1. Causes
Concerns
Cures
EDUCATIONAL
TRAINING SERIES NO. 13

2. Mold’s Scientific
Classification
Mushrooms
Mildew MOLD
Yeasts
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3. WHAT Is Mold?
 Microscopic organism
 Spread by spores
 Breaks down
cellulose matter
 Made to survive
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4. Mold TYPES
 ALLERGENIC
Usually not life threatening
 PATHOGENIC
Infectious, found in hospitals
 TOXIC
Can cause health effects in
just about anyone
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5. HOW Does
Mold Grow?
 MOISTURE
• Relative humidity over 60%
• Standing water (24 hours)
 NUTRIENTS
 TEMPERATURE
68°–86° F (20°–30° C)
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6. Moisture
 Where there’s
MOISTURE
• Roofing leaks • Walls
• Flooding • Piping leaks
• Condensation • Appliances
• Overwatering • Plumbing
plants fixtures
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7. Nutrients =
Organic Matter
 Where there are
NUTRIENTS
• Paper • Ceiling tiles
• Wallpaper • Wood
• Cardboard • Fabrics
• Dust • Sheetrock
• Carpets
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8. TYPES
Found in Homes
 Many species
 Only one toxic common to
the house environment:
Black Stachybotrys
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9. How FAST Does
Mold Grow?
 Most spores germinate
within 12-48 HOURS
with right conditions
 Colonies of mold will
develop in 1-12 DAYS
after activation
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10. What to Look for
 VISUAL SIGNS
• Velvety, granular, cottony,
leathery
• Varied colors (black gray,
pink, white, brown, yellow,
green, fluorescent)
• Areas of water leakage
• Heating and cooling systems
• Noticeable musty odors
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11. WHO is at Risk?
 Young children
 Individuals with suppressed
immune systems
 Elderly
 Sick
 Individuals with respiratory
problems
 Asthma patients
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12. WHAT Can Be Done?
 Prevention
 Awareness
 Removal
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13. TESTING
 Can be complicated
 Can be expensive
 Requires trained individual
 US EPA — Health Canada
• Testing procedures
• Action levels
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