worker in hazmat suit addresses mold on wall.

Date Posted: 10/27/2023

According to OSHA, Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. Most molds are harmless, but some can cause infections and allergy symptoms and produce toxins. Inhalation is the exposure of most concern to cleanup workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that “mold can cause many health effects. For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. In addition, immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get lung infections from mold”.

Effects of Mold

Health-related reactions in people depend on mold type, the amount and duration of exposure, and individual characteristics. Exposure to mold spores may cause allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue. In addition, repeated exposure to mold can increase a person’s sensitivity, causing more severe allergic reactions. All mold exposure is potentially harmful, although there are currently no action levels, PEL, or Federal regulatory standards for mold exposure. Dead or dormant mold and mold spores may also be harmful when inhaled. Health issues may also arise because certain molds can produce mycotoxins – a naturally occurring toxic substance. However, EPA says mold in a building does NOT necessarily mean that mycotoxins are present. Individual differences can mean two people aren’t affected in the same way by mold, and other factors include how much and how long of an exposure. Mold contamination and remediation have been linked to discomfort and health problems, including:

Allergic reactions
Asthma symptoms
Irritant effects
Respiratory problems
Aches and pains
Bronchitis
Rhinitis
Eczema
Other non-specific health complaints

How Can You Get Exposed to Mold in the Workplace?

Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes or where there has been a flood. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Inhalation is the exposure of most concern to cleanup workers. Individuals with a weakened immune system, allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other lung diseases are at the most significant risk of being affected by mold or mold spore exposure. If mold growth is present, visually survey the types of materials and the size of the area affected. A moisture meter may determine moisture levels in building materials (e.g., carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete) and moisture content following water damage. Meters also can be used to monitor progress in drying wet materials. In addition, an infrared survey can be performed to understand the extent of water damage. Although sampling for mold is not usually necessary, it may help guide mold remediation activities.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Mold Exposure in the Workplace?

Moisture control is a crucial strategy for preventing and reducing mold growth. If possible, avoid water from entering a work area to prevent mold from starting or continuing to grow. If mold growth is present, visually survey the types of materials and the size of the area affected. A moisture meter may determine moisture levels in building materials (e.g., carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete) and moisture content following water damage. Materials that cannot be dried and thoroughly cleaned should be removed using methods that minimize occupant and worker exposure to spores. Drying can involve fans, blowers, and dehumidifiers. However, the more humid the air, the less effective the blowers will be. It is often more cost-effective to remove and replace the building materials, e.g., fiberglass batting, than to dry and clean mold-contaminated materials.

Ensure that all workers are trained to identify signs of mold and the appropriate steps to remove, clean, and safely remediate mold.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.
Identify moisture problems, remove excess moisture with a wet-dry vacuum, and dry out the building as quickly as possible. Fix water problems such as roof leaks, wet basements, and leaking pipes or faucets.
Make sure the working area is well-ventilated.
Use exhaust fans to assist in the drying process. Provide natural (open windows) or exhaust ventilation (fans blowing to the outside) during all cleaning steps.
After an area has been cleaned and is completely dry, vacuum the area with a HEPA vacuum. HEPA vacuums are also recommended for cleaning up dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the work area.
Clean wet items/surfaces with detergent and water.
Work and egress areas should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.
Discard all water/mold-damaged materials; discard mold-damaged materials in plastic bags; discard all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours.
Disinfect surfaces with 1/2 cup of household bleach in 1 gallon of water. CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with cleaning products that contain ammonia.
Use NIOSH-approved respiratory protection (at a minimum, either a half-face or full-face respirator equipped with N95, R95, or P95 filters).
Use hand and eye protection (non-vented goggles).
Wear long gloves made of material that protects from chemicals used for surface cleaning.
Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination and skin contact with mold and chemicals.
Set up a decontamination area.
Re-wet materials with a water mist to suppress spores, dust, and debris.
Vacuum areas that are clean and dry with a HEPA vacuum.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas; avoid breathing dust; wash thoroughly after working, including hair, scalp, and nails.
Ensure electrical safety when working in wet conditions.