The document discusses the county health department's guidelines and procedures for investigating mold complaints. It provides information on different types of mold, health effects, exposure limits, identifying mold problems, prevention, removal procedures, and guidelines for landlords and tenants. The health department investigates indoor mold issues in rental properties and recommends removal of black mold and other visible mold over 10 square feet but does not regulate outdoor, attic, or basement mold unless it poses a health risk. Proper moisture control and cleaning are key to preventing mold growth.
2. Mold Investigations
CCGHD investigates mold complaints
Accept written complaints from current
tenants or close relatives
Dont inspect owner occupied homes
Investigate only indoor mold issues
Dont take samples not useful
3. Black Mold
CCGHD interested only in black mold
Recommend removal of other varieties
Mold & mildew are synonymous
An allergen like pollen
No scientific evidence of adverse health
effects
Anecdotal evidence of health effects
4. Health Effects of Mold
Mainly respiratory coughing, sneezing, sore
throat, runny nose, congestion
Other allergic reactions headaches, burning
eyes, skin rash, etc.
Irritant
Does not cause colds
Can aggravate colds, flu, & Asthma
5. Exposure Limits
No exposure limits
Link to health effects not scientifically
substantiated
Not known what quantity is acceptable
Sensitivity to mold varies from person to
person
6. Toxic Mold
Toxic mold a misnomer
Mold itself isnt toxic
Produce mycotoxins as a by-product
Toxic only if ingested
Stachybrotrys - toxic variety < 1% of mold
CCGHD assumes all black mold is toxic
7. Killer Mold
Killer mold - media hype
Began by flawed study in Cleveland
CDC retracted entire study
Misinformation perpetuated by media &
lucrative lawsuits
8. Mold Problem ?
Sanitarian identifies mold problem visually &
by odor
Musty odor, & 10 sq. ft. or more of visible
black mold indicates a mold problem
9. Mold Removal
< 10 sq. ft. is a small amount
10 sq. ft. or more is generally the landlords
responsibility
< 10 sq. ft. - responsibility of the tenant
12. Mold Not An Issue
If sanitarian cant see it or smell it
In wall or ceiling cavity provided there are
no holes
In unfinished attic
In unfinished basement
In garage
13. County Requirements
Require removal in occupied rental units
No requirement for removal in vacant units
No requirement for removal in owner
occupied dwellings
Will issue NOV to landlord if appropriate
14. Outdoor Mold
Not a health nuisance issue
Cannot be controlled
Not regulated
No requirement for removal
15. Algae on Buildings
Green color
Algae is not mold
No adverse health effects
No requirement for removal
16. Window & Door Frames
Responsibility of tenant to clean windows,
window frames, & door frames
Recommend regular cleaning
17. Bathroom Fixtures
Tenants responsibility to clean bathrooms, &
remove mold caused by showering
Also tenants responsibility to clean toilets
18. Water Stains
Water stains not a violation
Water stains can be confused with mold
19. Causes of Indoor Mold
Water leaks
Excessive moisture
Mold needs moisture or water to grow
The key to controlling mold is controlling
moisture
20. Mold Prevention
Repair leaks such as roof leaks, plumbing
leaks, etc.
Direct water away from buildings
Repair downspouts
Clean gutters
21. Mold Prevention
Eliminate sources of moisture
Vent clothes dryer properly
Remove water on windowsills
Wipe down shower stall
Use bathroom vent
Purchase dehumidifier
22. Mold Prevention
Keep furniture 4 - 6 away from outside wall
Keep interior doors open
Provide adequate ventilation
Maintain adequate heat
Report water leaks to landlord
23. Mold Removal Procedure
If you see mold, remove it
Clean affected area w/ detergent & water
Rinse
Sanitize w/ 10% bleach solution
Let dry
Paint or seal if desired
24. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator half face w/ dust cartridges
Gloves especially when using bleach
Coveralls or long sleeves
25. Containment
Not required mold isnt asbestos
Doesnt prevent mold its already present
Keeps other areas clean
Limits exposure
26. Moldy Carpet
Should be discarded, along with pad
Mold develops in wet carpet in ~ 6 days
Mold cannot be removed from textiles
Wet carpet should be taken up & dried
At least wet vac carpet
27. Other Moldy Items
Professionally clean upholstered furniture
Clean leather w/ saddle soap
Separate books & papers let dry
Wash & dry fabrics
Discard items
28. Mold Remediation Companies
No state certification
Contact BBB
Get 3 estimates & a written contract
Costs $10,000.00 for basement
Save money - use elbow grease
29. Professional Mold Inspections
No state certification
Air samples - $300.00 each
Complete air study - $3,000.00+
Air study includes indoor & outdoor sampling
Establishes relative concentrations
30. Mold Test Kits
Available in hardware stores
Various kits available
Not recommended by CCGHD
If you test for mold, you will find it
If you can see it, remove it