Environmental Safety

A Brief Guide to Molds in the Workplace

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Adapted From OSHA SHIB 03-10-10
Introduction

Due to the increasing concern about mold, the age of some of our buildings, and the weather conditions in our area, our staff and faculty are aware of the health effects and symptoms of mold exposure. Building Coordinators, Public Safety and Physical Plant staff are diligent in alleviating fears and in seeking ways to answer to the concerns of fellow workers when they call or when the subject of mold presence in buildings arise during staff meetings. The issue remains: What is the most efficient way to deal with mold?

Mold Basics

There are about 1,000 species of mold in the USA. Molds are part of nature and without them we would not have cheese, medicines, etc. However, mold becomes a nuisance when it starts affecting our indoor air quality and the integrity and appearance of our offices. The truth is that as long as we have moisture, oxygen and an organic source around us, mold will grow on any surface especially if the area is damp, dark, and has poor air circulation. Therefore, controlling building humidity and light will control indoor mold growth.

Health Effects

Presently, there are no government standards or recommendations (from OSHA, EPD, EPA, NIOSH, etc.) for airborne concentrations of mold spores. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposure and health effects is just starting. Yet, health professionals agree that most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects. Molds can cause allergic reaction similar to hay fever (with runny nose and red eye symptoms). They can also cause localized skin or mucosal infections, but they do not cause systemic infections except for persons with impaired immunity, AIDS, or uncontrolled diabetes. Finally, molds can cause asthma attacks and eye, skin, and throat irritations for some people.

Mold Prevention

In order to prevent mold growth at home or on the job, we must stop all water leaks indoors and clean the area promptly. Moisture control is the weapon of choice in controlling mold proliferation. We need to implement the following:

Determining a Mold Problem

Before you call Public Safety or Physical Plant, answer the following questions:

  1. Are building materials or office furnishings visibly moisture damaged?
  2. Have building materials been wet for more than 48 hours?
  3. Are there existing moisture problems in the office?
  4. Are office occupants reporting musty or unpleasant moldy odors?
  5. Are office occupants reporting health problems possibly related to mold?
  6. Has routine maintenance been adequate?
Our Plan of Action

When you notify us of an alleged mold problem:

In most cases, if visible mold is present, sampling is not necessary. There are no standards for "acceptable" levels of mold in buildings. Furthermore, the lack of definite correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes data interpretation almost impossible. Usually, testing is recommended in order to compare levels and types of mold spores between inside and outside air and to assess the effectiveness of mold remediation. Reputable companies must do it.

Conclusion

Excessive moisture and poor air circulation are the primary causes of indoor mold growth. To alleviate fears and anxieties, we need effective communication be communication between office occupants, building coordinators, and Environmental Safety. Due to the serious nature of health concerns, effective communication through training to discuss indoor air quality issues will help us all.

 

Enviromental Safety Services - Georgia Southern University
P.O. Box 8072-01 Statesboro, Georgia 30460
(912)478-7161 | (912)478-7169
ess@georgiasouthern.edu