high levels of moisture to avoid electrical shock hazards
For ASSE’s position statement on mold in the indoor working environment, visit the ASSE Web site. To obtain a draft of the ASSE/ANSI Z690, “Guidelines for Mold and Fungi Control and Remediation for Worker Protection in Indoor Work Environments,” visit the ASSE Standards Web page (under “Additional Standards” at the bottom of the page)
For more information and resources on mold safety and remediation visit EPA’s Mold Resources Web page or download the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Mold Fact Sheet.
