It is not easy to provide general guidelines on how to interpret medical tests or sample results because there are many factors that influence the growth and spread of Stachybotrys. There are also many differences between different people, their symptoms and sensitivities. Stachbotrys is to be avoided by immuno-compromised individuals because of its toxicity. People who can be considered immuno-compromised are babies (they have not yet developed fully functioning immune systems), people with lung diseases, cancer patients, elderly, HIV patients and others who have compromised immune systems.
At times, building evacuation may be necessary but at others a temporary solution can be utilized. When trying to determine how to proceed in a Stachybotrys case, consider tge number of people involved, extent of the exposure, symptoms reported or manifested, sample results, history of the problem building, mold location, activities conducted in the building, kind of air transfer system, and public relations issues. In every situation, it is necessary to develop an action plan that protects the occupants without creating panic until the mold and its source of moisture are fixed.
Risk reduction may involve the following:
· Temporary evacuation by building occupants
· General cleaning using a HEPA vaccuming system
· Installing furnace and ventilation filters
· Minimum N-95 filtering respirator when working around mold
· Isolation of the areas where mold was found by shutting the door and sealing all around the jamb and bottom of door with painter’s tape or duct tape.
· Isolation of the affected areas with plastic sheeting and tape.
· Isolation of the supply ducts ad return ducts for the HVAC system-necessary heating and cooling will have to be provided by other sources.
· Shut down the HVAC system
· Use of HEPA filtration systems.
There is NOT a single set of standards for mold remediation. However, much research has been done and the medical and contractor industries do agree on the following:
· It is essential to eliminate mold growth inside building and perform structural repairs to eliminate the source of the moisture.
· Use of trained and professional workers for mold remediation projects in high risk situations such as schools, hospitals, and where the HVAC system is involved.
· Work practices that prevent the spread of contamination during the actual mold remediation work.
· Removal of porous building materials (ceiling tile and drywall etc.) that have been water saturated and are moldy.
· Use of the proper PPE when conducting a mold remediation project.
· Isolation of the work area or absence of occupants when doing the mold remediation.
· Use of air filters, HEPA filters, isolated entry areas, the proper respirator for a mold remediation project, and negative air enclosures.
· Use of the proper product/application to eliminate the mold.
· Post remediation inspection and testing prior to the reinstallation of drywall and other items that can be mold food. Herein, it is essential that the original source of the moisture problem has been corrected.
Before starting a mold remediation project, it is essential to address the following:
· Who will manage the mold remediation project?
· Will pre-mold remediation sampling be conducted and by whom?
· What is the criteria that will be used to determine a successful mold remediation project?
· What engineering controls will be employed?
· What cleaner will be used to effectively eliminate the mold?
· What materials will be removed and discarded?
· How will the debris to be disposed of be packaged and disposed of?
· What cleaning techniques will be used in what sequence?
· What supplies, tools, and hard equipment will be needed for the project?
Overview of Risk Assessment Considerations
· Type of building/structure
-Number of occupants
-Number of high risk occupants
· Type and severity of reported symptoms
· Medical support of reported symptoms
· Source of moisture
· Extent of moisture damage
· Time frame of moisture intrusion
· Type of water source and current status
· Need for pumping/tools for drying out.
· Potential safety hazards
-BBP
-Electrical
-Fuel Sources-Ex: gas
-Chemicals
-Confined space
· Volume of water damaged items
-Non-porous
-Porous
-Semi-porous
· Amount of visible mold growth
· Hidden mold areas
· Mold in HVAC system
· Spore deposits and range
· Mold Testing results
-Viable and non-viable
-Air testing
-Surface testing
-In dust and/or water
· Bacteria issues
· Insurance limits
· Isolation plan
· Temporary engineering controls
-Air cleaners in rooms
-HEPA vacuuming
-Sealing surfaces and openings
-Encapsulants
· Avoidance of impacted areas-evacuation/change building traffic patterns
· Occupant’s state of mind
· Legal considerations
Remember that each mold remediation project is different.