Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Institute, Mechanical Systems Hygiene Institute, National Institute of Disaster Restoration, National Institute Rug Cleaning, Water Loss Institute referrals to professionals. Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on: There are several websites that contain flood mitigation information. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's publication, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings," or other guidelines developed by professional or governmental organizations. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) developed this 3-part video series. Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). Consult an experienced mold remediator for more information. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. In many cases, it is not economically practical or useful to test for mold growth on surfaces or for airborne spores in the building. Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment? These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. When using fans, take care not to extend the zone of contamination by distributing mold spores to a previously unaffected area. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. Substantial Improvement is defined as improvement with a cost that is equal to or greater than half of the market value of a structure before the improvement. Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. Dry floodproofing is any measure to make a structure watertight below the level that needs flood protection to prevent floodwaters from entering. Heavily damaged, porous materials (such a carpeting or drywall) that cannot be thoroughly dried and cleaned should be discarded and replaced. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings. Please note that these are guidelines; some professionals may prefer other remediation methods, and certain circumstances may require different approaches or variations on the approaches described below. When the lowest floor of a flood-prone structure is raised to or above BFE, it will meet the minimum ordinance standards required by the NFIP for structures located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Molds come in many colors; both white and black molds are shown here. Hazard Mitigation staff have a variety of FEMA resources available to help educate the public on flood mitigation techniques. Only properly trained mold remediation workers should attempt clean-up and containment at this volume. Molds are part of the natural environment. Floods are one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. ft. or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls. This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. A full face piece respirator provides both respiratory and eye protection. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area, as a background level of mold spores comparable to the level in outside air will persist. Another partner organization is the Institute for Business Home Safety (IBHS). Health Effects of Mold Exposure Proper well construction will protect a well from contamination. Use the arrow keys to select answers for multiple-choice review questions or self-assessment checklists. How Do You Know When You Have Finished Remediation/Cleanup? Some specific species of mold produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLYthe mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. Some of the more common items include: Moisture meters measure/monitor moisture levels in building materials, and may be helpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materials following water damage. Business owners who are concerned about the cost of professional help can contact the OSHA Consultation Project Office in their state for free consultation service. Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. Community Floodplain Management ordinances. A major bloom involving a large area of a collection or one involving highly toxic mold species will require outside professional advice and assistance to stop the mold growth, clean the collection, and render the affected area safe for use again. Decisions about the type of advice to provide to individuals dealing with mold are the responsibility of the State Health Department. There are many types of mold. Surfaces in the work area that could become contaminated should be covered with a secured plastic sheet(s) before remediation to contain dust/debris and prevent further contamination. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting. In conducting the mold remediation, every effort should be made to keep dust and mold out of the air. This guide is intended to provide streamlined guidance to state, territorial, and tribal governments on the essential elements of Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and required actions to request, initiate, and receive FEMA disaster assistance grants. Musty or earthy odors may indicate mold. After correcting water or moisture infiltration, the prompt removal of contaminated material and structural repair is the primary response to mold contamination in buildings. Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. This lesson will discuss the NFIP and informing the public about it after a disaster event. People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms. Other floods develop very quickly. Information about floodplain management ordinances is best provided by the local government. It is recommended that personnel be trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator). Is it necessary to sample for mold? Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged? Their website, FLASH.org, has preparedness and post-disaster materials that Hazard Mitigation staff or the public can easily access. River and stream flooding may be triggered by heavy rains, melting snows, and storm surge. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division 2001. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels. If you exit from the course, you will need to start that lesson over again. Floodproofing measures are generally designed to protect individual components of a structure, not to bring the structure into compliance with a communitys floodplain ordinance. If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. To see a numeric display, roll your mouse over the Progress bar area. In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or the mold growth will reoccur. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. This safety and health information bulletin provides recommendations for the prevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention. What is mold? Refer to an HM Insurance Specialist at the JFO if you need assistance with answering a specific question from a member of the public, or if you need clarification and additional information about aspects of the NFIP. A user id and password are required to access either website. Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% (25 - 60%, if possible). This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. Additional Information Visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics webpage on Mold at: www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds The last screen provides instructions on how to complete the final exam. Other moisture problems may result from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building, or unvented combustion appliance. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Always, read and follow product label precautions. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere - inside or outside - throughout the year. Types of samples can include: air samples, surface samples, bulk samples, and water samples from condensate drain pans or cooling towers. It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in this fashion to minimize the dispersion of mold spores. Visit the NFIPs official website, FloodSmart.gov for general information. Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Regular building maintenance staff can conduct this level of remediation. Please refer to the discussion of the different levels of remediation to ascertain the type of respiratory protection recommended. Remediators, particularly those with health related concerns, may wish to check with their physicians or other health-care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but they also create health hazards. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. Emergency management and public health professionals can easily share these resources digitally. Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental exposures. This completes this lesson. Many communities have adopted even stricter standards in their floodplain ordinance and require higher elevation called freeboard. Freeboard helps compensate for many unknown factors that can contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated in base flood elevations, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the effects of urbanization of the watershed. A filter with a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined by Test Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, may be appropriate. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed impermeable plastic bag. Some jobs may require the use of dust-tight chutes to move large quantities of debris to a dumpster strategically placed outside a window in the remediation area. Structures must be elevated by trained professionals. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. The cost of flood insurance varies depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property's flood risk. An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality [Page title updated in 2012], Biological Pollutants [Page title updated in 2012], Building Air Quality (BAQ) [Page title updated in 2012], Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air Quality [Page title and link updated in 2015], Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings [Page title and link updated in 2015], Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools [Page title updated in 2015], Resources for Flood Cleanup and Mold [Link updated in 2019], Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide [Link updated in 2015], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings, Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Jewish Health Medical and Research Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Managing water infiltration into buildings, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, SHIB 03-10-10 A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace - English, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, (formerly Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine), Office of Science and Technology Assessment. As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. U.S. EPA IAQ Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO). Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. No major drilling or cutting of dry wall is required. Wet vacuums should be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. This one-pager has QR codes to several mold cleanup and moisture control resources including guidance for homeowners and renters to better understand how to safely and effectively cleanup mold and control moisture. Extensive courses given in IAQ. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Flood insurance is the best way to protect from devastating financial loss. Official websites use .gov Potential health effects from mycotoxins are the subject of ongoing scientific research and are beyond the scope of this document. Method 4: Discard Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Molds are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. This explains why mold infestation is often found in damp, dark, hidden spaces; light and air circulation dry areas out, making them less hospitable for mold. If a home or business is damaged by a flood, the owner may be required to meet certain building requirements in the community to reduce future flood damage. If a community decides to pursue a property acquisition project, the land cannot be redeveloped and often is preserved as public open space, parks, or recreation areas. If you have to leave the course, do not exit from the course or close your browser. Please click here to see any active alerts. Education and training on cleaning and maintenance. NFIP Claims Handbook tells policyholders what to do before, during, and after a flood. A N-95 respirator is recommended. It is a violation of Federal (EPA) law to use a biocide in any manner inconsistent with its label direction. At a disaster, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach (CEO) group, in collaboration with the state, decides which of these approved publications and resources support the Hazard Mitigation Strategy for the disaster. IS 322: Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff After a disaster event, which agency is. In January 2019, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for General Buildings (PDF) These tools may help identify and determine the severity of known and unknown areas of dampness and mold, prioritize repair and remediation, and track past and present problems. Extending the casing at least 2 feet above the highest known flood elevation, Installing a sanitary seal or cover on the casing, Installing a backflow value in the water line, The importance of directing the public to local building officials before they begin repairs or rebuilding, How FEMA addresses the topic of flood-related mold with the public, Which publications are available to promote flood mitigation, What FEMA-approved online resources are available for flood mitigation, What appropriate actions to take when advising the public, Recognize the information and advice to provide regarding mold, Identify FEMA partner organizations and the websites that contain FEMA mitigation publications, Identify the correct actions to take when advising the public regarding flood mitigation and the NFIP. A quick guide to the dangers of mold in your home. The mold infographic shows how to take steps to control moisture indoors. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. The NFIP provides specific resources to policy holders and the public following a flooding event. Testing for mold is expensive, and there should be a clear reason for doing so. If any individual has health concerns, doubts, or questions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult a health professional. Aside from official FEMA websites, there are FEMA-partner organizations that provide comprehensive, user-friendly information and guidance on flood mitigation. These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. This bulletin is directed primarily at building managers, custodians, and others responsible for building maintenance, but may also be used as a basic reference for those involved in mold remediation. Contractors and other professionals (e.g. Several federal agencies also publish information about mold, including: Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Click on the "Glossary" button to look up key definitions and acronyms. If dislodged, these tanks also pose serious threats to public safety and to the environment. Along with mushrooms, yeasts, and mildew, molds are classified as fungi. These guidelines are subject to change as more information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available. For more information about the other courses, refer to the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov. Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensed where required. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold, as it could spread contamination throughout the building. This is because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Bioaerosols Assessment and Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology 2002. Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings, WHOGuidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (PDF), World Health Organization, 2009, 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Resources for Public Health Professionals. Information on industrial hygiene and indoor air quality issues including mold hazards and legal issues. The remediation manager should rely on professional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. Any remediation work that disturbs mold and causes mold spores to become airborne increases the degree of respiratory exposure. You should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup and it should show no signs of water damage or mold growth. ONLY the mold publications that have been provided by the American Red Cross B. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA has one post-disaster mitigation grant program to assist communities in . Communities generally engage in acquisition or buyout" projects when a grant has been awarded to provide funding. Learn about mold growth indoors, including topics like basic information about indoor mold growth, how mold can affect health and mold testing. REMEMBER YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ENTIRE COURSE TO RECEIVE CREDIT. Mold Cleanup. The work area should be unoccupied. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to wear appropriate PPE while performing this task. Identify and correct moisture problems. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices since the 1970s, which resulted in tightly sealed buildings with diminished ventilation, contributing to moisture vapor buildup. Available in both English and Spanish languages. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10 - 30 sq. However, it does reduce the immediate risk of illness and additional damage from the mold conditions created by the flooding.
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