Mold
Molds belong to a category of organisms called fungi. They reproduce themselves by spores. Spores can become
airborne and can be carried by air currents or transported by dust during demolition. Once inhaled, these spores may lead
to allergic reactions, cause toxic effects, or cause infections. The most common symptoms are very similar to the common
cold: runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, headache, and fatigue. A reaction to mold depends upon how much a
person is exposed to and the person’s sensitivities or allergies. The same amount of mold may cause health effects in one
person but not in another.
Demolition
Contaminated materials must be removed as soon as possible and placed in double plastic bags or wrapped in two layers
of poly sheeting and sealed with duct tape.
Note: At present, there are no federal regulations governing the disposal of microbial (mold) waste. Individuals should
contact their local state department of health for any information on prescribed guidelines that may exist at the state or
local level.
PPE
As with any other job where hazards are present, proper selection, use, and care of PPE is critical to keep workers from
being overexposed to mold. This includes the proper training on the PPE being used. PPE is key to performing all types of
environmental work safely. Workers must have a good understanding of the types of PPE worn when doing this work,
when and how to wear it, how it is selected, and its limitations.
The PPE levels defined by the EPA are:
Minimum: When cleaning a small area of less than 10 sq. ft. of mold use an N95 respirator. A full-face respirator will
provide workers with eye protection.
Limited: Limited area PPE, which contains areas of less than 100 sq. ft., includes the use of a half-face or full-face air
purifying respirator (APR) equipped with a HEPA air cartridge. Remember, these HEPA filters alone do not
remove vapors or gases.
Full: In mold areas of over 100 sq. ft., which have high levels of airborne dust or mold spores, or when intense or longterm exposures are expected, a full-face air purifying respirator is recommended.
Gloves are necessary to protect skin from contact with mold allergens and from potentially irritating cleaning solutions.
Goggles will protect the workers’ eyes when a full-face respirator is not available. Wearing some sort of protective outer
garment that can be disposed of will help prevent the worker from spreading or carrying mold spores home with them.
Decontamination
Although wearing the proper PPE is essential to protect workers against mold and other hazards, it is important to realize
that the PPE itself is being exposed to the contaminants. Therefore, it is important for workers to know how to remove
their PPE without being exposed.
TOPIC: Mold
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