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New Mold Resource - Guidance for Health Professionals

A new mold resource, entitled: Guidance for Clinicians on the Recognition and Management of Health Effects Related to Mold Exposure and Moisture Indoors, published by the Center for Indoor Environments and Health at University of Connecticut Health Center with support from a grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is available for free from http://oehc.uchc.edu/clinser/indoor.htm exiting epa



Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.  When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

The key to mold control is moisture control.  It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

For basic information and resources on mold, go to our Mold Resources page.

This page contains an introduction to molds; basic mold cleanup; ten things you should know about mold; asthma and mold; floods/flooding; health and mold; homes and mold; indoor air regulations and mold; large buildings and mold; schools and mold and indoor air quality; and other mold-related resources and links.

You can also read:

a brief guide to mold

"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"

This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.  Molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on.  You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.  [EPA 402-K-02-003]

Available in HTML and PDF formats.

Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está disponible en el formato PDF (moldguide_sp.pdf - 796KB file).  Documento de la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008.
 
mold remediation cover

"Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings"

This document presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings; these guidelines include measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and remediators. It has been designed primarily for building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance. It should serve as a reference for potential mold and moisture remediators. Using this document, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation should be able to make a reasonable judgment as to whether the situation can be handled in-house. It will help those in charge of maintenance to evaluate an in-house remediation plan or a remediation plan submitted by an outside contractor. Contractors and other professionals who respond to mold and moisture situations in commercial buildings and schools may also want to refer to these guidelines.  [EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001]

Available in HTML and PDF formats.

Additional Mold Resources on www.epa.gov/iaq

Order these and any Indoor Air Quality publication from IAQ INFO and EPA's NSCEP.  Use the EPA Document Number (highlighted in bold above) when ordering.

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