Indoor Air Quality Report Bixby Public Schools Central Elementary Liberty OHM File Number

Transcription

1 Indoor Air Quality Report Bixby Public Schools Central Elementary Liberty OHM File Number Survey Location: Bixby Public Schools Central Elementary Art Room 201 South Main Street Bixby, OK Survey Date: September 29 th, 2014 Report Date: October 8 th, 2014 Prepared For: CC: Prepared By: Mr. Marty Foutch Facilities Director Bixby Public Schools 109 North Armstrong Bixby, OK Mr. Jarred Doubrava Bixby Public Schools Operations Support Manager/District Safety Coordinator Jack Kerr, B.S. EH&S Consultant Liberty OHM Liberty Occupational Health Management, Inc E. 39 th St. Tulsa, Oklahoma (fax)

2 Bixby Central Elementary Art Room IAQ Liberty OHM File Number Survey Date: September 29 th, 2014 Report Date: October 8 th, 2014 Page: 2 CONTENTS 1.0 SUMMARY 2.0 OBSERVATIONS AND NOTES 3.0 ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDIX A APPENDIX C LABORATORY RESULTS SAMPLING PROCEDURES/MISC.

3 Bixby Central Elementary Art Room IAQ Liberty OHM File Number Survey Date: September 29 th, 2014 Report Date: October 8 th, 2014 Page: SUMMARY On September 29 th, 2014, Liberty OHM visited the Central Elementary Art Room, located at 201 South Main Street, Bixby, OK. The purpose of this visit was to perform a survey and sampling in order to determine the type, concentration and causation of any mold/fungi present. This survey was limited to the kiln room of the Central Elementary Art Room. The ratio of total (all species combined) indoor/outdoor airborne mold concentrations was elevated in the area selected for testing. Significantly higher than outside concentrations of water intrusion/indicator mold Penicillium/Aspergillus was found in the air sample taken in the Art Room. See Sections 2.0 and 3.0 for detailed analysis, recommendations and remediation protocols. 2.0 OBSERVATIONS AND NOTES Upon arrival at the school, I was met by Mr. Jarred Doubrava, and was escorted through the building to the art room for the inspection. Listed below is a description of the inspection and findings. Kiln Room Closet The inspection was limited to the kiln room in northeast corner of the art room. This is small room with storage shelving and a kiln present. Approximately half of the room is made up of concrete block walls with the other half being gypsum wallboard. The flooring in the room is vinyl sheet flooring. Visible mold was found behind the baseboard on the east wall. This is most likely caused by janitorial cleaning (mopping) or other efforts related to the kiln process. No elevated moisture was found in the wallboard of the kiln room. There does not appear to be an on-going leak or source of water intrusion. No water staining was found on the flooring, walls or ceilings which indicated the cause of the visible mold is likely due to janitorial cleaning or other efforts related to the kiln. See below for lab results, remediation protocols and remediation recommendations. 3.0 ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The sampling results are summarized in Table 1 below. See Appendix C for information regarding molds and health, sampling procedures, categories of water and other information pertinent to our investigation. 2. An air quality sample taken on the day of sampling revealed significantly elevated concentrations of Penicillium/Aspergillus in the Art Room of Bixby Central Elementary. 3. Interpretation of the findings has been addressed in the following four ways: a. Indoor/outdoor concentration ratios,

4 Bixby Central Elementary Art Room IAQ Liberty OHM File Number Survey Date: September 29 th, 2014 Report Date: October 8 th, 2014 Page: 4 b. Comparisons of the species compositions indoors and out c. The presence of indicator species in the indoor environment, and d. Visual inspection. 4. Our investigation of the property using the above criteria indicates the following: a. The ratio of total (all species combined) indoor/outdoor airborne mold concentrations was elevated in Art Room on the day of testing. b. There were higher than outside concentrations of Penicillium/Aspergillus in an air sample taken in the Art Room. c. Comparing the types of airborne mold present in the property, they are typically similar to those isolated in the outside air, with the higher than outside concentrations of Penicillium/Aspergillus as noted above. d. The laboratory classifies Penicillium/Aspergillus, Stachybotrys and Chaetomium as water intrusion/indicator molds. Higher than outside concentrations of these molds are indicative of an environment that has been subjected to excessive moisture. 5. Recommendations Abatement of water and mold damaged materials is advised. Removing mold problems requires a series of actions. The order of these actions is sometimes important. Typically, the following actions are taken almost regardless of whether a problem is small and simple or large and complex: 1. Determine the extent of water damage and mold contamination. (Completed) 2. Plan and implement remediation activities. If needed, establish containment and protection for workers and occupants. Eliminate or limit water or moisture sources. Dry any wet materials, if possible. Decontaminate or remove damaged materials, as appropriate. Evaluate whether space has been successfully remediated. Reassemble the space to prevent or limit possibility of recurrence by controlling sources of moisture. Based on our visual inspection and sampling data, we recommend the following: 1. Prior to remediation activity, isolate the kiln room by negative pressure containment (6 mil plastic sheeting and HEPA equipped negative air scrubbers). 2. RR (Remove and Replace) all gypsum wallboard in the kiln closet of the art room, 2 Feet AFF (Above Finished Floor).

5 Bixby Central Elementary Art Room IAQ Liberty OHM File Number Survey Date: September 29 th, 2014 Report Date: October 8 th, 2014 Page: 5 3. While sheetrock is removed in these areas ensure water damage/mold has not spread to other walls of the art room. If this is the case, additional recommendations will follow. 4. Clean and sanitize all contents of the kiln room remaining inside the containment, shelving, kiln, etc. 5. Wooden baseboards, windowsills, door trims, and other hardwood, non-porous type materials such as wall studs, headers, footers, etc. with surface mold can be cleaned and treated with antimicrobial and sealant if not otherwise damaged, i.e. rotted, warped, etc. Cleaning may require a light surface sanding accompanied by HEPA vacuuming. If mold is embedded and/or materials water damaged, remove and replace. 6. Following removal and before build back, HEPA vacuum all walls, floors and any other surfaces or items not isolated through containment in each remediated area. 7. Following removal and before build back, scrub air in remediated areas with HEPA equipped air scrubbers for at least 48 hours. 8. Liberty OHM should be contacted once the remediation has taken place and prior to build-back to perform a follow-up inspection and clearance sampling. *Recommendations are based in part on professional publication guidelines including the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration and IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. Protocols All mold remediation work should be performed by a qualified mold remediation contractor utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment and under strict environmental controls. All work areas should be placed under negative pressure containment (i.e. 6 mil. Plastic sheeting and HEPA filtration) and exhausted to the outside, where applicable. All HVAC return air ducts, floor, and/or ceiling ducts should be sealed prior to any remediation work. All structural materials (i.e. wall studs, headers, window frames, etc) should be cleaned and treated with an antimicrobial such as Microban or equivalent and properly dried. Once dry, all affected structural materials should be encapsulated with a primer/sealer, we recommend using Fosters 40/20 or equivalent. ******************************************************************************

6 Bixby Central Elementary Art Room IAQ Liberty OHM File Number Survey Date: September 29 th, 2014 Report Date: October 8 th, 2014 Page: 6 This report reflects conditions discovered at the time of the survey. In many instances, mold amplification may continue following our inspection and prior to any abatement work. Therefore, additional areas of water/mold damage not mentioned above may be found during the remediation efforts (discovery). There may also be areas impacted that could not be directly inspected during Liberty OHM s survey without performing exploratory destructive testing. If any other areas of water/mold damage are found during the remediation please contact our office so that we can perform additional inspections and scope of work. In general, abatement of materials should continue an additional two (2) feet beyond any previously undetected mold or water damage discovered during remediation. Liberty OHM makes no assertion as to the health risks associated with the levels reported in this report. We make no correlation that the levels reported are safe for occupancy or do not pose a risk from exposure. We advise you, our client to consult with an Occupational Health or other qualified physician for additional information and guidance. If you have questions or need additional information, please let me know. Sincerely, Jack Kerr, B.S. EH&S Consultant Liberty Occupational Health Management

7 Bixby Central Elementary Art Room IAQ Liberty OHM File Number Survey Date: September 29 th, 2014 Report Date: October 8 th, 2014 Page: 7 Location Table 1 Indoor Air Quality Results Bixby Public Schools Central Elementary Art Room IAQ Sample Date: 9/29/2014 Total spores/m3 Species 1: Art Room 2,000 Penicillium/Aspergillus types Cladosporium Chaetomium Ascospores Basidiospores Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Bipolaris/Drechslera group Curvularia Alternaria Other brown 2: Outside Reference 7,200 Basidiospores Cladosporium Ascospores Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Penicillium/Aspergillus types Nigrospora Curvularia Alternaria Cercospora Bipolaris/Drechslera group Raw count Calc. count 1, , % of total < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1

8 APPENDIX A LABORATORY RESULTS Liberty Occupational Health Management, Inc E. 39 th St. Tulsa, Oklahoma (fax)

9 Report for: Jack Kerr Liberty OHM 1211 E 39th St Tulsa, OK Regarding: Project: ; Bixby Central Elem. Art Room EML ID: Approved by: Dates of Analysis: Spore trap analysis: Operations Manager Joshua Cox Service SOPs: Spore trap analysis (EM-MY-S-1038) AIHA-LAP, LLC accredited service, Lab ID # All samples were received in acceptable condition unless noted in the Report Comments portion in the body of the report. Due to the nature of the analyses performed, field blank correction of results is not applied. The results relate only to the items tested. EMLab P&K ("the Company") shall have no liability to the client or the client's customer with respect to decisions or recommendations made, actions taken or courses of conduct implemented by either the client or the client's customer as a result of or based upon the Test Results. In no event shall the Company be liable to the client with respect to the Test Results except for the Company's own willful misconduct or gross negligence nor shall the Company be liable for incidental or consequential damages or lost profits or revenues to the fullest extent such liability may be disclaimed by law, even if the Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages, lost profits or lost revenues. In no event shall the Company's liability with respect to the Test Results exceed the amount paid to the Company by the client therefor. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 1 of 2

10 Client: Liberty OHM C/O: Jack Kerr Re: ; Bixby Central Elem. Art Room SPORE TRAP REPORT: NON-VIABLE METHODOLOGY Location: 1: Art Room EMLab P&K 1501 West Knudsen Drive, Phoenix, AZ (800) Fax (623) Date of Sampling: Date of Receipt: Date of Report: : Outside Reference Comments (see below) None A Lab ID-Version : Analysis Date: 10/02/ /02/2014 Sample volume (liters) Background debris (1-4+) 3+ > 4+ Count Count/m3 DL/m3* % Count Count/m3 DL/m3* % Hyphal fragments n/a n/a Pollen n/a n/a TOTAL FUNGAL SPORES 196 2,000 n/a ,200 n/a 100 Alternaria < 1 Ascospores Basidiospores , Bipolaris/Drechslera group < 1 Cercospora < 1 Chaetomium Cladosporium Curvularia < 1 Nigrospora Other brown Penicillium/Aspergillus types 116 1, Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Stachybotrys Comments:A) Trace overloaded with debris. The counts provided should be considered as minimal. Spore types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. The analytical sensitivity is the spores/m3 divided by the raw count. The limit of detection is the analytical sensitivity multiplied by the sample volume divided by *The DL/m3 has been rounded to a whole number. Background debris indicates the amount of non-biological particulate matter present on the trace (dust in the air) and the resulting visibility for the analyst. It is rated from 1+ (low) to 4+ (high). Counts from areas with 4+ background debris should be regarded as minimal counts and may be higher then reported. It is important to account for samples volumes when evaluating dust levels. A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total Fungal Spores has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 2 of 2

11

12 Appendix C DEFINITION AND CAUSAL FACTORS SAMPLING PROCEDURES CONTENT REMEDIATION MOLDS AND HEALTH REFERENCES Liberty Occupational Health Management, Inc E. 39 th St. Tulsa, Oklahoma (fax)

13 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 2 DEFINITION AND CAUSAL FACTORS Molds, mushrooms, mildews, and yeasts are all classified as fungi, a kingdom of organisms, distinct from plants and animals. Fungi cannot produce their own nutrients, as plants do through photosynthesis. Fungi secrete enzymes that digest the material the fungi are imbedded in and absorb the released nutrients. Multicellular fungi do not differentiate into different organs or functional components the way plants and animals do. It is estimated that there are between 50,000 and 250,000 species of fungi; however, many of these species have not been classified or named. Fewer than 200 fungal species have been described as human pathogens that can cause infections. Multicellular fungi consisting of branching filamentous structures are known popularly as molds, and we will use that terminology in this report. Molds are ubiquitous in nature and grow almost anywhere indoors or outdoors. More than 1,000 kinds of indoor molds have been found in U.S. homes. Molds spread and reproduce by making spores, which are small and lightweight, able to travel through air, capable of resisting dry, adverse environmental conditions, and hence capable of surviving a long time. The filamentous parts of mold (hyphae) form a network called mycelium, which is seen when a mold is growing on a nutrient source. Although these mycelia are usually firmly attached to whatever the mold is growing on, they can break off and people may be exposed to fragments of them. Molds also produce characteristic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or mycotic VOCs (mvocs) and substances known beta glucans; mvocs and beta glucans may be useful as markers of exposure to molds. Some molds, such as Stachybotrys, are capable of producing toxins (sometimes called mycotoxins) under specific environmental conditions, such as competition from other organisms or changes in the moisture or available nutrient supply. Molds capable of producing toxins are popularly known as toxigenic molds; however use of this term is discouraged because even molds known to produce toxins can grow without producing them, and many fungi are capable of toxin production. Factors That Produce Mold Growth Although molds can be found almost anywhere, they need moisture and nutrients to grow. The exact specifications for optimal mold growth vary by the species of mold. In general, however, mold grows best in damp, warm environments. The availability of nutrients in indoor environments rarely limits mold growth, since wood, wallboard, wallpaper, upholstery, and even dust can be nutrient sources. Similarly, the temperature of indoor environments, above freezing and below the temperature for denaturing proteins, can support mold growth, even if the actual temperature is not optimal.

14 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 3 The primary factor that limits the growth of mold indoors is lack of moisture. Substantial indoor mold growth is virtually synonymous with the presence of water inside the building envelope. This intrusion from the outdoors may be from rainwater leaking through faulty gutters or a roof in disrepair, from a foundation leak, or from condensation at an interface, such as a window or a pipe, between a cold and a warm environment. Water can also come from leaks in the plumbing or sewage system inside the structure. Studies of mold growth on building materials, such as plywood, have found mold grows on materials that remain wet for 48 to 72 hours. Flooding, particularly when floodwaters remain for days or weeks, provides an almost optimal opportunity for mold growth. Moisture Content of Wood Building Materials Table below shows the normal moisture content of several wood building materials. This number can vary slightly depending on region and atmospheric conditions. Table Moisture Content of Wood Building Materials Moisture % Baseboard 7 to 10 Cabinetry 7 to 10 Casing 7 to 10 Wood Furnishings (interior) 7 to 12 Gypsum Wallboard 12 or less Hardwood Flooring 7 to 10 Framing Lumber 15 to 19 Wood Furnishings (exterior) 12 to 18 Moisture Measurements Moisture measurements are taken using a penetrating moisture meter (Drieaz Moisture Pro PTM ).

15 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 4 SAMPLING PROCEDURES Types of samples used to assess the presence of mold and the potential for human exposure to mold include air samples, surface samples, and bulk samples. The following are examples of instances when different types of sampling may be required: 1. To help evaluate a source of mold contamination. For example, testing the types of mold and mold concentrations indoors versus outdoors can be used to identify an indoor source of mold contamination that may not be obvious on visual inspection. 2. To help guide mold remediation. For example, if mold is being removed and there is a question about how far the colonization extends, then surface or bulk sampling in combination with moisture readings may be useful to answer this question. Samples taken by Liberty OHM are mailed to EMlab P&K laboratory in Phoenix, Arizona for analysis. EMlab P&K is staffed by certified microbiologists and is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association s Environmental Microbial Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP). Air Samples Air samples are collected to determine the concentration and types of airborne fungi. An outside reference sample is collected as a reference for the basis of comparison. The sampling instruments are calibrated to a flow rate of L/min, prior to use. Air-O-Cell cassettes are used to quantify mold spore concentration. This sampling device is utilized for the rapid collection of a wide range of airborne particles, including fungal spores. The results reported include viable and non-viable spores. The unit of measure for fungal counts is colony-forming units per cubic meter of air (i.e. C/m 3 ). Surface Samples Tape Lifts & Swabs Surface sampling allows the identification of molds that are growing on a surface in addition to molds that settle out of the air onto surfaces. Swab sampling involves using a sterile swab to wipe a known area of a surface to collect the mold, and tape sampling involves using a clear piece of adhesive tape to strip a surface suspected of having mold on it. The results reported include viable and non-viable spores. The unit of measure for fungal counts is colony-forming units per square centimeter (i.e. C/cm²).

16 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 5 Bulk Samples Bulk sampling involves collection of material samples in a building from areas where mold is apparent or if no mold can be found. Samples are collected in any number of ways and bagged. The results reported include viable and non-viable spores. The unit of measure for fungal counts is colony-forming units per gram (i.e. C/g). Evaluation Criteria This survey performed viable and non-viable air monitoring which is a useful tool to detect indoor fungal contamination or amplification sites of fungi. The data is used in conjunction with a careful examination of the property and when necessary, appropriately collected bulk sample data. The current industry consensus among AIHA, ACGIH and others, state that a comparison of the differences of fungi levels and types between indoor and outdoor air is a reliable determinant of the existence of growth of fungi in a property or building. The significant presence and concentration of fungi in the indoor air that is not present or present as a minor component of the outdoor air mycoflora is unacceptable and may indicate that mold are growing in the property and that the air quality is degraded. CONTENT REMEDIATION Condition 1, 2, or 3 as defined by the IICRC S520 for indoor environments relative to mold are as follows: Condition 1 (Normal fungal ecology): Indoor environment that may have settled spores, fungal fragments or traces of actual growth whose identity; location and quantity are reflective of a normal fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment. Condition 2 (Settled spores): Indoor environment is primarily contaminated with settled spores that were dispersed directly or indirectly from a Condition 3 area, and which may have traces of actual growth. Condition 3 (Actual Growth): Indoor environment contaminated with presence of actual mold growth and associated spores. Actual growth includes growth that is active or dormant, visible or hidden. Restoration of contaminated contents should begin and end with HEPA vacuuming.

17 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 6 Following determination of Condition (1,2, or 3 as defined by IICRC S520), contaminated contents should be divided into porous, semi-porous, and non-porous groups. No services are generally required for Condition 1 items with the possible exception of removal, containment or prevention from becoming contaminated. All Condition 2 contents regardless of group may be restored utilizing proper remediation methods. Non-porous Condition 3 contents may be restored utilizing proper remediation methods. IICRC guidelines recommend disposal of all porous and semi-porous Condition 3 contents. These items usually cannot be restored to a pre-loss condition. If the items are irreplaceable or are of high sentimental or monetary value, remediation may be attempted utilizing Category 2 remediation guidelines. Guiding our efforts are two publications, which are industry standards. These Standards are relied upon to help us make decisions on how to restore the facilities in a safe manner. These are: IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (ANSI S ) and IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation (Dec. 2003) IICRC stands for The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC is a procedural standard which are based upon reliable restoration principles, review of available scientific literature and practical experience. Much of what and how the restoration is being performed at the Hospital are based upon these three standards and other sources including professional judgment, in the hope of providing restoration with the health and safety of the work team performing the work and the employees, patients and others at the Hospital as our priority. The defining force that dictates how we assess the health and safety issues are the type or category of water associated with floodwaters. The building was invaded sprinkler water or Category 1 water. When it contacts septic surfaces, it becomes Category 2 water. According to IICRC 520, it does deteriorate to Category 3 water over time (72 hours). Category 3 water can be grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic or other harmful agents. The sprinkler water contained silt, sediment and other unknown debris, as evidenced by the immediate area of the flood and subsequent odors. Category 3 water can likely contain organic material, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic organic substances. Significant concentrations of mold can accompany spaces impacted by flooding if immediate restoration efforts are not taken. Our recommended corrective actions are based upon the type of water, and information and evidence collected during the pre-restoration evaluations.

18 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 7 Much of what we base our decisions on what to dispose of or what may be cleaned and restored is the porosity of building materials and their contents. Materials are generally porous, semiporous or non-porous. Porous materials include wallboard, clothing, paper, insulation, carpeting, cellulose materials, foodstuffs, ceiling tiles, upholstered furniture, etc. Semi-porous materials include laminate flooring, unfinished wood, masonry, etc. Non-porous materials include most metals, glass, plastics (some) and finished wood (some). The IICRC states that most porous and semi-porous contents affected by Category 3 water must be disposed of due to the inability to clean all areas of saturation, along with other effects such as staining, discoloration, fiber damage and especially the potential presence of harmful contaminates. The overall process being taken at the building are guided by the IICRC Standards and are listed below in simplified terms: Perform preliminary and on-going inspections, determining the extent of water damage. Perform pre-restoration evaluations including determining what can be salvaged and what must be removed and disposed to facilitate cleaning, sanitization and contaminate removal. Perform pre-restoration sampling establishing baseline contaminate levels. Perform periodic sampling to verify that contaminants have not spread to areas not directly affected. Removal and disposal of contaminated/damaged materials (i.e. removal of wet materials from affected areas) Moisture Control Control of spread of contaminates (HEPA filtration) Removal of excess water, Enhancing evaporation Dehumidification/ventilation Controlling temperature Gross cleaning (i.e. power washing, sweeping, etc.) Final cleaning with anti-microbial solutions, HEPA vacuuming and encapsulants, wetwiping, etc. Final Inspection and sampling (Post Remediation Verification - PRV) Liberty OHM can produce guidance plans for remediation/cleaning/drying, etc. to the restoration companies, including site drawings. Liberty OHM will also provide recommendations for appropriate quality assurance sampling following and during build-back.

19 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 8 MOLDS AND HEALTH People with special health concerns should consult their health care provider if they are concerned about mold exposure. Symptoms that may seem related to mold exposure may be due to other causes, such as bacterial or viral infections or other allergies. Exposure assessment is usually a critical step in determining whether people are exposed to a hazard at a level that could have an adverse health effect. The mere presence of a chemical or biological hazard in the environment is insufficient to create a public health hazard. The contaminant must be present in an environmental medium (e.g. air, water, food, dust) that allows it to come in contact with people and move along a biologic pathway (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, absorption). In addition, the concentration of the contaminant must be sufficient to create a biologic response that leads to an adverse health outcome. Mold and its spores exist in damp materials. Disturbing mold releases potentially hazardous particulates into the air, which can then be drawn into the sinuses and lungs. Although molds may also directly attack the skin or openings in the skin, the most common route of exposure is through the air and into the body by inhalation. Assume that building interiors are significantly contaminated with mold in the following circumstances: 1) The building was saturated with water for more than 48 hours. 2) Visible mold growth is extensive and in excess of that present before the water loss. 3) Signs of water damage are visible, or mildew odors are strong. Assume that exposure to materials and structures contaminated with mold may present a health risk regardless of the type of mold. Risk of illness does not necessarily vary with the type of mold or the extent of contamination. Preventing excessive exposure to mold is the best way to avoid harmful health consequences. The preferred approach to preventing mold exposure is to prevent water from infiltrating a building or damaging household goods and structures. If left undisturbed, mold is generally not a hazard, and most people will not be adversely affected by moderate exposure to mold. To prevent excessive exposure to mold in contaminated areas that are disturbed, people who enter those areas should implement environmental controls (e.g., suppress dust, isolate the contaminated area), use personal protective equipment, or both. How to protect people from exposure to mold depends on three factors: 1) The likely concentration of mold in the building fabric or materials. 2) The duration and type of activity undertaken in the mold-contaminated area. 3) The susceptibility of the individual entering the area to the various health effects.

20 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 9 There are four methods for preventing exposure to mold: 1) Avoid exposure. 2) Use environmental controls. 3) Use personal protective equipment (PPE). 4) Be strict about personal hygiene. The effect of exposure to mold varies widely. The following is a list of people who may be affected to a greater extent than most healthy adults: 1) Infants and children. 2) Elderly people. 3) Pregnant women. 4) People with respiratory conditions (such as asthma) or allergies. 5) People with weakened immune systems (e.g., chemotherapy patients, organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, people with HIV infections or autoimmune diseases). REFERENCES American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists: Bioaerosols Assessment and Control; Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC S520): Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation; 1 st ed., Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) S500: Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration; 3 rd ed., American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA): Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants in Environmental Samples; American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Synergist Technical Exchange: Proposed Guidelines for Fungal Spores. Pathogen Control Associates, Inc.: Microbes in the Indoor Environment; 1 st ed., The CDC Mold Work Group - National Center for Environmental Health, National Center for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; October 2005.

21 Liberty OHM IAQ Appendix C Page 10 US Environmental Protection Agency: A brief guide to mold and moisture in your home. Available at: US Environmental Protection Agency: Mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings. Available at: William Yobe & Associates & U.S. Forest Products (USDA): Building Component & Furnishing Moisture Levels. University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Forestry Facts; No. 64, November Environmental Microbiology Laboratory: The Environmental Reporter; Volume 2, Issue 5, June 2004.