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MOLDTRAINING: AWARENESS

Fusarium UlocladiumTrichodermaStachybotyrs

Four types of mold each seen as a “colony forming unit” (CFU) in a laboratory culturedish containing a growth medium.

8484 Georgia Ave., Suite 1000Silver Spring MD 20910

301-578-8500www.cpwr.com

January 2008

Material contained in this publication is in the public domain.

It may be reproduced without permission of the federal government. Information contained inMOLD TRAINING: AWARENESS may be reprinted in full or in part, or freely quoted, if thispage is included as a means of crediting sources. This manual is not intended as aninterpretation of CDC, EPA, OSHA, state, county, township, or municipal regulations.

The mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not implyendorsement by the U.S. Government, state governments, CPWR, or the Building andConstruction Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

1“Guidelines for the Protection and Training of Workers Engaged in Maintenance and RemediationWork Associated with Mold.” Edited by the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training.35 pgs. May 2005. pgs 5-6. Hereafter referred to as “Guidelines for the Protection and Training of WorkersEngaged in Maintenance and Remediation Work Associated with Mold.”

2“Guidelines for the Protection and Training of Workers Engaged in Maintenance and RemediationWork Associated with Mold.” This publication points out that “awareness training alone was not supportedfor maintenance workers who will be actively involved in addressing mold contaminated surfaces”. pg 8. Itfollows that awareness training alone is neither sufficient for maintenance mold nor remediation moldwork.

i

Introduction

The content and length of mold training can take on several forms because there arevaried ideas about how mold training should be carried out. One focus of mold trainingdesign is based on the likelihood of 1) you coming into contact with mold and 2) the scale ofmold removal (size, tasks, and duration) you are expected to do. Mold removal is oftenclassified either as maintenance or remediation work.

A second mold training focus is simply to give you background information about whatmold is, the effects some molds might have on your health, how you can minimize ourexposure to mold when on a job, and how to evaluate mold removal practices being usedaround you for their effectiveness and safety.

For the purposes of this class, you need to know that –

Building [and Construction] Trades ... workers are at risk of exposure to moldwhen they 1) contact mold-contaminated surfaces in the normal course of theirwork, 2) are in the vicinity of – but are not participating in – uncontained moldremediation or demolition work, 3) are engaged as full-scale mold remediationworkers, and 4) are engaged in hazardous waste site cleanup work involvingexposures to mold.1

This mold awareness class is: 1) about you being aware of what mold is, how it gets intoour buildings and structures, and possible health effects from inhaling or coming in contactwith some types of mold or mold by-products as you do your job; 2) about you contactingsupervision and alerting others to the presence of mold in the work area; and 3) about youpossibly exiting the contaminated area. 4) It is about you possibly donning PPE if youremain in the mold-contaminated area while performing your regular work.2 And finally, thismold awareness class 5) provides an overview of PPE and remediation practices needed toreduce or eliminate mold contamination in the workplace. At the close of this class, youwill be neither a trained mold maintenance worker nor mold remediation worker.

ii

Course Objectives

After the class, you will be able to:

Q Specify various mold types and how they may be detected;

Q Explain the possible health effects exposure to mold can have;

Q Describe what conditions lead to mold growth/ contamination;

Q Explain how mold might be encountered in your own work;

Q Discuss what OSHA standards apply to mold exposure and work practices;

Q List protectivemeasures you can taketo minimize yourexposure; and

Q List procedures youcan take to contain,eliminate, and controlmold contamination.

Q List several sourceswhere you can getmore informationabout mold.

iii

AWARENESSMOLD TRAINING

Class Agenda/Handout Contents

Page #

Welcome, Introductions, and Registration

Fungi...................................................................................... 1

Health Effects of Mold Exposure........................................ 5

Mold and Indoor Air Quality................................................ 7

Prevention and Control........................................................ 8

Mold in Buildings.............................................................. 9

Red Flags – Signs of Mold Growth 10

Types of Mold Testing...................................................... 11

Indoor and Outdoor Air Sampling 15

For Reference: Mold and the Micron 17

A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace ............................ 19

Introduction 20

Remediation Plan 20

Mold Remediation/Cleanup Methods 22

Mold Remediation Guidelines 23

Remediation Equipment 29

How Do You Know You Have FinishedRemediation/Cleanup? 31

iv

Mold Cards 32

References 34

Some Types of Mold are...................................................... 39

IAQ Glossary......................................................................... 49

Review & Closing

Total Time = 8.5hrs

Notes & Scribbles

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

O Student’s Name: ____________________

Location of Training: ____________________

S Instructor’ Name: ____________________

Phone # _____________

Fax # _____________

E-mail: _____________

Date of Class: _____________

MOLD TRAINING: AWARENESS

3 The three division names may used in specie descriptions of fungi. See “Glossary” and “BroadClasses of Reactions to Allergenic, Pathogenic, or Toxic Mold and Allergens” at the end of this handout.

Introduction To Mold 1

FUNGI

The edible mushroom has much in common with the mold thatforms on stale bread and old cantaloupe – and bathroom mildew andmold. All these life forms belong to the Kingdom FUNGI – a diversegroup of more than 100,000 known species. Fungi are heterotophs –meaning that they absorb their food through the wall and membrane.They reproduce by means of spores which may be produced sexuallyor asexually. Their main purpose on earth is to break down dead materials. Without fungi, the earth would be full of dead things – leaves, trees, insects, animals, etc. Life as we know it couldnot exist without fungi. The same powerful digestive enzymes that enable fungi to decompose wastes and dead organisms also permit them to reduce

wood, fiber, and food into their elemental components with great efficiency. Various molds produce incalculable damage to stored goods and building materials each year. These same molds cause considerable damage to the structural soundness of personal housing, public buildings, and commercial structures while compromising the health of many of those people who build, reside, work in, or visit these structures.

Fungi are classified into three major divisions based on the characteristics of the sexualspores and fruiting bodies:

1. Zygomycota (black bread mold is a common example);2. Ascomycota (includes some yeasts, powdery mildews, most of the blue-

green, red, and brown molds, and edible morels and truffles [over 30,000species in this division]); and

3. Basidiomycota (includes the most familiar of the fungi-mushrooms, toad-stools, bracket fungi, puff balls, and some plant parasites such as rusts andsmuts).3


Introduction To Mold2

Moisture Z Food

Surface to Grow On

1. Allergenic2. Infectious3. Toxic

Molds are simple, microscopic organisms whose purpose in the ecosystem is to breakdown dead materials. Molds can be found on plants, dry leaves, and just about every otherorganic material. People have found some molds to be useful, such as those used to makeantibiotics, beer, cheese, and wine. Some molds are known to be highly toxic wheningested, such as types that invade grains and peanuts. Still others cause adverse healtheffects such as asthma or allergic reactions when their reproductive spores are inhaled.

Most molds found indoors came from the outdoors. The spores float in on air currentsand find a suitable spot to grow. Spores are lightweight and can travel on air currents. Ifmold spores land on a suitable surface, they will begin to grow. Molds need three thingsto thrive –

Molds can be seen throughout homes and other buildings. You can easily find some inmost bathrooms. Mold growth can often be seen in the form of discoloration and can bemany colors – white, orange, pink, green, black, or brown. When molds are present inlarge quantities (called colonies), they can cause health problems in some people. Moldscan generally be divided in three groups based on their effects –

Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous, but they can cause allergic or asthmaticsymptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds do not usually produce life-threatening health effects and they are likely to affect those who are already allergic orasthmatic. Indoor fungal allergens probably affect fewer people than do allergensfrom cats, mites, or cockroaches; yet, significant portions (10-32%) of all asthmatics


4 No body structure pictures or artwork are provided in this Guide because of the variety of moldstructures. “Mycelium” is a term you might encounter if you research molds listed in a sampling report.


Aspergillus Fumigatus Colony Forming Unit (CFU)

are sensitive to fungi. Theseinclude those encountered inbuildings, such as Penicillium(pen-ih-sill-ee-um), Aspergillus(as-per-jil-lus), Cladosporium(clad-oh-spore-ee-um), andAlternaria (all-tur-nair-ee-ah).

Infectious/Pathogenic mold cancause serious health effects inpersons with suppressed immunesystems, those taking chemo-therapy, or in those with HIV/AIDS. Opportunistic fungalpathogens (disease-causingorganisms) such as Aspergillus are

common in indoor air. A normal, healthy individual canprobably resist infection by these organisms regardless of dose,although high exposure may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis.However, any mold that can grow at body temperature canbecome a pathogen in an immuno-compromised individual.

Toxins (poisons) from mold can cause serious healtheffects in almost anyone. These agents are fungal metabolitesthat have toxic effects ranging from short-term irritation toimmuno-suppression and even cancer. Virtually all theinformation related to diseases caused by mycotoxins concerns

ingestion of contaminated food. However, mycotoxins are contained in some kinds offungal spores and these spores can enter the body through the respiratory tract. Skin isanother route of entry for mycotoxins. Toxins of several fungi have caused cases of severedermatosis. Exposure to mycotoxin-producing fungi should be minimized. (See pages 5- 6 for more information.)

Body Plan of a Fungus

The body structures of fungi vary in complexity, ranging from single-celled yeasts tomulti-cellular mold.4 Most fungi consist of long, branched thread-like strings (or

Where there is mold, there’s usually more than one – Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium are in this room.



Most fungi, particularly those that cause illness in humans, are dimorphic– they have two forms. They can change from the yeast form to the moldform in response to changes in temperature, nutrients (food), or otherenvironmental factors.

Fungi grow best in dark, moist habitats but they are found universallywherever organic material is available. Moisture is necessary for theirgrowth and they can obtain water from the atmosphere as well as from themedium upon which they live. When the environment becomes very dry,fungi survive by going into a resting stage – dormant – or by producingspores that are resistant to dessication – drying out.

filaments) of cells called hyphae (singular, hypha). Hyphae form a tangled mass or tissue-like group known as mycelium. The web-like mold seen on bread consists of the myceliaof mold colonies. What is not seen is the extensive mycelia that grows down into the bulkof the bread. The color of the mold comes from the reproductive spores which areproduced in large numbers on the mycelia. Some hyphae are divided by walls, calledsepta (singular, septum), into individual cells containing one or more nuclei while otherhyphae are undivided by septa and are something like a large, multi-nucleated giant cell.The whole fungus body is referred to as a thallus.

Mold Metabolism and Growth

When a fungal spore comes into contact with an appropriate substrate, perhaps wetcarpet or drywall, it germinates and begins to grow. A thread-like hypha emerges fromthe tiny spore and soon a tangled mat of hyphae infiltrates the substrate while otherhyphae extend up into the air. Cells of the hyphae secrete enzymes into the substrate,degrading its organic compounds into small molecules that the fungus can absorb. Fungiare efficient at converting nutrients into new cell material. If adequate amounts ofnutrients are available, then fungi are able to store them in the mycelium.

The Life Cycle of Molds

Fungal reproduction occurs in a variety ways: asexually by fission (cell division),budding, or most commonly by spore formation; or sexually by means that arecharacteristic of each group. Two types of reproductive structures are found in fungi –Sporangia produce spores (as in most molds) and gametangia produce gametes (eggs



Green Wheatblighted (turnedgrey/white) by

FusariumAspergillus Versicolor CFU

and sperm). The focus of this Guide is on spore formation because mold spore exposureis responsible for most health effects.

Spores are usually produced on hyphae that project up into the air above the foodsource. This arrangement permits the spores to be blown by the wind and distributed tonew areas. Fungal spores are stationary, unmoving cells which rely on wind (and animals)for dispersal. We do not normally see the bulk of the mold organism which is an almostinvisible network of hyphae buried out of sight in the rotting material it invades. What wedo see is the upper body of hyphae that produces spores.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD EXPOSUREEveryone is exposed to mold in some concentration in the outdoor air. Indoor exposure

to molds is not healthy to anyone. In particular, those people with allergies, existingrespiratory conditions, or suppressed immune systems are especially susceptible to healthproblems from mold exposure. Additionally, infants and children, pregnant women andthe elderly can be sensitive to the effects of mold exposure. Some molds are morehazardous than others. As humans vary greatly in their chemical make-up, so does thebody’s reaction to mold exposure. For some people, a small number of mold spores cancause health problems. For others, it may take many more.

Mold exposure health effects are attributed to two components: 1) mold spores and 2)mold toxins. Mold spores cause health problems when they become airborne and are inhaled in large numbers. Remember, mold spores are the reproductive units of mold.Under certain metabolic conditions, many fungi produce mycotoxins – natural organiccompounds that initiate a toxic response in humans. While some mycotoxins have beenfound to be associated with hyphae, the primary mode of human exposure tomycotoxins is inhalation of spores and mold-contaminated material. Molds that areimportant potential producers of toxins indoors are certain species of Fusarium (few-sair-ee-um), Penicillium, and Aspergillus. In water damagedbuildings, Stachybotrys (stack-ee-bau-tris) chartarum and Aspergillus

versicolor may also produce toxic metabolites. However, isolation of a toxigenic fungus from a building does not imply the presence of mycotoxinsince the physical conditions necessary for mycotoxin production are very specific and theyare often different from those required for growthof the parent mold. Likewise, failure to produce toxins in vitro (in a culture dish) does not mean

that a mold known to be toxigenic will not produce toxins in a field situation.


5 Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses, but this gives little indication of the miseryand pain this condition can cause. Chronic sinusitis, sinusitis that persists for at least 3 weeks, affects anestimated 32 million people in the United States. Sinusitis has its own localized pain signals, dependingupon the particular sinus affected. Headache upon awakening in the morning is characteristic of sinusinvolvement. Pain when the forehead over the frontal sinuses is touched may indicate inflammation of thefrontal sinuses. Infection in the maxillary sinuses can cause the upper jaw and teeth to ache and thecheeks to become tender to the touch. Since the ethmoid sinuses are near the tear ducts in the corner ofthe eyes, inflammation of these cavities often causes swelling of the eyelids and tissues around the eyes,and pain between the eyes. Ethmoid inflammation also can cause tenderness when the sides of the noseare touched, a loss of smell, and a stuffy nose. Although the sphenoid sinuses are less frequently affected,infection in this area can cause earaches, neck pain, and deep aching at the top of the head.

However, most patients with sinusitis have pain or tenderness in several locations, and symptomsusually do not clearly define which sinuses are inflamed. Other symptoms of sinusitis can include fever,weakness, tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or nasal congestion. Inaddition, drainage of mucus from the sphenoids (or other sinuses) down the back of the throat (postnasaldrip) can cause a sore throat and can irritate the membranes lining the larynx (upper windpipe). On rareoccasions, acute sinusitis can result in brain infection and serious complications.


There are many symptoms of mold exposure. Remember, the extent to which symptomsappear depends on the sensitivity of the exposed person. Allergic reactions are the mostcommon mold-related symptoms and they typically include –

1. Respiratory problems (such as wheezing and difficulty breathing), 2. Nasal and Sinus congestion,3. Sinusitis,5

4. Burning, Watery, Reddened Eyes or Blurry Vision,5. Sore Throat,6. Nose and Throat Irritation,7. Shortness of Breath, and8. Skin irritation.

Other, less common, health effects are –

9. Nervous System problems (headaches, memory loss, and moodiness),10. Aches and Pains, and11. Fever.

If you have any of these symptoms and the symptoms are reduced or completelygone when you leave the job, chances are you have been exposed to some sort of allergen,quite possibly mold.


6 Bioaerosols are extremely small living organisms or fragments of living things suspended in theair. Dust mites, molds, fungi, spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses, amoebas, fragments of plant materials, andhuman and pet dander (skin which has been shed) are some examples. They cannot be seen without amagnifying glass or microscope.

7 The increase can be partially attributed to a shift from chemical contaminant-basedinvestigations to an approach combining evaluation of physical, chemical, and micro-biologicalconstituents of indoor air environments.


The first course of action is to determine why the mold is growing.Investigate any areas that are damp. Mold will grow on any surface thatprovides moisture and food.

MOLD AND INDOOR AIR QUALITYWhile occupational exposure to pollutants such asbestos fibers is known to cause a

variety of cancers and coal dust is known to cause pneumoconiosis (black lung),consequences of exposure to air contaminants, especially bioaerosols6 are not yet fullyunderstood.

In the 1970s and ‘80s, microbial contamination was identified as the primary cause forpoor air quality in only 5% of more than 500 IAQ (indoor air quality) investigationsconducted by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health – 1989).During the ‘90s, the percentage of mold-related IAQ cases increased dramatically(between 35% - 50%).7

Some mold problems are obvious – you will see it growing – if you are lucky. Othersare not so obvious. If you can see mold or if there is a musty odor, there probably is amold problem. Areas that are wet, or have been wet because of flooding, leakyplumbing, leaky roofing, or areas that are humid (such as bathrooms and laundry rooms)are most likely to have mold growth. Look for signs of previous water damage. Visiblemold growth may be found underneath wall paper, baseboards, carpet, behind walls, inattic spaces, in basements, or it may be evident by discolored plaster or drywall. It youdon’t see mold, it could still be growing in areas you cannot see, such as duct work for aheating/cooling system or in a wall space.


8 On non-porous surfaces. Using diluted bleach may be a greater hazard than the mold itself.Using a commercial fungicide (mold killer) or a fungistat (mold inhibitor) requires careful planning andapplication, usually only after other control measures have failed. Some biocides are consideredpesticides and some states require that only registered pesticide applicators apply these products inschools, commercial buildings, and homes. Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensedwhere required.


PREVENTION AND CONTROLAlthough we do not fully understand how and when indoor mold affects human health,

we do have enough evidence to recommend controlling mold in indoor environments. Themost effective method of source control is the elimination of moisture that supportsmold growth. This may involve the fixing of leaking pipes, windows or roofs, directingrainfall or drainage away from exterior walls, or increasing insulation. Using fans oropening windows may also be helpful. Ventilation systems, especially those in largecommercial buildings, should be properly maintained and examined periodically for moldcontamination.

When underlying moisture sources cannot be readily eliminated, air conditionersand dehumidifiers can help control relative humidity. When using dehumidifiers, watercollection traps should be cleaned routinely as these are another source of mold growth.Visible mold can be removed by disinfection with a chlorine bleach solution mixed as1 part bleach to 10 parts water.8

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Mold in Buildings 9

Building and/or Material Defects + Water Infiltration = Mold and Structural Damage

Disaster + Water Infiltration = Mold and Structural

Damage

MOLD IN BUILDINGS

Mold in buildings is not a new thing but it has come to the forefront as anenvironmental consideration for building and construction workers doing renovation,remodeling, and maintenance work in both commercial and residential buildings. Moldgrowth can damage buildings and/or make them unhealthy places to work or live.

Mold growth in buildings is caused by several factors, including certain constructionpractices and building materials that make water infiltration likely. The result is possiblestructural damage and mold growth.

Construction practices that contribute to mold growth include:- Incorrect building specifications;- Use of inappropriate building materials;- Non-standard contractors;- Plumbing leaks;- Exterior siding that holds water;- Trash or debris in wall cavities;- Wood in contact with concrete;- Lack of flashing and/or poorly installed flashing;

and- Concrete slab not cured.

Building materials that can contribute to mold growthinclude:- Wet wood;- Particle board;- EFIS – Exterior Finishing Insulation System; and- Pressed wood cabinets, boxes, storage units, etc.


Mold in Buildings10

Additionally, building practices have changed since the 1970's, creating conditions thatmake mold growth more likely, including:

- Tight or “wrapped” buildings (no air flow);- EIFS;- Poor construction of housing and building additions, decks, windows, siding, and

foundations; and- Poor drainage.

Red Flags – Signs of Mold GrowthIf you spot any of these “red flags” while performing a walk-through for job bid or

worse, while working, then you might want the area and/or mold tested and analyzed.

Visible mold growth on walls, floors, between baseboard and wallboard, on andbehind sheetrock, and “peeking” out from behind wallpaper;Musty odor;Evidence of water penetration (staining, moist areas, puddling!);Evidence of a condition that could allow water penetration (poor grading), badflashing, etc.;Construction defects;Poorly maintained or dirty HVAC system;Cracks and deteriorated caulking;Leaky drains; and Uncured concrete slab and/or carpet in direct contact with concrete (no vaporbarrier).

First-floor photos on pages 9 – 10 taken on 11/27/05

in a Slidell, LA home. CPWR


8 “ ” Red flag – see page 10 for examples signs of mold growth.

Mold Testing 11

TYPES OF MOLD TESTING

There is a variety of tests available to detect (what type) and quantify (how much)mold contamination. While there is a tendency in our society towards scientific precisionand detailed measures – number crunching, the first step in evaluating the type and degreeof mold contamination is the use of three of our six senses. Generally, our (eyes) visual

sense, (nose) olfactory sense, and (brain) common sense areall one needs to tell the difference between contaminations (mildew)that are a nuisance in the showerand a potential hazard (mold) in and behind wall-paper and sheet-rock or by-the-tub mold in the wall.

It is important to remember that there can be a large difference in sense of smellfrom one person to the next. It is often believed that women have a more acute sense ofsmell than men and the same inference applies to non-smokers vs smokers. Anotherconsideration is the fact that exposure to fungal contaminants, even at low levels, cansensitize some people so that they experience greater symptoms even with decreasing orlow mold exposures. Therefore, some people can experience symptoms whenconcentrations of spores in the air are low enough that no tell-tale musty odor or moldysmell is present. This variability in human perception of airborne contaminants is one ofthe reasons why testing can be so important. ⌦ Choosing the type of test one uses,however, can be just as important as choosing to test. ⌫

Three basic scenarios that you can apply to testing for mold –

1. You may see visible mold.2. You may not see mold but you may identify one or more “ ”s.8

3. You may not see visible mold nor “ ”s.

Table 1 on page 14 outlines which types of mold testing might be performed underthese three scenarios – as a part of a comprehensive inspection. The testing method(s)selection depends on the situation and the information that is desired and Table 1represents only a “rule of thumb” approach. If one is mostly concerned with identifying


9 Scenario 3 calls for an air sample of uncleaned carpet when there isn’t any sign of mold or any“ ”s. Carpets contain a “history” of exposure.

Mold Testing12

Swabs tell you what type of mold is present, but not how much.($29.95/pkg of 50; $21.95/pkg of 10 w/10 templates)

Bio-Tape® tells you what type of mold is present, but not how much.Refill = 25 for $24.95

Using a swab on aHVAC vent

Preparing a Bio-Tape®for use

the type(s) of mold present (Scenario 1), then the swab test and/or Bio-Tape® isindicated. If one is concerned with identifying how much mold (Scenario 2), then airtesting may be required. If one sees one or more “ ”s, such as a wet wall or carpetedfloor area, then testing those areas and/or the air may be indicated.9


10 RH = The ratio fo the amount of water in the air at a given temperature to the maximum amountit could hold at that temperature; expressed as a percentage (%).

11 DP = For a given atmospheric pressure, it is the temperature at which moisture begins tocondense in the form of tiny droplets.

12 WB = A thermometer with a bulb that is covered with moist muslin – the higher the WB reading,the higher the humidity.

Mold Testing 13

RH/oF RH/Dew Point

$30 more for mail-in lab analysis

This is what you get: culture dish,growth medium [food], and a swab.

There are more qualifications to Scenario #2 and #3 in Table 1 on the next page. First, another tool at your disposal – the Temperature/Humidity Meter (sometimescalled a Moisture Meter). This meter comes in a varietyof shapes, sizes, and prices. Some of these meters are invasive (prongs that go into the substrate surface) andothers are not (they read the ambient air in the room).

The views of the ambient air T/H Meter shown on the right give you the Temperature (oF and oC), Relative Humidity (RH)10, Dew Point temperature (DP)11, and Wet-Bulb temperature (WB)12 along with Min/Max record-keeping. It’s 4 AAA battery life is 200 hours. 2007 cost: $200. Tools like the moisture meter can provide it’s userwith positive indicators for mold growth – high temperatureand high humidity.

The next qualification is the use of Petri Dish Testingw/swab which has been added to the first column of moldtesting options in Table 1. You can pay a CertifiedIndustrial Hygienist (CIH) to do this or you can risk(liability) doing it yourself (using a $12.95 home test kitlike this one).

þ þ


13 A type Indoor Air Sampling.

14 A type Indoor Air Sampling.

Mold Testing14

The final qualification to Table 1 is “Behind-the-Wall Air Sampling” which has beengiven it’s own category even though it is indoor air sampling. An example of thissampling setup is pictured below.

This $1,495 air sampling kit contains a non-viable bioaerosol impactor w/adaptor cap, IAQ (indoor air quality) pump w/

Wall Probe rotameter, slides (refill = 25 w/5 mailers - $69.95), wall probes

(refill = 10 - $14.95), vinyl tubing, stud finder sensor, hand drill w/ 1/4" bit, vacuum dust cassettes (not shown; refill = 10 - $69.95) for sampling surfaces/carpet, sampling stand, and a case. A micro-cassette (not shown) can be substituted for

the stainless steel impactor.

This sampling setup can be modified for vacuum carpet sampling as well as air sampling using micro-cassettes.

Table 1: Mold Testing Options (Scenarios 1 – 3, page 11)

Conditions Observed

Swab/Bio-Tape/Petri Dish Sampling

IndoorAir

Sampling

OutdoorAir

Sampling

Behind-the-Wall

AirSampling13

CarpetAir

(Vacuum)Sampling14

Visible Mold U

No Visible Mold;Red Flags

U U U U

No Visible Mold;No Red Flags

U


15 Indoor air sampling may also be used to attempt to identify and quantify mold in the air in aneffort to predict PPE requirements, particularly respiratory protection, for workers performing moldmaintenance or remediation. At this time of this writing, no respiratory protection standards have beendeveloped by OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH, or ANSI. In place of standards, workers are faced withrecommendations and professional judgment.

Mold Testing 15

1. Air Sampling set up with a non-viable bioaerosol impactor. 2. Inside the impactor, showing the slide. 3. A micro-cassette, in this case a Cyclex-d, can be used instead of the impactor.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR SAMPLING

Although it can provide extremely valuable information, air sampling is not aninfallible means of determining the existence or extent of a mold problem and it mustbe coupled with a detailed inspection. Indoor air samples should be conducted anytime a“ ” is identified and no mold has been observed. All samples are sealed, marked, enteredon a “chain-of-evidence” document, and sent to a certified lab for analysis.15

1.

2.

3.

When using Petri (culture) dishes for air sampling, the viable bioaerosol impactors thathold them come in various sizes and shapes depending on how many “stages” there are.Each additional stage after the first one captures smaller and smaller and smaller spores


16 Using a Petri (culture) dish means you intend to create a viable culture – grow bioaerosols(including mold) and identify the contaminants. There are other sampling methods and instruments notdiscussed in this brief unit.

Mold Testing16

Carpet Sampling – A special vacuum dust cassette is used to collectthis air sample from carpet within the cardboard template.

and other airborne contaminants, including bacteria. A one-stage viable bioaerosol impactor, like the one to the left,approximates the beginning of a person’s respiratorysystem (nose & top of throat, 7 microns and higher objectsize). The bottom stage of an six stage cascaded impactorrepresents the deepest part of one’s lungs (alveoli at 0.65- 1.1 microns object size). This multi-stage impactor mayreveal just what in the air is getting into one’s lungs andhow deep into the lungs the contaminants are reaching.16

Normally, outdoor air monitoring should be conducted as soon as possible to the timeindoor air sampling is to be conducted. Since most mold that ends up inside buildingsoriginated outside, it is necessary to compare the results of inside-outside tests. If theinside/outside tests show similar types and levels of mold spores, then the problem maynot be in the building itself. The spores could be entering when building windows and


Mold Testing 17

Heavy atmospheric dustsFlyash

Mold, PollenAverage atmospheric dusts

BacteriaLight atmospheric dustsTobacco smokeBacteriaMetallic fumes

doors are opened.

For ReferenceMicron (or micrometer) = :m or I millionth of a meter39.37 inches = 1 meterTherefore 1 :m = 1/25,400 inches

The smallest object visible to the naked eye under normal light is about 50 microns.In very bright light, people may be able to see objects as small as 25 microns.

Human hair ....... the finest is about 30 microns in diameterthe coarsest is about 200 microns

The finest sand grains are 20 – 200 micronsBeach sand grains are 90 – 2000 micronsA dot from a pen on paper is about 100 microns

So –

Human Hair is about 150 :m

25 microns Debris and other particles visible to the naked eye

10 microns

5 - 10 microns

1 - 5 microns .3 - 1 micron


17 Aerodynamic size can be different than physical size as seen under a microscope. These sizesappear to be smaller than the generalized sizes on page 17.

Mold Testing18

Examples of Aerodynamic Sizes17

• Streptomyces albus 1.0 :m

• Thermoactinomyces vulgaris 0.6 :m

• Mycobacterium bovis 0.9 :m

• Aspergillus versicolor 2.4 :m

• Cladosporium cladosporioides 2.1 :m

• Penicillium brevicompactum 2.2 :m

• Stachybotrys chartarum 4.2 :m

AWARENESS GUIDE FOR MOLD

18 CPWR – This OSHA bulletin is dated yet it remains pertinent. Not much has changed since it’screation. The contents of this bulletin should not be taken as the definitive word on the subject of whatbuilding and construction workers should do when they encounter mold while doing their “normal” workand/or they are told to go ahead and “take care of the problem”. Bold has been added to text foremphasis. ANSI is currently drafting Z690-20XX Guidelines for Mold and Fungi Control and Remediationfor Worker Protection in Indoor Environments.

OSHA Safety & Health Bulletin 19

A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace U. S. Department of Labor18

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine

Office of Science and Technology Assessment

Safety and Health Information Bulletin SHIB 03-10-10

This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and itcreates no new legal obligations. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational incontent, and is intended to assist building managers, custodians, and others who areresponsible for building maintenance. Contractors and other professionals (e.g.,environmental consultants and health or safety professionals) who respond to mold andmoisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the general public, also maywant to refer to these guidelines.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply withhazard-specific safety and health standards as issued and enforced by either theFederal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or an OSHA-approved State Plan. In addition, Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause,requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free fromrecognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employerscan be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if there is such a recognizedhazard and they do not take reasonable steps to prevent or abate the hazard.However, failure to implement these guidelines is not, in itself, a violation of theGeneral Duty Clause. Citations can only be based on standards, regulations, andthe General Duty Clause.


19 CPWR – You would be well advised to learn more about mold than what is contained in thisAWARENESS GUIDE FOR MOLD. The following topics have been deleted from this OSHA bulletinbecause they already have been covered in more detail in earlier portions of this CPWR GUIDE – “MoldBasics”, “Health Effects”, “Prevention”, “Sampling for Mold”, and “Use of Biocides”.

OSHA Safety & Health Bulletin20

Introduction

Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness thatexposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergicreactions. This safety and health information bulletin provides recommendations for theprevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health ofbuilding occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention. This bulletin isdirected primarily at building managers, custodians, and others responsible for buildingmaintenance, but may also be used as a basic reference for those involved in moldremediation. By reading this safety and health information bulletin, individuals withlittle or no experience with mold remediation may be able to reasonably judgewhether mold contamination can be managed in-house or whether outside assistanceis required.19 The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if thereare any emerging health issues. This document will help those responsible for buildingmaintenance in the evaluation of remediation plans. Contractors and other professionals(e.g. industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals) whorespond to mold and moisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the generalpublic, also may find these guidelines helpful. The information in these guidelines isintended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it beused, as a detailed guide to mold remediation. These guidelines are subject to change asmore information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available.

[deleted parts]

Remediation Plan

Remediation includes both the identification and correction of the conditions thatpermit mold growth, as well as the steps to safely and effectively remove molddamaged materials.

Before planning the remediation, assess the extent of the mold or moisture problem andthe type of damaged materials. If you choose to hire outside assistance to do the cleanup,make sure the contractor has experience with mold remediation. Check references and askthe contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA’s publication, “Mold Remediation inSchools and Commercial Buildings,” or other guidelines developed by professional or



governmental organizations.

The remediation plan should include steps to permanently correct the water ormoisture problem. The plan should cover the use of appropriate personalprotective equipment (PPE). It also should include steps to carefully contain andremove moldy building materials in a manner that will prevent furthercontamination. Remediation plans may vary greatly depending on the size andcomplexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or newfacts are discovered.

If you suspect that the HVAC system is contaminated with mold, or if mold is presentnear the intake to the system, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association(NADCA), or consult EPA’s guide, Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your HomeCleaned?” before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know orsuspect that it is contaminated with mold, as it could spread contamination throughout thebuilding. If the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water,consult a professional who has experience cleaning and repairing buildings damaged bycontaminated water.

The remediation manager’s highest priority must be to protect the health and safety ofthe building occupants and remediators. Remediators should avoid exposing themselvesand others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Caution should beused to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where theycan be inhaled by building occupants. In some cases, especially those involving large areasof contamination, the remediation plan may include temporary relocation of some or all ofthe building occupants.

When deciding if relocating occupants is necessary, consideration should be given tothe size and type of mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by theoccupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with the remediation activity,and the amount of disruption this activity is likely to cause. In addition, before deciding torelocate occupants, one should also evaluate the remediator’s ability to contain/minimizepossible aerosolization of mold spores given their expertise and the physical parameters ofthe workspace. When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hourswhen building occupants are less likely to be affected.

Remediators, particularly those with health related concerns, may wish to check withtheir physicians or other health-care professionals before working on mold remediation orinvestigating potentially moldy areas. If any individual has health concerns, doubts, orquestions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult ahealth professional.


20 Other common remediation methods available include hand sanding and wire brushing,sandblasting, soda blasting, foggers, and spraying a biocide.


Mold Remediation/Cleanup Methods

The purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to removemoldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage tobuilding materials and furnishings. Porous materials that are wet and have moldgrowing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substancesand grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. This mold can be difficult or impossibleto remove completely.

As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is notenough. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause areaction in humans, are present even in dead mold.

A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to buildingmaterials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. Thespecific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected.Some methods that may be used include the following:

Wet Vacuum

Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. They can be used toremove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. Theyshould not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. Wet vacuumsshould be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoorenvironment if insufficient liquid is present. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of thesevacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold sporesmay adhere to equipment surfaces.

Damp Wipe

Mold can generally be removed from nonporous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing withwater and detergent. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly todiscourage further mold growth. Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on productlabels, should always be read and followed.20



HEPA Vacuum

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanupof remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materialsremoved. HEPA vacuums also are recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settledon surfaces outside the remediation area. Care must be taken to assure that the filter isproperly seated in the vacuum so that all the air passes through the filter. When changingthe vacuum filter, remediators should wear respirators, appropriate personalprotective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent exposure to any capturedmold and other contaminants. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must bedisposed of in impermeable bags or containers in such a way as to prevent release ofthe debris.

Disposal of Damaged Materials

Building materials and furnishings contaminated with mold growth that are notsalvageable should be placed in sealed impermeable bags or closed containers while inthe remediation area. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinaryconstruction waste. It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in this fashionto minimize the dispersion of mold spores. Large items with heavy mold growth should becovered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed fromthe remediation area. Some jobs may require the use of dust-tight chutes to move largequantities of debris to a dumpster strategically placed outside a window in the remediationarea.

[deleted part]

Mold Remediation Guidelines

This section presents remediation guidelines for building materials that have or arelikely to have mold growth. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanuppersonnel and other workers during remediation. These guidelines are based on the sizeof the area impacted by mold contamination. Please note that these are guidelines;some professionals may prefer other remediation methods, and certain circumstancesmay require different approaches or variations on the approaches described below. Ifpossible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when buildingoccupants are less likely to be affected.

Although the level of personal protection suggested in these guidelines is based on thetotal surface area contaminated and the potential for remediator or occupant exposure,professional judgment always should play a part in remediation decisions. These


21 Reminder – Completing an awareness class does not constitute training to perform moldremediation be they OSHA, EPA, NYC, or ACGIH recommendations. Training on proper (Level I - IV)clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards must be part of the class agenda inorder for its participants to perform mold clean-up and/or remediation tasks.


remediation guidelines are based on the size of the affected area to make it easier forremediators to select appropriate techniques, not on the basis of research showing there isa specific method appropriate at a certain number of square feet. The guidelines have beendesigned to help construct a remediation plan. The remediation manager should rely onprofessional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations.When in doubt, caution is advised. Consult an experienced mold remediator for moreinformation.

Level I: Small Isolated Areas (10 sq. ft or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas onwalls. Remediation can be conducted by the regular building maintenance staffas long as they are trained on proper clean-up methods, personal protection,and potential health hazards. This training can be performed as part of aprogram to comply with the requirements of the OSHA HazardCommunication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).21

Respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended.Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protectionstandard (29 CFR 1910.134). Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

The work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces adjacent to thework area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 monthsold), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or peoplewith chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivitypneumonitis, and severe allergies).

Containment of the work area is not necessary. Dust suppression methods, such asmisting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended.

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the buildingin a sealed impermeable plastic bag. These materials may be disposed of asordinary waste.

The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be cleanedwith a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.



All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.

Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10-30 sq. ft.) – e.g., individual wallboardpanels. Remediation can be conducted by the regular building maintenancestaff. Such persons should receive training on proper clean-up methods,personal protection, and potential health hazards. This training can beperformed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHAHazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended.Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protectionstandard (29 CFR 1910.134). Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

The work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces adjacent to thework area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 monthsold), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or peoplewith chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivitypneumonitis, and severe allergies).

Surfaces in the work area that could become contaminated should be covered with asecured plastic sheet(s) before remediation to contain dust/debris and preventfurther contamination.

Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior toremediation, are recommended.

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the buildingin a sealed impermeable plastic bag. These materials may be disposed of asordinary waste.

The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be HEPAvacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.


Level III: Large Isolated Areas (30 –100 square feet) – e.g., several wallboardpanels. Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safetyprofessionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or moldremediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provideoversight for the project. The following procedures may be implementeddepending upon the severity of the contamination:



It is recommended that personnel be trained in the handling of hazardousmaterials and equipped with respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposablerespirator). Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratoryprotection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Gloves and eye protection should beworn.

Surfaces in the work area and areas directly adjacent that could becomedecontaminated should be covered with a secured plastic sheet(s) beforeremediation to contain dust/debris and prevent further contamination.

Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent withplastic sheeting.

The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. Removingpeople from spaces near the work area is recommended for infants, personshaving undergone recent surgery, immune suppressed people, or people withchronic inflammatory lung diseases. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis,and severe allergies).

Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior tomediation, are recommended.

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from thebuilding in sealed impermeable plastic bags. These materials may be disposed ofas ordinary waste.

The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleanedwith a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.


Note: If abatement procedures are expected to generate a lot ofdust (e.g., abrasive cleaning of contaminated surfaces,demolition of plaster walls) or the visible concentration of themold is heavy (blanket coverage as opposed to patchy), it isrecommended that the remediation procedures for Level IV befollowed.

Level IV: Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feetin an area). Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safetyprofessionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or mold


22 CPWR – The directions in this Bulletin about containment, decontamination, and cleanup lackspecifics.


remediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provideoversight for the project.

The following procedures may be implemented depending upon the severity of thecontamination:

! Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with: • Full face piece respirators with HEPA cartridges; • Disposable protective clothing covering entire body including both head

and shoes, and Gloves.

Containment of the affected area: ! Complete isolation of work area from occupied spaces using plastic sheeting

sealed with duct tape (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and otheropenings);

! The use of an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negativepressurization; and

! Air locks and decontamination room. 22

If containment practices effectively prevent mold from migrating fromaffected areas, it may not be necessary to remove people from surroundingwork areas. However, removal is still recommended for infants, personshaving undergone recent surgery, immune- suppressed people, or peoplewith chronic inflammatory lung diseases. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivitypneumonitis, and severe allergies).

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the buildingin sealed impermeable plastic bags. The outside of the bags should be cleaned witha damp cloth and a detergent solution or HEPA vacuumed in the decontaminationchamber prior to their transport to uncontaminated areas of the building. Thesematerials may be disposed of as ordinary waste.

The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed andcleaned with a damp cloth or mopped with a detergent solution and be visibly cleanprior to the removal of isolation barriers.



Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Any remediation work that disturbs mold and causes mold spores to becomeairborne increases the degree of respiratory exposure. Actions that tend to dispersemold include: breaking apart moldy porous materials such as wallboard; destructiveinvasive procedures to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; removalof contaminated wallpaper by stripping or peeling; using fans to dry items orventilate areas.

The primary function of personal protective equipment is to prevent theinhalation and ingestion of mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contactwith the skin or eyes. The following sections discuss the various types of PPE thatmay be used during remediation activities.

Skin and Eye Protection

Gloves protect the skin from contact with mold, as well as from potentiallyirritating cleaning solutions. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearmare recommended. The glove material should be selected based on the type ofsubstance/ chemical being handled. If you are using a biocide such as chlorinebleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from naturalrubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. If you are using a mild detergentor plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used.

To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full face piece respirator.Goggles must be designed to preventthe entry of dust and small particles. Safetyglasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate in mold remediation.

Respiratory Protection

Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, contaminated dust, and other particulates that are released during theremediation process. Either a half mask or full face piece air-purifyingrespirator can be used. A full face piece respirator provides both respiratory andeye protection. Please refer to the discussion of the different levels of remediationto ascertain the type of respiratory protection recommended. Respirators used toprovide protection from mold and mold spores must be certified by the NationalInstitute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). More protective respirators



may have to be selected and used if toxic contaminants such as asbestos or lead areencountered during remediation.

As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must beproperly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before theybegin using a respirator. In addition, use of respirators requires the employerto develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, withworksite-specific procedures and elements.

Protective Clothing

While conducting building inspections and remediation work, individuals mayencounter hazardous biological agents as well as chemical and physical hazards.Consequently, appropriate personal protective clothing (i.e., reusable ordisposable) is recommended to minimize cross-contamination between work areasand clean areas, to prevent the transfer and spread of mold and other contaminantsto street clothing, and to eliminate skin contact with mold and potential chemicalexposures.

Disposable PPE should be discarded after it is used. It should be placed intoimpermeable bags, and usually can be discarded as ordinary construction waste.Appropriate precautions and protective equipment for biocide applicators should beselected based on the product manufacturer’s warnings and recommendations (e.g.,goggles or face shield, aprons or other protective clothing, gloves, and respiratoryprotection).

[deleted part]

Remediation Equipment

There are various types of equipment useful in mold assessment and remediation. Someof the more common items include:

U Moisture Meters

Moisture meters measure/monitor moisture levels in building materials, and may behelpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materialsfollowing water damage. They also can be used to monitor the progress of dryingdamaged materials. These direct reading devices have a thin probe that is insertedinto the material to be tested or pressed directly against the surface of the material.Moisture meters can be used on materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick,and concrete.



U Humidity Gauges or Meters

Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. Inexpensive (less than$50) models that monitor both temperature and humidity are available.

U Humidistat

A humidistat is a control device that can be connected to an HVAC system andadjusted so that if the humidity level rises above a set point, the HVAC system willautomatically turn on and reduce the humidity below the established point.

U Boroscope

A boroscope is a hand-held tool that allows users to see potential mold problemsinside walls, ceiling plenums, crawl spaces, and other tight areas. It consists of avideo camera on the end of a flexible “snake.” No major drilling or cutting of drywall is required.

U HVAC System Filter

High-quality filters must be used in a HVAC system during remediation becauseconventional HVAC filters are typically not effective in filtering particles the size ofmold spores. Consult an engineer for the appropriate filter efficiency for yourspecific HVAC system, and consider upgrading your filters if necessary. A filterwith a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined byTest Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, may be appropriate.

Remember to change filters as appropriate, especially following any remediationactivities. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. Under certain circumstances, it may benecessary to wear appropriate PPE while performing this task.

How Do You Know When You Have FinishedRemediation/Cleanup?

O You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water ormoisture problem.

O Mold removal should be complete. Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, andmoldy odors should no longer be present.



O Sampling, if conducted, should show that the level and types of mold and moldspores inside the building are similar to those found outside.

O You should revisit the site(s) after remediation, and it should show no signs ofmoldy or musty odors, water damage, or mold growth.

Conclusion

After correcting water or moisture infiltration, the prompt removal of contaminatedmaterial and structural repair is the primary response to mold contamination in buildings.In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or the moldgrowth will reoccur. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination throughproper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damagedareas.

Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of alllarge-scale remediation efforts. The building owner, management, and/or employer shouldnotify occupants in the affected area(s) of the presence of mold. Notification shouldinclude a description of the remedial measures to be taken and a timetable for completion.Group meetings held before and after remediation with full disclosure of plans and resultscan be an effective communication mechanism. Individuals with persistent health problemsthat appear to be related to mold exposure should see their physicians for a referral topractitioners who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialtiesand are knowledgeable about these types of exposures.

The QUICK CARDS on the next two pages are not a part of OSHA Safety & HealthBulletin SHIB 03-10-10, but they are an additional mold education resource available atOSHA’s website, OSHA.gov. Click in the Letter “Q” in the Site Search line at the top ofthe OSHA web page. Click on the Quick Cards link. Click on Mold Quick Card [English:PDF | HTML; Spanish: PDF | HTML | Vietnamese: PDF] for your desired languageand format.



References

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 1999. BioaerosolsAssessment and Control http://www.acgih.org

National Apartment Association http://www.naahq.org

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

National Multi-Housing Council http://www.nmhc.org

The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) http://www.boma.org

New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental &Occupational Disease Epidemiology 2002. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation ofFungi in Indoor Environments United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, IndoorEnvironments Division 2001. Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.EPA 402-K-01-001

Mold Resources List

Business owners who are concerned about the cost of professional help can contact theOSHA Consultation Project Office in their state for free consultation service. Priority isgiven to businesses with fewer than 250 employees at a worksite, with further



consideration given to the severity of the worksite problem. The Consultation Program can help the employer evaluate and prevent hazardous conditions in the workplace that cancause injuries and illnesses, including mold problems.

The following list of resources includes information developed and maintained by publicand private organizations. However, OSHA does not control this information and cannotguarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information.Further, the inclusion of these resources is not intended to endorse any views expressed,or products or services offered, by the author of the reference or the organizationoperating the service identified by the reference.

U.S. EPA IAQ Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO) Phone: (800) 438-4318 or (703) 356-4020 Fax: (703) 356-5386 Email: [email protected] Indoor air related documents, answers to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) questions, maintainslisting of State IAQ contacts, and regional EPA Contacts.

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) (703) 575-4477 http://www.acca.orgInformation on indoor comfort products and services.

American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) (847) 818-1800 http://eserver.acoem.org/physicianlocator/default.cfmReferrals to physicians who have experience with environmental exposures.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH) (513) 742-2020 http://www.acgih.org Occupational and environmental health and safety information.

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) (703) 849-8888 http://www.aiha.org Information on industrial hygiene and indoor air quality issues including mold hazards andlegal issues.



American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.(ASHRAE) (800) 527-4723 http://www.ashrae.org Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality.

Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) (202) 347-4976 http://www.aoec.org Referrals to clinics with physicians, who have experience with environmental exposures,include exposure to mold; maintains a database of occupational and environmental cases.

Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) (800) 272-7012 or (410) 729-3603 http://www.ascr.org/institutes Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Institute, Mechancial Systems Hygiene Institute, NationalInstitute of Disaster Restoration, National Institute Rug Cleaning, Water Loss Institutereferrals to professionals.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) (800) 822-2762 http://www.aaaai.orgPhysician referral directory, information on allergies and asthma.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA) (800) 7ASTHMA (800) 727-8462) http://www.aafa.org Information on allergies and asthma.

American Lung Association (ALA) (800) LUNGUSA (800) 586-4872) http://www.lungusa.org Information on allergies and asthma.

Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) (800) 878-4403 or (703) 641-9595) http://www.aanma.org Information on allergies and asthma.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (301) 496-5717 Information on allergies and asthma.



National Jewish Medical and Research Center (800) 222LUNG (800) 222-5864) http://www.njc.org Information on allergies and asthma.

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) (800) 882-8846 http://www.carpet-rug.com Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet, other carpet-relatedissues.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (800) 311-3435

Information on health-related topics including asthma molds in the environment, andoccupational health. CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the healthand safety of the American people at home and abroad. It serves as the national focus fordeveloping and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and healthpromotion and education activities.

Floods/Flooding Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (800) 480-2520 Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc.

University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health and Safety (612) 626-5804 http://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/flood.htmlManaging water infiltration into buildings.

Indoor Environmental Remediation Board (IERB) (215) 387-4097 http://www.ierb.orgInformation on best practices in building remediation.

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) (360) 693-5675 http://www.iicrc.orgInformation on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry.



International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) (800) 225-4772 http://www.issa.comEducation and training on cleaning and maintenance.

National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) (202) 737-2926 http://www.nadca.comDuct cleaning information.

National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) (202) 289-7800 http://www.nibs.orgInformation on building regulations, science, and technology. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (800) 35NIOSH (800) 356-4674) Health and safety information with a workplace orientation.

National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) (800) 858-7378 http://npic.orst.edu/ Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including safety and disposalinformation.

New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational DiseaseEpidemiology, Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in IndoorEnvironments (212) 788-4290

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)(800) 321-OSHA (800) 321-6742) Information on worker safety and health, compliance assistance, laws and regulations,cooperative programs, state programs, statistics, and newsroom.

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) (703) 803-2980 http://www.smacna.orgTechnical information on topics such as air conditioning and air ducts.


Glossary - Mold Types 39

Some Types of Mold are:(source: AEROTECH P & K)

ActinomycetesPhonetic: Ack-tin-oh-my-seats

A distinct group of microorganisms defined by morphologicalcriteria, basically their ability to grow as branching, filamentouscells that form spores or reproduce by fragmentation ofhyphae. Because of their resemblance to fungi, theactinomycetes were once considered members of the FungiImperfecti. However, these organisms are not eukaryotic fungi,but prokaryotic bacteria (they do not have organelles). Mostaerobic actinomycetes represent part of the indigenousmicroflora found in soil, mud, and dust; on the surfaces ofvegetation, within decaying vegetation, in both fresh andmarine water, and in decaying animal feces. This group is verytolerant of low moisture and high temperatures, and has theability to survive without a food source for extended periods oftime by becoming dormant. All of the medically importantactinomycetes have been isolated from environmental

reservoirs worldwide. Most actinomycetes are mesophilic, however thermophilic groupsabound in manure and compost piles (causing the earthy smell).

Mesophilic Actinomycetes: The most clinically significant actinomycetes belong to thegenus Nocardia, of which there are currently 12 accepted species. All of the infections inhumans can be divided into the following six categories:

1. Pulmonary nocardiosis2. Systemic nocardiosis3. Central nervous system nocardiosis4. Cutaneous, subcutaneous, & lymphocutaneous nocardiosis5. Extrapulmonary localized nocardiosis6. Nocardial mycetoma

In the U.S. the most common form of disease is pulmonary nocardiosis caused byNocardia astereroides. In tropical regions, mycetoma caused by N. brasiliensis is mostfrequently diagnosed. A mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous disease that begins as apainless nodule at the site of a localized injury, such as a puncture wound from a thorn.With time the nodule increases in size and becomes purulent and necrotic, producingdrainage tracts, which expand into surrounding tissue ultimately invading muscle andadjacent bones causing osteomyelitis. The incidence of nocardial infections in humans innot known, as few attempts to determine the prevalence of nocardiosis have been made.Several reports indicate that infections by these bacteria are not rare, are frequentlymisdiagnosed, or are under diagnosed, and that the incidence of infection is increasing.


Glossary - Mold Types40

The spectrum of disease caused by nocardia is broad and varies from a self limited,asymptomatic infection to an aggressive, destructive disease resulting in death. Everycategory of nocardial infection described above has been diagnosed in previously healthyadults. However, the nocardiae are frequently being recognized as emerging opportunisticpathogens; the most common underlying predispositions include organ transplantation,malignancies, the use of corticosteriods, alcohol abuse, diabetes, or other debilitatingfactors.

Thermophilic Actinomycetes: Allergic respiratory disease caused by the actinomycetes isreferred to as farmer’s lung, a hypersensitivity reaction from repeated exposure to antigensproduced by the actinomycetes, particularly the thermophiles. The most commonactinomycetous agents of farmer’s lung are Micropolysporea faeni andThermoactinomyces vulgaris. These organisms do not represent all of the possibleetiological agents of the syndrome however; they represent a majority of the casesreported. Thermophilic actinomycetes are usually found in closed barns, silos, grain mills,bagasse (sugar cane waste), and poorly maintained air conditioning ducts.

Actinomycetes may also cause other diseases such as ocular infections, periodontaldisease, and abscess formations, which can infect humans and animals. Most infectionsare slowly developed and tend to be chronic.

Alternaria Phonetic: All-tur-nair-ee-uh

Alternaria is a large and widespread genus, the conidia ofwhich are easily carried by the wind, with peak concentrationsin the summer and early fall. Alternaria is commonly found inhouse dust, carpets, textiles, on horizontal surfaces in buildinginteriors, and window frames. It is one of the main fungalcauses of allergy, being a common type I & III allergen.Outdoors, it may be isolated from samples of soil, seeds andplants, and is frequently reported in air. The large spore sizesuggests that this fungus will deposit in the nose, mouth andupper respiratory tract causing nasal septum infections. It has

also been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is a common cause of extrinsicasthma. Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms; chronic cases may developpulmonary emphysema. Baker’s asthma is associated with inhalation of Alternaria conidiapresent in flour. Other diseases caused by Alternaria include: Farmer’s lung, mycotickeratitis, skin infections, and osteomyelitis. Also, the species A. alternata is capable ofproducing tenuazonic acid and other toxic metabolites that may be associated with diseasein humans or animals. Several species are pathogenic to plants and contribute to thespoilage of agricultural products. Alternaria has been isolated from substrates such assewage, leather, stone monuments, optical instruments, cosmetics, computer disks, andjet fuel. Morphological characteristics include abundant production of conidia that are large(18-83 x 7-18 microns) and multicellular with both transverse and longitudinal septa;conidiophores are dark, mostly simple. Colonies grow fast, are suede-like to floccose, andblack to olivaceous-black or grayish in color. (Aw–0.85-0.89)



Ascospore Phonetic: Ask-oh-spore

Ascospores are a general category of spores that have been produced by means of sexualreproduction (in a sack-like structure called an ascus). These are ubiquitous saprobes andplant pathogens, many of which are easily identifiable (i.e. Chaetomium). This groupcontains potential opportunistic pathogens, toxin producers, and allergens depending onthe genus and species. A rupture in the top portion of the ascus disperses the sporesduring rain or in times of high humidity. Some asexual fungi, such as Aspergillus andPenicillium can become sexual under specific conditions, these are then consideredascomycetes and are given distinct names.

AspergillusPhonetic: Ass-purr-jill-us

Aspergillus is a common type I & III allergen.They are frequently isolated from forestproducts, soils, grains, nuts, cotton, organicdebris, and water damaged buildingmaterials. Spores can also be found in moistventilation systems and house dust. Thereare more than 160 different species ofAspergillus, sixteen of which have beendocumented as etiological agents of humandisease but rarely occur in individuals withnormally functioning immune systems.However, due to the substantial increase in

populations of individuals with HIV, chemotherapy patients and those on corticosteroidtreatment, contamination of building substrates with fungi, particularly Aspergillus is ofconcern. Aspergillosis is now the second most common fungal infection requiringhospitalization in the United States. Many Aspergillus species produce mycotoxins thatmay be associated with diseases in humans and other animals. Toxin production isdependent on the species or strain within the species and on the food source for thefungus. Some of these toxins, such as aflatoxins and ochratoxin are carcinogenic .Aspergillus is a common cause of extrinsic asthma with symptoms including edema andbronchiospasms, and chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. These fungi arefrequently secondary opportunistic pathogens in patients with bronchiectasis, carcinoma,other mycoses, sarcoid, and tuberculosis. Some species can also cause onychomycosis(infection of the nail). (Aw – 0.71 – 0.94).

Aspergillus fumigatusPhonetic: Ass-pur-jill-us fume-uh-got-us

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprobe with worldwide distribution. It is common in house dust,both outdoor and indoor air, in different types of soil, on decaying plant material, compost,wood chips, bird feathers and droppings, and also on hay and crops. It is also an important



causal agent of systemic mycosis in domestic animals and inhumans, especially the immunocompromised. Aspergillusfumigatus has also been reported to cause allergies, asthma,and rhinitis. This fungus produces a large number ofmycotoxins and tremorgenic metabolites. It is an importanthuman pathogen, being the most common cause ofaspergillosis. A. fumigatus is a thermotolerant fungi and cangrow at temperatures up to 50°C. This species is typically fastgrowing and is blue-green in color. (Aw-0.82 - >0.97)

Aspergillus versicolorPhonetic: Ass-purr-jill-us ver-see-color

Aspergillus versicolor can be found mostly in temperateareas in air, house dust, foods, soils, hay, cotton, anddairy products. Its presence in indoor air often indicatesmoisture problems in buildings, as it is readily found inwater damaged building materials. This species producesthe mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, which is reported to becarcinogenic to the liver and kidney, and it can causesuch symptoms as diarrhea and upset stomach. It alsoproduces the volatile organic compound (VOC) geosmin,which causes irritation of the mucus membranes ofhumans and pets, and also causes the characteristic

musty, earthy odor often connected with moldy houses. A. versicolor may be in variouscolors, as the name implies, and displays great variety in colony pattern and size. (Aw-0.78)

BasidiosporePhonetic: Buh-cyd-ee-oh-spore

Basidiospores are a general category of sexual spores that have been released from thebasidium of a fungus. A ubiquitous type I & III allergen, saprobe and plant pathogen,mainly found in gardens, forests, and woodlands. Spores disseminate during rain or intimes of high humidity. Rarely opportunistic pathogens, Basidiospores may produce toxins,including amanitins, monomethyl-hydrazine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, and psilocybin.Basidiospores are an agent of dry wood rot, which may destroy the structure wood ofbuildings.

CandidaPhonetic: Can-deed’-uh Candida is a yeast that includes about 154 species, six of which are frequently isolated inhuman infections. It is a part of the normal flora of skin and other mucous membranes inthe body. This fungus is naturally found on leaves, flowers, water, organic debris and in



soils. The infections caused by this genus are referred to as candidiasis, and almost anyorgan or system in the body can be affected. It is the cause of infections such as thrush(mouth infection), esophagitis (esophagus infection), cutaneous candidiasis (skininfection), vaginal yeast infections, and deep candidiasis (blood infection). Overgrowth ofthis fungus is prevented by the presence of “good” bacteria and by the body’s immunesystem; if antibiotics decrease the number of bacteria, or if the person’s immune system isweakened because of illness, malnutrition or medications, Candida can multiply and causesymptoms. These species account for more than 85% of all hospitalizations from fungalinfections. Mucocutaneous candidiasis is one of the most common manifestations of HIVinfection. The environment is not a likely source of exposure for this fungus, and cells fromthis organism are not usually airborne. Candida albicans is the organism isolated mostfrom patients. Most species of yeast reproduce asexually through a process calledbudding. The daughter cell is at first much smaller and tends to cling to the parent cell;clumps or chains of cells are often formed. (Aw-062-0.92)

Cladosporium Phonetic: Clad-oh-spore’-ee-um

Cladosporium is widely distributed in air and rottenorganic material. C. herbarum is the most frequentlyfound species in outdoor air in temperate climates. It isoften found indoors, usually in lesser numbers thanoutdoors. The dry conidia become easily airborne and aretransported over long distances. This fungus is oftenencountered in dirty refrigerators, especially in reservoirswhere condensation is collected. It can easily be seen onmoist window frames covering the whole painted areawith a velvety olive-green layer. Cladosporium oftendiscolors interior paint, paper, or textiles stored underhumid conditions. Houses with poor ventilation, houses

with thatched straw roofs and houses situated in damp environments may have heavyconcentrations of Cladosporium, which will be easily expressed when domestic mold isanalyzed. It is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct liners in the interior ofsupply ducts. It is also found naturally on dead & woody plants, food, straw, soils, paint,and textiles. The ability to sporulate heavily, ease of dispersal, and buoyant spores makesthis fungus the most important fungal airway allergen; and together with Alternaria, itcommonly causes asthma and hay fever in the Western hemisphere. A few species of thisgenus cause disease, which range from phaeohyphomycosis, a group of mycoticinfections characterized by the presence of demataceous septate hyphae. Infections of theeyes and skin by black fungi (also classified as phaeohyphomycosis), andchromoblastomycosis, chronic localized infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue thatfollows the traumatic implantation of the etiologic agent are also caused by this fungus.Chromoblastomycosis lesions are verrucoid, ulcerated, and crusted. Skin abscesses,mycotic keratitis and pulmonary fungus ball have been recorded in immunocompromisedpatients. It may also cause corneal infections and mycetoma, characterized by localizedinfections that involve cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and bone consisting ofabscesses, granulomata, and draining sinuses, usually in immunocompromised hosts.



Cladosporium produces the toxins cladosporin and emodin, but neither of these is verytoxic. Fungal colonies are powdery or velvety olive-green to olive-brown. Othercharacteristics include dark conidia that are 1- or 2-celled and are variable in shape andsize, typically ovoid to cylindrical in shape. (Aw–0.84 – 0.88)

FusariumPhonetic: Few-sarh-ee-um

Fusarium is a type I allergen and is an opportunisticpathogen commonly found in soil, plants, grains, andoften in humidifiers. While most of the species are foundin tropical and subtropical areas, some are found in thesoil of cold climates. Some species are plant pathogenscausing root and stem rot, vascular wilt or fruit rot, and allrequire extremely wet conditions for growth. This fungusis the most common cause of mycotic keratitis. It hasbeen isolated from skin lesions of burn patients, nailinfections, ear infections, varicose ulcer, mycetoma,osteomyelitis following trauma, and disseminatedinfections. Infections due to Fusarium are commonlyreferred to as fusariosis. This fungus produces very

harmful toxins, especially in storage of infected crops. These toxins, known astrichothecenes (scierpene) target the circulatory, alimentary, skin, and nervous systems.Fusarium can also produce Vomitoxin, T-2 toxin, Fumonisin, and Zearalenone. Vomitoxinis produced on grains, which has been associated with outbreaks of acute gastrointestinalillness in humans. T-2 Toxin and related trichothecenes are some of the deadliest knowntoxins. If ingested in sufficient quantity, T-2 toxin can severely damage the entire digestivetract and cause rapid death due to internal hemorrhage. Fumonisin, commonly found incorn and corn based products, has recently been associated with outbreaks of veterinarymycotoxicosis causing "crazy horse disease". Zearalenone toxin is similar in chemicalstructure to the female sex hormone estrogen and targets the reproductive organs.Fusarium is one of the most drug resistant fungi. Morphological characteristics of thisfungus include extensive cotton-like mycelium in culture, often with some tinge of pink,purple or yellow. (Aw - 0.86 - 0.91)

Microsporum Phonetic: Micro-spore-um Microsporum is a widespread cutaneous fungus, classified as a dermatophyte. This genusincludes 17 species, 5 of which are isolated primarily from humans (anthropophilic), 7 fromanimals (zoophilic), and the rest primarily from soil (geophilic). It is the asexual state of thefungus. The telemorph phase is referred to as the genus Arthoderma. This fungus is one ofthe genera to cause dermatophytosis which is a general term used to define infections ofthe hair, skin, or nails due to a dermatophyte species. It has the ability to degrade keratinand can reside on skin and its appendages and remains noninvasive. The pathogenesis ofthe infection depends on the natural reservoir of the species. This genus is the cause of



many infections including ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and barber’s itch. Mirosporum,Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton infect only superficial keratinized structures and causesuperficial fungal infections. These may be spread from an infected person, soil, or dog, toa non-infected human or animal. Microsporum only differs from Trichophyton andEpidermophyton by its macroconidia having a spindle-shape with echinulate to roughwalls, thus being helpful in its identification.

Penicillium Phonetic: Pen-uh-sill-ee-um

A large number of organisms belong to this genus, andidentification to species is difficult. Often found inaerosol samples, it is common in soil, food, cellulose,paint, grains, and compost piles. In the indoorenvironment it is in carpet, wallpaper, and in interiorfiberglass duct insulation. Although this fungus causesfewer allergies than other molds, Penicillium isreported to be a type I & III allergen. It may causehypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergic alveolitis insusceptible individuals. It can cause other infectionssuch as keratitis, penicilliosis, and otomycosis. Somespecies can produce mycotoxins including Ochratoxin,which is damaging to the kidneys and liver and is alsoa suspected carcinogen; there is also evidence that

impairs the immune system. It also produces Citrinin that can cause renal damage,vasodilatation, and bronchial constriction and Gliotoxin, which is immunosuppressive.Patulin is another of its mycotoxins that is believed to cause hemorrhaging in the brain andlungs and is usually associated with apple and grape spoilage. It can also cause extrinsicasthma. P. camemberti has been responsible for inducing occupational allergies amongthose who work with soft white cheeses on which the fungus grows (cheese washer’slung). P. marneffei is the major pathogenic species causing infections of the lymphaticsystem, lungs, liver, skin, spleen, and bone, and is also the only species of the genus tohave a yeast-like phase induced by temperature. Penicillium sp. are recognized by theirdense brush-like spore-bearing structures. (Aw -0.78-0.86).

StachybotrysPhonetic: Stack-ee-bought-riss

Stachybotrys is commonly found in sub-tropical to tropical areas in soil and decaying plantmaterials, and is considered a type I & III allergen. Considerable recent media attentionhas been focused on the fungi Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) due to infant deaths inCleveland from pulmonary hemosiderosis, which may be associated with contamination ofresidences with this fungus. Stachybotrys thrives on water damaged cellulose richmaterials such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, cellulose containing insulation backingand wallpaper. The presence of this fungus in buildings is significant because of the mold’sability to produce mycotoxins, such as Satratoxin H, Trichoverrol, and Cyclosporins that



possess cytotoxic, immunological, carcinogenic effects. Exposure to these toxins canoccur through inhalation, ingestion or dermal exposure. Symptoms include dermatitis,cough, rhinitis, nose bleeds, a burning sensation in the mouth and nasal passage, cold andflu symptoms, headache, general malaise, and fever. Inhalation of conidia may also inducepathological changes (pneumomycotoxicoses). Satratoxin H has been reported to beabortogenic in animals and in high doses or chronic low doses it can be lethal. S.chartarum (atra) produces other macrocyclic and trichoverroid trichothecenes and, likeMemnoniella echinata, produces phenylspirodrimanes, which are immunosuppressive.Stachybotrys typically appears as a sooty black fungus occasionally accompanied by athick mass of white mycelia. Memnoniella differs from Stachybotrys by producing conidia in

chains. As a general rule, air sampling for Stachybotrys yieldsunpredictable results mainly due to the fact that this fungus isusually accompanied by other fungi such as Aspergillus andPenicillium that normally are better aerosolized thanStachybotrys. Bulk or surface sampling of suspect materialscan be analyzed in a laboratory for identification by lightmicroscopy. This fungus is a slow grower on media, thereforedoes not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi.Colonies are powdery in texture, white, pink, orange or blackin color. The species S. chartarum (atra) produces coloniesblack in color. (Aw-0.91 - >0.98)

TrichodermaPhonetic: Trick-oh-derm-uh

Trichoderma is a widespread saprobe in temperate totropical areas commonly found in soil and wood.Trichoderma is often found in polluted waters, dung,sewage plants and driftwood. It can be found on paper, andin wood construction and mineral fiber panels. This fungusis highly cellulolytic, and some species are considered to beparasitic on other fungi. Trichoderma is reported as a type I& III allergen. Inhalation of the conidia or the microbialvolatile organic compounds (mVOC) may cause symptomssimilar to those of Stachybotrys reactions. The species T.viridae is often isolated from indoor air samples and housedust. This species is used in commercial beer, wine and

food processing. T. viridae has also been reported from a case of infection of a lungs(fungus ball), and cases of peritonitis (an infection or inflammation of the membrane thatcovers the surfaces of the organs in the abdomen). Conidia are 1-celled, oblong, smooth,green, and occur in balls or small wet masses at the tips of the phialides (bottle shapedcells that produce conidia). The colonies are fast growing, flat to cottony, white to green-yellow in color.



UlocladiumPhonetic: You-low-clad-ee-um

Ulocladium is reported to be a major type I allergen. Thissaprobe (weak parasite) is widespread and commonly foundon plant materials, soils, dung, grass, compost, and textiles.Some species are cellulolytic and can grow on water-damaged building materials. Ulocladiumis also found in dustand air samples; and indoors on carpets and paintedsurfaces. This mitosporic (lacks a sexual state) fungus hasbeen reported from cases of phaeohyphomycosis(cutaneous and subcutaneous infections caused bydematiaceous (dark-walled) fungi). Infection sites forsusceptible hosts vary widely. Conidia are dark brown toblack, egg-shaped to cylindrical, solitary, smooth or rough,

divided into several cells by transverse, longitudinal walls. The colonies are moderatelyfast growing, wooly to cottony or velvety, olive-brown to black or grayish in color. (Aw -0.89).

Yeast

Yeasts are found worldwide in a variety of natural habitats or organic substrates such asplant leaves, flowers, soil, and salt water and are often able to grow at reduced oxygenlevels. They can also be found on the skin surfaces and in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, where they might be considered parasites, but can live symbiotically.Some yeast is reported to be allergenic, and may cause problems in individuals withprevious exposure and developed hypersensitivities.

Yeasts are unicellular fungi, spherical to oval, 2.5 to 6 um in diameter that reproduceasexually through a process called budding. This daughter cell is at first much smaller andtends to cling to the parent and often clumps, or chains of cells, are formed. Yeasts areseparated into three groups: 1) Blastomycetes, with no known sexual stage (FungiImperfecti); 2) Ascomycota (Hemiascomycetes), which produce ascospores as a result ofsexual reproduction; and 3) Blastomycota (Heterobasidiomycetes), which formbasidiospores as a result of sexual reproduction. Yeast colonies grow rapidly and appearsmooth & glabrous, or pasty, moist or dry, white to cream in color, but some may be tan,pinkish or orange.

Yeasts most commonly isolated from human sources include Candida (candidiasis),Cryptococcus (cryptococcosis), Torulopsis (torulopsosis), Trichosporon (trichosporonosis),Geotrichum and many others causing miscellaneous infections. Yeast infections areamong the most common fungal infections in humans. Their form ranges from localizedcutaneous or mucocutaneous lesions, to fungemia or disseminated systemic mycoses.Candida albicans is the most frequent yeast pathogen isolated because of their part in thenormal flora of the gastrointestinal tract and female urogenital area.



The most well-known commercially significant yeast are the species of Saccharomycescerevisiae, which is used in the production of several types of beers, or known as Brewer’syeast. It is also known as Baker’s yeast and is used for other types of fermentation. Yeastis often taken as a vitamin supplement because it is 50% protein and is also a good sourceof B vitamins, niacin, and folic acid. (Aw-0.61-0.95)

Zygosporium Phonetic: Zigh-go-spore-ee-um Zygosporium is a widespread mitosporic (lacks a sexual state) fungus commonly found insubtropical to tropical areas on dead leaves and wood, and occasionally from soil. Thissaprobe (weak parasite) has been found growing indoors on damp walls, and also oncheese. The species Z. mansonii can produce Cytochalasin D, which is used mainly infermentation processes. The conidial size ranges from 4 um – 7.2 mm and may beminutely roughened depending on the species.

References1. Food Microbiology 3rd Edition; by: W.C. Frazier & D.C. Westhoff 2. Identifying Filamentous Fungi – A Clinical Laboratory Handbook; by: Guy St-

Germain & Richard Summerbell 3. The Fifth Kingdom – Second Edition; by: Bryce Kendrick 4. Fundamentals of Diagnostic Mycology; by: Fran Fisher, M.E.D., M.T.(ASCP) &

Norma B. Cook, M.A., M.T.(ASCP) 5. Ainsworth & Bisby’s Dictionary of the Fungi – Eighth Edition; by: D.L.

Hawksworth, P.M. Kirk, B.C. Sutton & D.N. Pegler 6. Introductory Mycology – Third Edition; by: C.J. Alexopoulos & C.W. Mims 7. Medical Mycology and Human Mycoses; by: Everett S. Beneke & Alvin L. Rogers 8. Introduction to Fungi – Second Edition; by: John Webster 9. The Fungi – Second Edition; by: Michael J. Carlile, Sarah C. Watkinson &

Graham W. Gooday10. Environmental Microbiology; by: Raina M. Maier, Ian L. Pepper & Charles P.

Gerba 19 Hardy Diagnostics


IAQ Glossary 49

IAQ Glossary(source: AEROTECH P & K)

Aw ..................................................... Aw is an abbreviation for water activity or equilibriumrelative humidity (%ERH). Water activity is defined as thepartial pressure of water relative to the vapor pressure ofpure water at the same temperature or a measurement ofthe water that is available for biological and chemicalreactions. The Aw scale starts from 0 (dry) and goes to1.0 (pure water). Microbial growth can start as low as 0.6Aw, which includes halophilic (live on substrates with highconcentrations of salt) bacteria, osmophilic orosmotolerant (live on substrates with high osmoticpressure) yeasts, and xerophilic or xerotolerant (live onarid or dry substrates) fungi.

Acute .............................................. Refers to any disease which has a rapid onset andpersists a relatively short period of time. (e.g. days,weeks), terminating either in recovery or death. The termis also used for exceptionally severe or painful conditions.

Acute Toxicity ............................ The concentration of a compound required to cause apoisonous effect (e.g. lethality) on a target organism,organ, or cell-type.

Adsorbtion ................................... The removal of gasses or liquids in specialized filterswhereby the gas or liquid adheres as a thin film to thesurface of a solid substance.

Aerobe ........................................... Any organism that grows in the presence of oxygen.Obligate aerobes are organisms that require molecularoxygen to grow. Facultative organisms can grow with orwithout oxygen, and they shift in its presence to arespiratory metabolism.

Aerosol .......................................... Material finely divided and suspended in air or othergaseous environment, with compositions as varied asitself.

Aerosol Sampler ........................ Device used to collect air samples to test hypothesisabout indoor environments. Air samplers are used todetect and quantify bioaerosol presence, to identifyaerosol release from sources, to assess human exposureto biological agents, and to monitor the effectiveness ofcontrol measures. Types of bioaerosol samplers include -


50

gravitational sampler (collect by settling onto a collectionsurface); inertial or non-inertial samplers (impactors,impingers or centrifugal).

Aerotech 6 Sampler ................. Viable particle sampler, aluminum device held togetherby three spring clamps and sealed with o-ring gaskets.This single stage impactor contains 400 precision-drilledholes. Airborne particles are impacted onto the surface of an agar plate via a vacuum pump.

Agar ................................................ A gelatin like material obtained from seaweed and usedto prepare culture media on which microorganisms aregrown. Also used for electrophoresis of DNA and RNA.

Air Contaminant ........................ An unwanted airborne constituent that may reduceacceptability of the air.

Air-O-Cell ..................................... A popular spore trap collection method.

Airborne Microorganisms .... Biologically active contaminants suspended in the aireither as free-floating particles surrounded by a film oforganic or inorganic material, or attached to the surfaceof other suspended particulates.

Algae ............................................. A heterogeneous group of eukaryotic, photosynthetic,unicellular or multicellular organisms.

Allergen ........................................ Any substance or agent that causes an allergic reaction.

Allergic Dermatitis.................... Rash that occurs when the skin is exposed to certainallergens.

Allergic Rhinitis......................... Inflammation of the lining of the nose caused by allergies.Term used for hay fever and/or allergy to pollen, dustmites, and mold spores.

Allergy............................................ An abnormal immune-mediated hypersensitive responseto chemical and/or physical stimuli. Typical allergysymptoms can include any or all of the followinghypersensitive responses - inflammation, rhinitis,sinusitis, dermatitis, hypersensitive pneumonitis,conjunctivitis and/or asthma. Allergic manifestations ofmajor importance occur in about 10 percent of thepopulation.

Alveoli ........................................... The inside end of the airway tree, consisting of tiny airsacs within the lungs, formed at the ends of bronchioles;through the thin walls of the alveoli, the blood takes in


IAQ Glossary 51

oxygen and gives up its carbon dioxide in the process ofrespiration.

Anaerobe ..................................... Obligate anaerobes are organisms that can grow only inthe absence of oxygen. Facultative organisms can growwith or without oxygen, and they shift in its presence to arespiratory metabolism.

Andersen N-6/Aerotech 6 ..... Viable particle sampler, aluminum device held togetherby three spring clamps and sealed with o-ring gaskets.This single stage impactor contains 400 precision-drilledholes. Airborne particles are impacted onto the surface ofan agar plate via a vacuum pump.

Antibiotic ..................................... A chemical substance, of microbial origin or syntheticallyproduced, that has the capacity to inhibit or kill bacteriawhen applied in dilute solutions.

Antibody ...................................... An immune-response protein produced in warm-bloodedanimals in response to an injected foreign antigen andcapable of reacting specifically with that antigen.

Antigen ......................................... Any substance, often proteins but occasionally complexlipids, carbohydrates, or some nucleic acids, (usuallyforeign) that, when introduced into the body of a warm-blooded animal, has the capacity to stimulate theformation of the corresponding antibodies; and the abilityto react specifically with these antibodies.

ASHRAE ....................................... American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers, Inc.

Aspergillosis .............................. One of a group of diseases of animals and humanscaused by various species of Aspergillus.

Asthma ......................................... A lung disorder characterized by attacks of breathingdifficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus comingfrom the lungs. Asthma attacks can be caused bybreathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants,infection, vigorous exercise, or by emotional stress.Treatment includes eliminating the cause if possible.Sprays or wideners of the bronchi taken by mouth, andsteroid drugs are also used. Repeated attacks oftenresult in shortness of breath (emphysema) andpermanent obstructive lung disease. Also called bronchialasthma.


IAQ Glossary52

Asthma Promoters .................. Conditions and substances, such as allergies, tobaccosmoke, colds and respiratory infections, that can lead tolasting inflammation in the airways and leave them proneto react faster or more severely to an asthma trigger.

Bacteria ........................................ Microscopic organisms living in soil, water, organicmatter, plants and animals. These prokaryotic organismsdo not have a distinct nucleus, are single-celled, and lackphotosynthetic abilities.

Bactericide .................................. Any agent (chemical or physical) that is able to killbacteria.

Bacteriocidal .............................. Able to kill bacteria.

Bioaerosol ................................... An aerosol comprised of particles of biologicalorigin/activity or is itself a living organism, which mayaffect living things causing infection, allergies, toxicity, orother. Particle sizes may range from aerodynamicdiameters of ca. 0.5 to 100 microns. Examples ofbioaerosols are fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, pollen,animal dander, insect emanations, microbial endotoxins,and human skin scales.

Biohazard .................................... A combination of the words, biological and hazardmeaning organisms or products of organisms that presenta risk to humans.

Bronchitis .................................... Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the large(bronchia) airways, characterized by cough.

Building Related Illness ........ An identifiable illness or disease caused by conditions inor nearby to a facility.

CARPETCHEK ........................... A .8 micron MCE filter cassette uses to collect dust fromcarpeting for the analyses of microbial contaminants.

Chain of Custody ..................... Written form that contains fields for reporting, billing(optional), sample identification and analysis request.This form must be accompanying samples to be analyzedby a laboratory. This form is particularly important iflitigation becomes involved.

Colony ........................................... A number of individual cells or organisms of a givenspecies growing on the surface of a solid medium thatusually can be seen with the naked eye.


IAQ Glossary 53

Conditioned Space .................. The portion of a facility being heated, cooled, humidified,dehumidified, or otherwise controlled to maintain desiredconditions.

Conidia ......................................... Asexual spores of fungi that form at the tips and the sidesof hyphae. Conidia are not unusually resistant to adverseenvironmental conditions and serve to promote aerialdissemination.

Conjunctivitis ............................ Inflammation of the surface of the eye, characterized byredness, itching, soreness, and tearing.

Contaminant ............................... An undesirable substance that pollutes the quality of theair.

Cubic Centimeters (cc) .......... A volumetric measurement that is also equal to onemilliliter (ml).

Cubic Meter (m³) ....................... A measure of volume in the metric system.

Dander .......................................... Tiny scales of animal skin.

Dermatitis .................................... Inflammation of the skin characterized by redness,itching, and/or formation of a rash.

Dimorphic Fungus ................... Fungus that can grow either as mold (mycelial form) or asyeast depending on the environment.

Disinfectant ................................ Chemical agents used for disinfection. Disinfectants forgeneral use should be active against a range of commonmicroorganisms and should be biocidal rather thanbiostatic.

Dust ................................................ An air suspension (aerosol) of particles of any solidmaterial, usually with particle size less than 100micrometers (:m).

Dust Mites .................................... Tiny insects that live in dust, and that are a commonasthma trigger.

DUSTCHEK .................................. A filter collection bag used in conjunction with a standardvacuum cleaner to collect dust samples to be analyzedfor microbial contamination or allergens.

Economizer ................................. An HVAC design that uses outdoor air conditions toobtain as much cooling or warming as possible beforeheat is added or removed from the conditioned space.


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Electrostatic Precipitator ...... A device that removes particles from airflow by using theattractive properties of opposite electric charges.

Emphysema ................................ A respiratory condition in humans characterized by a lossof elasticity in the alveoli or lung sacs.

Endotoxins .................................. Harmful substances (toxins) that are produced by manyGram-negative bacteria. Endotoxins are characterized forbeing contained within the cell wall that produce them, orare integral constituents of cellular structure and are notreleased until the cell disintegrates.

Environmental Tobacco ........ A mixture of smoke both exhaled by smokers and Smoke (ETS) released from burning cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Also

known as secondhand smoke or passive smoking.

Epidemic ...................................... A sudden increase in frequency of a disease, above thenormal expectancy, in a population of human beings.

Epidemiology ............................. The field of science that analyzes the distribution inhuman populations of events affecting health.

Epidermis ..................................... The outer layer of human skin, composed of a thin layerof epithelial cells.

Etiological .................................... Pertaining to the cause of a disease or abnormalcondition.

Etiological Agent ...................... Organism or substance that causes a disease.

Exotoxin ....................................... Diffusible toxins produced by certain Gram-positivebacteria. Exotoxins are present in the filtrates of growingcultures in which no appreciable autolysis has occurred.

Filter Efficiency ......................... The efficiency of various filters can be established on thebasis of entrapped particles; i.e., collection efficiency, oron the basis of particles passed through the filter, i.e.,penetration efficiency.

Filter, HEPA ................................ High Efficiency Particulate Air filter that is at least 99.97percent efficient in removing particles and allergens of 0.3microns or greater diameter from the air. (NIOSH = P100)

Filtration ....................................... The trapping of particles in a filtering medium.

Fungicide ..................................... Chemical agent that kills fungi.Fungistat ...................................... Chemical agent that inhibits the growth and reproduction

of fungi.


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Gasses .......................................... Individual atoms of molecules spread evenly through theair. They cannot be trapped by ordinary filters. Seeadsorption.

Germ .............................................. A microorganism usually thought of as a pathogenicorganism.

Germicide .................................... An agent capable of killing germs.

Heat, Total (ENTHALPY) ....... The sum of sensible and latent heat between an arbitrarydatum point and the temperature and state underconsideration. HUMIDIFIER FEVER - Inhalation fever(see definition below) obtained from exposure to ahumidifier.

HEPA ............................................. High efficiency particulate filter.

HVAC ............................................. Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.

HVACR .......................................... Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

Hypersensitivity ........................ Condition of a primed individual who tends to give anexaggerated immune response upon further exposure tothe relevant antigen; a hypersensitive reaction that maycause varying degrees of damage to the subject's tissuesand may even be fatal.

Hypersensitivity ........................ A swelling form of pneumonia that is caused by anPneumonitis immune reaction in an allergic patient. The reaction may

be brought about by a variety of inhaled organic dusts,often those containing fungal spores. A wide variety ofsymptoms may occur, including difficulty breathing, fever,chills, malaise, muscle aches, and cough. The symptomsusually occur 4 to 6 hours after exposure and takes up to48 hrs to be resolved.

Hyphae .......................................... The principal element of the growing or vegetative form ofa mold (filamentous fungi), characterized by branchingtube-like growth.

IAQ .................................................. Indoor air quality.

Immuno-Compromised .......... A swelling form of pneumonia that is caused by Patientsthat are susceptible to opportunistic pathogens such asthose in the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor andRhizopus. Examples of immuno-compromised people arethose that have been subjected to organ or tissuetransplant procedures, people infected with the human


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immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and people that have beentreated for malignant diseases with agents that suppressthe immune system.

Impingement .............................. To strike with a sharp collision.

Inertial Bioaerosol ................... Allows the collection of particles by size-selective Sampler sampling. See non-inertial bioaerosol sampler.

Infection ....................................... The establishment of a pathogenic microorganism withinthe tissues of a host.

Inhalation Fever ........................ Flu-like illness following exposure to certain chemical orbiological agents (bacteria, fungi, amebae, endotoxin)from an environmental source. Characterized by fever,chills, muscle aches, malaise, and respiratory symptoms.(See Humidifier fever and Pontiac Fever).

IPM .................................................. Integrated pest management.

Legionnaires Disease ............. A progressive and potentially fatal atypical pneumoniacaused by the inhalation of water aerosols containingLegionella bacteria deep into the lung. The onset isrelatively abrupt with high fever, malaise, myalgia,headache, nonproductive cough, inflammation of themembrane covering the lungs (pleurisy), and sometimesdiarrhea.

Medium ......................................... (pl. Media). A balanced chemical composition employedin the laboratory for growing microorganisms; media maybe used in the liquid state or solidified with agar, gelatinor other solidifying agents.

Mesophile .................................... An organism that grows optimally within the temperaturerange of 77°F to 104°F (25°C to 40°C).

Micron ........................................... One millionth of a meter. Also called a micrometer.

Microorganism .......................... A minute organism; bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites,etc., are microorganisms.

Mitigate ......................................... To alleviate or relieve.

Mold ................................................ Any profuse or woolly fungal growth on damp or decayingmatter or on surfaces of organic materials. Many moldsare capable of causing asthma and allergy attacks.

MSDS .............................................. Material safety data sheets.


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Mucous Membranes ................ Lining of the hollow organs of the body, notably the nose,mouth, stomach, intestines, bronchial tubes, and urinarytract.

Multiple Chemical .................... A wide variety of conditions that individuals may believe Sensitivity (MCS) to be caused by low levels of exposure to a wide variety

of chemicals.

Mutagen ....................................... Any chemical or physical agent that causes a geneticchange (mutation) or speeds up the rate of mutation.

Mutagenic Agent ...................... Any chemical substance or physical agent that is capableof enhancing the frequency of detectable mutants within apopulation of organisms or cells.

Mutant ........................................... Any organism that differs from the wild type as the resultof one or more mutations.

Mutation ....................................... A sudden, usually rare, change in the genetic code of anorganism which results in the appearance of a newcharacteristic in an individual that is heritable.

Mycelial Fragment ................... Piece of mycelium.

Mycelium ..................................... The branching tube-like hypha or mass of hyphaeconstituting the body of a fungus. Mycelium can be aform of reproduction of the fungus.

Mycovirus .................................... Viruses with a host-range specificity limited to the fungi.

Nephrotoxin ................................ A chemical that has a primary toxic effect on the kidneys.

NIOSH ............................................ A federal agency, the National Institute for OccupationalSafety and Health. It conducts research on health andsafety concerns, tests and certifies respirators, and trainsoccupational health and safety professionals.

Nosocomial Infections ........... Infections that are acquired in a hospital.

Nuisance Dust ........................... Have a long history of little adverse effect on the lungsand do not produce significant organic disease or toxiceffect when exposures are kept under reasonable control.

Odor ............................................... A characteristic of gases, vapors, or particles thatstimulate the olfactory organs; typically in an unpleasantor objectionable manner.


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Organic Dust Toxic ................. Fever characterized by rapid onset after exposure toSyndrome (ODTS) high organic dust levels. It is not well understood but

thought to be too rapid to be an immune response.

OSHA ............................................. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Ozone ............................................ An unstable gas consisting of three oxygen atoms. It actsas an oxidizer of organic matter and is consideredharmful to humans at levels exceeding 0.12 ppm.

Parasite ......................................... Organism that lives on or within the tissues of anotherliving organism from which it obtains nutrients.

Particulates ................................. Solids or liquids light enough to be suspended in the air.

Pathogen ...................................... Any microorganism capable of causing disease in ananimal, plant, or microorganism.

Pathogenic .................................. Having the ability to produce or cause a disease.

Pontiac Fever ............................. Inhalation fever (see definition above) caused byexposure to airborne Legionella bacteria. Milder diseasethan Legionnaires' disease.

PPM ................................................ Parts per million.

Psychrophilic ............................. Microorganisms that thrive at relatively low temperatures;their optimum temperatures for growth are below 20°C,but they multiply at a substantial rate even at 0°C.Thriving at relatively low temperatures.

Pure Culture ................................ A culture of microorganisms in which all cells are of asingle type.

Re-circulated Air ....................... Indoor air that is taken in from the conditioned space andsent through the HVAC system. It must be mixed withsufficient outdoor air to prevent the build-up of IAQcontaminants.

Relative Humidity ...................... The amount of moisture the air can hold at any giventemperature compared to the amount of moisture it couldhold at any given temperature.

Respirable Particles ................. Those particles in air, which penetrate into and aredeposited in the non-ciliated portion of the lung.

Respirable Size .......................... Particulates in the size range that permits them to Particulates penetrate deep into the lungs upon inhalation.


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Rhinitis .......................................... Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the nosecharacterized by nasal drainage, congestion, itching, andsneezing.

Saprophyte .................................. Any organism that requires and utilizes nutrients fromdead or decaying organisms in the form of organiccompounds in solution.

Serology ....................................... The in vitro study of antigens and antibodies, and theirinteractions.

Sick Building .............................. A building is defined as sick if 20 percent or more of theSyndrome (SBS) the building's occupants complain of such problems as

headache, eye irritation, nausea, sore throats, dry or itchyskin, sinus congestion, nose irritation, fatigue anddizziness for more than two weeks; If the symptoms arerelieved when the complainant leaves the building; and, ifno specific cause of the problem can be identified.(ASHRAE Journal, July 1988, p.40)

Sinusitis ....................................... A swelling of one or more nasal sinuses. It may be acomplication of an upper respiratory infection, dentalinfection, allergy, a change in atmosphere, as in air travelor underwater swimming, or a defect of the nose. Withswelling of nasal mucous membranes the openings fromsinuses to the nose may be blocked, causing pressure,pain, headache, fever, and local tenderness.Complications include spread of infection to bone, brain,or meninges. Treatment includes steam inhalations, nasaldecongestants, analgesics, and, if infection is present,antibiotics. Surgery to improve drainage may be done totreat chronic sinusitis.

Slime Layer ................................. The gelatinous outermost covering of certain bacteria;unlike capsules, which are tightly bound to cell walls.

Smoke ........................................... An air suspension (aerosol) of particles, originating fromcombustion or sublimation. Carbon or soot particles lessthan 0.1 microns in size result from incompletecombustion of carbonaceous materials such as coal oroil. Smoke generally contains droplets as well as dryparticles. Tobacco, for instance, produces a wet smokecomposed of minute tar-containing droplets.

Spore ............................................. A resistant and or disseminative form produced by certainbacteria or fungi (molds); spores are characteristicallyformed in response to particular (commonly adverse)environmental conditions. Mold (fungal) spores are


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specifically unicellular sexual or asexual reproductivebodies.

Teratogen .................................... A chemical or physical agent that causes birth defects ifexposed to a developing embryo.

Thermophilic .............................. Microorganisms that have an optimum temperature forgrowth as high as 50 to 55°C, with tolerance to 90°C.They are found especially in hot springs and compostheaps.

Toxic Effect ................................. Reaction to a biological toxin; may involve death ordysfunction of specific organs or organ systems such asthe liver, kidney, brain or immune suppression.

Toxicity ......................................... The degree to which something is poisonous. A conditionthat results from exposure to a poison or to poisonousamounts of a substance that does not cause side effectsin small amounts.

Toxigenic ..................................... Organism that is able to produce a toxin, or toxins.

Toxin .............................................. A poisonous substance that is a specific product of themetabolic activities of a living organism and is usuallyvery unstable, notably toxic when introduced into cells,tissues or the entire target organism.

Tracer Gas .................................. Certain compounds which can be used to identifypollutant pathways in a building and to quantify ventilationrates.

Variable Air Volume ............... An HVAC design that heats or cools a conditioned space(VAV) by increasing or decreasing the amount of air entering a

conditioned space.

Ventilation ................................... Supplying sufficient air to a conditioned space to ensureoccupant comfort and wellness.

Virus .............................................. An infectious agent that contains either RNA or DNA in itscore surrounded by a protein shell, is able to alternatebetween intracellular and extra cellular states, andreplicates only when present in living cells. Virusesdepend entirely upon the living cells for biosyntheticmachinery; some viruses can exchange genes with thehost cell.

VOC ................................................ "Volatile Organic Compound", any organic chemical witha low boiling point that becomes gaseous at ambient


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temperatures. This designation is not a reflection orindication of human health effects.

WallChek ................................. A device that works in conjunction with Air-O-Cell cassettesto take air samples from enclosed spaces such as wallcavities.

Xerophile ................................. An organism with enzyme systems that enable it to growoptimally under dry conditions.

ZEFON Air-O-Cell ................. A non-inertial sampling device produced by ZefonCorporation for collection and analysis of a wide range ofairborne aerosols. These include mold spores, pollen, insectparts, skin cell fragments, fibers (e.g. asbestos, fiberglass,cellulose, clothing fibers) and inorganic particulate (e.g.ceramic, fly ash, combustion particles, copy toner). Airborneparticles are impacted onto a glass microscope slide that iscoated with a sticky substance. Particles deposited onto theslides can be observed directly under the microscope. Theconcentration of particles per unit volume of air can then be

calculated.


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