Re: NEW NIOSH / CDC MOLD ADVICE FOR WORKERS IN DAMP BLDGS

More | Report Post

POWER TO TRUTH.

On 6/18/10, Sharon wrote:
> "Contradicting research results exist regarding whether
> toxigenic mold found indoors causes unique or rare health
> conditions such as bleeding in the lungs." is a step in the
> right direction for them - as compared to, "Can't prove it, so
> didn't happen".
>
>
> On 6/18/10, Rem Dude wrote:
>> At least the CDC is attempting to dispell much of the hype
>> and hysteria surrounding "toxic black mold".
>>
>> CDC - Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce
>> toxins (mycotoxins), but the molds themselves are not toxic,
>> or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce
>> mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common
>> molds which can grow in your house or workplace.
>> Contradicting research results exist regarding whether
>> toxigenic mold found indoors causes unique or rare health
>> conditions such as bleeding in the lungs.
>>
>> I am also pleased they are informing folks that extensive
>> testing is a waste of time and money.
>>
>> Now if we can just get them to grasp proper remediation
>> techniques and stop telling folks that soap and bleach are
>> effective...
>>
>> RD
>>
>> On 6/13/10, Susan wrote:
>>> URGENT ATTN: JUNE 1, 2010: NEW NIOSH / CDC MOLD ADVICE FOR
>>> WORKERS IN DAMP BLDGS
>>>
>>> THE FOLLOWING WAS UPDATED 6/1/2010 ON THE NIOSH / CDC
>>> WEBSITE
>>>
>>> THIS IS IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE REQUESTS MADE OF CDC BY
>>> CENTER FOR SCHOOL MOLD HELP AND WHO INFORMATION, WHICH IS
>>> NOT CITED ON THIS PAGE
>>>
>>> THIS INFORMATION WILL IMPACT EVERY WORKER IN AMERICA WHOSE
>>> WORKPLACE IS DAMP, WATER-DAMAGED, AND/OR MOLDY. PRINT THIS
>>> REPORT DIRECTLY FROM THE URL BELOW AND SHOW YOUR
>> PHYSICIAN,
>>> ATTORNEYS, AND EMPLOYERS IF YOU THINK YOU ARE ILL FROM A
>>> DAMP BUILDING.(Susan Brinchman, Director, Center for
>> School
>>> Mold Help, www.schoolmoldhelp.org)
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------------
>>>
>>> http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/mold.html
>>>
>>> NIOSH
>>> Workplace Safety and Health Topics
>>> Industries & Occupations
>>> Indoor Environmental Quality
>>> INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
>>> Dampness and Mold in Buildings
>>>
>>> On this Page:
>>> What is Mold?
>>> "Toxic Mold" & Stachybotyrs chartarum
>>> Remediation of dampness and mold contamination
>>> I suspect mold in my workplace. How do I test for mold?
>>> Symptoms related to dampness and mold
>>> What workers can do?
>>> What management and building owners can do
>>> Resources
>>> References
>>>
>>>
>>> Dampness results from water incursion either from internal
>>> sources (e.g. leaking pipes) or external sources (e.g.
>>> rainwater). Dampness becomes a problem when various
>>> materials in buildings (e.g., rugs, walls, ceiling tiles)
>>> become wet for extended periods of time. Excessive
>> moisture
>>> in the air (i.e., high relative humidity) that is not
>>> properly controlled with air conditioning can also lead to
>>> excessive dampness. Flooding causes dampness. Dampness is
>> a
>>> problem in buildings because it provides the moisture that
>>> supports the growth of bacteria, fungi (i.e., mold), and
>>> insects.
>>>
>>>
>>> In the presence of damp building materials the source of
>>> water incursion is often readily apparent (e.g., leaks in
>>> the roof or windows or a burst pipe). However, dampness
>>> problems can be less obvious when the affected materials
>>> and water source are hidden from view (e.g., wet
>> insulation
>>> within a ceiling or wall; excessive moisture in the
>>> building foundation due to the slope of the surrounding
>>> land).
>>>
>>> What is mold?
>>> Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various
>>> kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. There are many
>>> different mold species that come in many different colors.
>>> Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew. They are found
>>> both indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all
>>> seasons of the year. Outdoors, molds survive by using
>>> plants and decaying organic matter such as fallen leaves
>> as
>>> a source of nutrition. Indoors, molds need moisture to
>> grow
>>> as well as a carbon source from building materials or
>>> building contents.
>>>
>>> Excess moisture is generally the cause of indoor mold
>>> growth. Molds reproduce by releasing tiny spores that
>> float
>>> through the air until landing in other locations. When
>> they
>>> settle on wet or moist surfaces, the spores can form new
>>> mold colonies. Moderate temperatures and available
>> nutrient
>>> sources make most office buildings ideal for mold growth.
>>>
>>> Recent media attention has increased public awareness and
>>> concern over exposure to molds in the workplace. While
>> this
>>> may seem to be a new problem, exposure to molds has
>>> actually occurred throughout history. In fact, the types
>> of
>>> molds found in office buildings are not rare or even
>>> unusual. It is important to understand that no indoor
>> space
>>> is completely free from mold spores – not even a surgical
>>> operating room. Molds are everywhere, making our exposure
>>> to molds unavoidable, whether indoors or outdoors, at home
>>> or at work.
>>>
>>> "Toxic Mold" & Stachybotyrs chartarum
>>> Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce
>>> toxins (mycotoxins), but the molds themselves are not
>>> toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may
>>> produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other
>>> common molds which can grow in your house or workplace.
>>> Contradicting research results exist regarding whether
>>> toxigenic mold found indoors causes unique or rare health
>>> conditions such as bleeding in the lungs. Research is
>>> ongoing in this area.
>>>
>>> Mold growing in buildings, whether it is Stachybotrys
>>> chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) or another mold, indicates
>>> that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is
>> the
>>> first problem that needs to be addressed.
>>>
>>> Remediation of dampness and mold contamination
>>> First and foremost, determine the source of moisture and
>>> take appropriate measures to make repairs. Damp or wet
>>> building materials and furnishings as a result of leaks or
>>> flooding should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent
>>> the growth of mold. Mold can be cleaned and removed from
>>> hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or
>>> a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1
>>> gallon of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other
>>> household cleaners. Mold in or under carpets typically
>>> requires that the carpets be removed. Once mold starts to
>>> grow in insulation or wallboard, the only way to deal with
>>> the problem is removal and replacement. (CDC- Facts about
>>> Stachybotrys chartarum and Other Molds) For complete
>>> remediation guidelines go to the New York City Department
>>> of Health and Hygiene’s Guidelines on Assessment and
>>> Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments at
>>> www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt.... For "green"
>>> environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, go to
>>> Greenguard Environmental Institute at www.greenguard.org.
>>>
>>> I suspect mold in my workplace. How do I test for mold?
>>> CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds.
>>> Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of
>>> mold growing in a building. Measurements of mold in air
>> are
>>> not reliable or representative. If mold is seen or
>> smelled,
>>> there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter
>> what
>>> type of mold is present, you should arrange for its
>>> removal. Furthermore, sampling for mold can be expensive,
>>> and standards for judging what is and what is not an
>>> acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been
>>> established.
>>>
>>> Symptoms related to dampness and mold
>>> Health problems associated with excessive damp conditions
>>> and mold include:
>>> ALLERGIES
>>>
>>> Allergic responses like those to pollen or animal dander
>>> are the most common types of health problems related to
>>> mold. Typical symptoms include sneezing; irritation of the
>>> nose, mouth, or throat; nasal stuffiness and runny nose;
>>> and red, itchy or watery eyes. Inhaling or touching mold
>> or
>>> mold spores can cause a person who was not previously
>>> allergic to mold to become allergic to mold. For people
>>> with known allergies, molds can trigger asthma symptoms
>>> such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough.
>> Irritation
>>> can also occur in non-allergenic (non-sensitized) people.
>>> Additionally, scientific studies indicate that exposure to
>>> molds in the workplace can make pre-existing asthma worse.
>>> Recent NIOSH investigations document that some damp
>>> buildings are associated with developing new asthma.
>>> HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS
>>>
>>> Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a kind of lung
>>> inflammation that occurs in persons who develop immune
>>> system sensitization (similar to an allergy) to inhaled
>>> organic dust. It can be mistaken for pneumonia, but it
>> does
>>> not get better with antibiotics for infection.
>>>
>>> Symptoms of HP can vary. Some persons have shortness of
>>> breath, cough, muscle aches, chills, fever, night sweats,
>>> and profound fatigue. These symptoms usually first appear
>> 2
>>> to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other
>>> affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and
>>> cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only
>>> become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and
>>> then recur on return to work. With continued exposure, the
>>> persistent lung inflammation of both kinds of symptoms can
>>> lead to scarring and permanent damage. The slow
>> progression
>>> of symptoms and the persistence of symptoms away from work
>>> may result in delayed recognition of work-related lung
>>> disease by both workers and physicians.
>>>
>>> HP has been referred to as Bird breeder’s lung and
>> Mushroom
>>> picker’s disease in specific occupations with a risk of HP
>>> from biological dusts. HP has been documented in workers
>> in
>>> buildings with mold and bacteria contaminated air-
>>> conditioners (including spray-water cooling systems), and
>>> contaminated ductwork and filters. This lung disease has
>>> also occurred in workers who worked in water-damaged
>>> buildings with roof leaks, plumbing leaks, poorly draining
>>> condensation pans, and high indoor relative humidity.
>>>
>>> HP is not contagious and is due to a person’s immune
>> system
>>> reaction to inhaled microorganisms, whether dead or alive.
>>> It is possible for workers to have both dampness-related
>> HP
>>> and asthma at the same time. Additionally, workplaces that
>>> have workers with HP may also have workers with building-
>>> related asthma.
>>> ASTHMA
>>>
>>> Asthma is a form of lung disease in which the airways
>>> develop inflammation and bronchospasm (reversible
>>> narrowing) in response to sensitizing or irritating
>>> exposure. Affected individuals can experience episodes of
>>> shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and wheezing.
>>> These symptoms occur after exposure to nonspecific
>>> irritating substances in the air or after exposure to
>>> substances to which an individual is allergic. Medical
>>> testing typically reveals evidence of bronchial
>>> hyperresponsiveness such as an abnormal methacholine
>>> challenge test or reversible airways obstruction on
>>> spirometry (a test of lung function). It is important for
>>> affected individuals to have a comprehensive asthma
>>> treatment plan and regular follow-up with their physician.
>>> Early diagnosis and removal from the impacted damp office
>>> environment can cure asthma caused by workplace exposures.
>>>
>>> In approximately 15&37; of asthmatics, the illness may
>> have
>>> been caused, or made worse, by workplace exposures. Some
>>> occupational exposures are well known risks for asthma
>>> development (e.g., western red cedar; isocyanates). Indoor
>>> environment research has identified evidence of an
>>> association between damp buildings and asthma symptoms in
>>> individuals with pre-existing asthma. There is also new
>>> evidence of an association between damp buildings and new-
>>> onset asthma. In an individual with new-onset asthma or
>>> worsening of stable pre-existing asthma, measurements of
>>> lung function made several times a day at work and at home
>>> over several weeks may reveal a pattern of changing lung
>>> function that suggests a workplace cause.
>>>
>>> For individuals with new-onset asthma or worsening of
>>> stable pre-existing asthma that is suspected to be related
>>> to the indoor environment, controlling or eliminating the
>>> sources of indoor contaminants, along with optimal medical
>>> treatment, may lead to symptoms of improvement or
>>> resolution.
>>> What workers can do
>>> When workers suspect their health problems are caused by
>>> exposure to building-related mold and dampness, workers
>>> should:
>>>
>>> Report concerns immediately to supervisors or those
>> persons
>>> responsible for building maintenance
>>> See your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment
>>> Ask your doctor whether you should be medically restricted
>>> from the affected environment
>>> What management and building owners can do
>>> When health problems are believed to be caused by exposure
>>> to mold in the workplace, owners and managers should:
>>>
>>> Advise workers to see their doctor for proper diagnosis
>> and
>>> treatment
>>> Evaluate the work area for evidence of mold and dampness
>>> Repair leaks and remediate water damaged materials
>>> Communicate with workers about areas of the building with
>>> evidence of mold or moisture damage and provide the status
>>> of remediation plans
>>> Arrange for relocation of workers whose doctors restrict
>>> them from the implicated work environments
>>> Resources
>>> Facts About Mold - American Industrial Hygiene Association
>>> (AIHA)
>>>
>>> Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Indoor Mold
>>> Fairfax, VA: American Industrial Hygiene Association 2008.
>>> ISBN 978-1-931504-91-1
>>>
>>> Facts About Mold and Dampness - Centers for Disease
>> Control
>>> and Prevention (CDC)
>>>
>>> Mold Resources - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
>>>
>>> Damp Indoor Spaces and Health - Institute of Medicine (IOM)
>>>
>>> Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace -
>>> Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
>>>
>>> Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in
>> Indoor
>>> Environments - New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH)
>>>
>>>
>>> References
>>> Brandt M, Brown C, Burkhart J, Burton N, Cox Ganser J,
>>> Damon S, Falk H, Fridkin S, Garbe P, McGeehin M, Morgan J,
>>> Page E, Rao C, Redd S, Sinks T, Trout D, Wallingford K,
>>> Warnock D, Weissman D. Mold prevention strategies and
>>> possible health effects in the aftermath of hurricanes and
>>> major floods. MMWR. 2006 June; 55(RR-8):1-27.
>>>
>>> Cox-Ganser JM, White SK, Jones R, Hilsbos K, Storey E,
>>> Enright PL, Rao CY, Kreiss K. Respiratory Morbidity in
>>> Office Workers in a Water-Damaged Building. Environ Health
>>> Perspect. 2005 April; 113(4): 485-490.
>>>
>>> Fink JN, Ortega HG, Reynolds HY, Cormier YF, et al. Needs
>>> and Opportunities for Research in Hypersensitivity
>>> Pneumonitis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical
>>> Care Medicine, 2005 April 1.
>>>
>>> Hoffman RE, Wood RC, Kreiss K. [1993]. Building-related
>>> asthma in Denver office workers. Am J Public Health 83:89-
>>> 93. Environ Health Perspect. 2005 April; 113(4): 485-490.
>>>
>>> Park J, Cox-Ganser J, Rao C, Kreiss K. Fungal and
>> endotoxin
>>> measurements in dust associated with respiratory symptoms
>>> in a water-damaged office building. Indoor Air 2006 Jun;
>>> 16:192-203.
>>>
>>> Park JH, Cox-Ganser JM, Kreiss K, White SK, Rao CY.
>>> Hydrophilic fungi and ergosterol associated with
>>> respiratory illness in a water-damaged building. Environ
>>> Health Perspect. 2008 Jan; 116(1):45-50.
>>>
>>> Sahakian NM, White SK, Park JH, Cox-Ganser JM, Kreiss K.
>>> Identification of mold and dampness-associated respiratory
>>> morbidity in 2 schools: comparison of questionaire survey
>>> responses to national data. J Sch Health. 2008 Jan; 78
>>> (1):32-37.
>>>
>>> Page updated June 1, 2010