Mold is everywhere. Outdoors, mold contributes to the cycle of nature by breaking down organic matter. Indoors, mold has the potential to cause serious health problems. Workers’ compensation claims related to mold, or suspected mold, continues to increase.
Hypersensitivity to mold spores, asthma, and respiratory ailments may cause issues that would not usually affect an otherwise healthy individual. If airborne mold is suspected, DIY quick tests are not appropriate in the workplace. DIY airborne mold test kits are generally unreliable for accurate assessment because settle plates (petri dishes with nutrient agar) miss many spores, can’t differentiate indoor from outdoor mold, and fail to find hidden mold, leading to misleading results.
Some high-quality kits with professional lab analysis can offer basic information, but they don’t match the comprehensive, scientifically valid results from a certified professional, making DIY tests prone to high false positive results and unnecessary alarm. A certified industrial hygienist should examine the space(s) considered contaminated and collect air samples and surface swabs in accordance with EPA protocols and have them tested at a certified laboratory.1
Mold needs four elements to grow: a food source, appropriate temperature, oxygen, and adequate moisture. Food sources include wood, paper, textiles and plants – materials that are found in every building. Molds typically grow at temperatures ranging from 40-100° Fahrenheit. Molds require a high level of moisture – usually a humidity level of 70% to 90% is necessary. Buildings do not typically contain this concentration of moisture, unless there is a water problem such as a water leak or flooding. Because some mold species begin growing in just a few hours, you can assume that if walls, carpets, flooring and ceiling tiles get wet, mold growth can be expected within 24-48 hours.
Moisture Control
It is nearly impossible to control the presence of food sources and oxygen in your building, thus, the most important consideration in preventing mold is controlling moisture. This is best done through preventive measures throughout the year. Simple tasks, such as replacing a washer on a dripping faucet, are critical to stopping minor problems before they become major projects. Remember that mold grows quickly so repairs should be completed as soon as a problem is identified.
Schedule Seasonal Inspections and Monitor Empty Buildings
It is good practice to schedule major inspections of your facilities in the fall and spring, as you prepare for seasonal changes. Look for signs of potential water problems, such as damp spots, worn roof shingles, or water stains. If buildings are closed for a period of time, especially in the summer months, be sure to schedule extra maintenance checkups of the facilities in order to spot problems that may be brewing.
In most cases, mold is excluded from coverage by our property insurance policy; thus, it would be the responsibility of the parish, school or ministry to pay for remediation. Mold remediation is costly and can be avoided when preventive measures are followed.
I Have Water in My Facility – What Can I Do to Prevent Mold?
If the condition is the result of a recent storm, flood or accident, please report the incident directly to Steven Stewart (267-370-3392), the property loss adjuster of the Diocese.
Or, directly engage the approved emergency response contractors:
- ServPro Bordentown (Peter Barbera, 347-234-4064) or
- Restro-Rebuild (Bill Thompson, 732-939-5175)
Joe Cahill (732-284-1600) and Joe Bianchi (732-267-0381) are always available to assist with any problem. Mold issues related to a sudden peril/accident may be covered by insurance. The loss adjuster will make the appropriate determination of coverage.
In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain – these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved.
If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.
Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold – it must also be removed as mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.
If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Go to the EPA web site: http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
A professional remediation service is highly recommended for any cleanup activity involving more than ten square feet of a hard non-porous surface or more than a few square feet of porous surfaces such as carpets, ceiling tiles and wallboard.
Although most mold cleanup is not covered by insurance, professional resources are available through the Diocesan Property/Casualty Insurance program, including competent and highly qualified remediation contractors and industrial hygienists, at negotiated contract rates.
- https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide-chapter-1