The document discusses the county health department's guidelines and procedures for investigating mold complaints. It provides information on different types of mold, health effects, exposure limits, prevention, removal procedures, and guidelines for landlords and tenants. The health department investigates indoor mold issues in rental properties and recommends removal of black mold over 10 square feet but does not regulate outdoor, attic, or basement mold unless it poses a health risk. Proper moisture control and cleaning are key to preventing mold growth.

1. By Eric C. Ratcliff

2. Mold Investigations
• CCGHD investigates mold complaints
• Accept written complaints from current
tenants or close relatives
• Don’t inspect owner occupied homes
• Investigate only indoor mold issues
• Don’t take samples – not useful

3. Black Mold
• CCGHD interested only in black mold
• Recommend removal of other varieties
• Mold & mildew are synonymous
• An allergen like pollen
• No scientific evidence of adverse health
effects
• Anecdotal evidence of health effects

4. Health Effects of Mold
• Mainly respiratory – coughing, sneezing, sore
throat, runny nose, congestion
• Other allergic reactions – headaches, burning
eyes, skin rash, etc.
• Irritant
• Does not cause colds
• Can aggravate colds, flu, & Asthma

5. Exposure Limits
• No exposure limits
• Link to health effects not scientifically
substantiated
• Not known what quantity is acceptable
• Sensitivity to mold varies from person to
person

6. “Toxic Mold”
• “Toxic mold” a misnomer
• Mold itself isn’t toxic
• Produce mycotoxins as a by-product
• Toxic only if ingested
• Stachybrotrys - “toxic” variety < 1% of mold
• CCGHD assumes all black mold is “toxic”

7. “Killer Mold”
• “Killer mold” - media hype
• Began by flawed study in Cleveland
• CDC retracted entire study
• Misinformation perpetuated by media &
lucrative lawsuits

8. Mold Problem ?
• Sanitarian identifies mold problem visually &
by odor
• Musty odor, & 10 sq. ft. or more of visible
black mold indicates a mold problem

9. Mold Removal
• < 10 sq. ft. is a small amount
• 10 sq. ft. or more is generally the landlord’s
responsibility
• < 10 sq. ft. - responsibility of the tenant

10. Large Amount Small Amount

11. Large Amount Small Amount

12. Mold Not An Issue
• If sanitarian can’t see it or smell it
• In wall or ceiling cavity – provided there are
no holes
• In unfinished attic
• In unfinished basement
• In garage

13. County Requirements
• Require removal in occupied rental units
• No requirement for removal in vacant units
• No requirement for removal in owner
occupied dwellings
• Will issue NOV to landlord if appropriate

14. Outdoor Mold
• Not a health nuisance issue
• Cannot be controlled
• Not regulated
• No requirement for removal

15. Algae on Buildings
• Green color
• Algae is not mold
• No adverse health effects
• No requirement for removal

16. Window & Door Frames
• Responsibility of tenant to clean windows,
window frames, & door frames
• Recommend regular cleaning

17. Bathroom Fixtures
• Tenant’s responsibility to clean bathrooms, &
remove mold caused by showering
• Also tenant’s responsibility to clean toilets

18. Water Stains
• Water stains not a violation
• Water stains can be confused with mold

19. Causes of Indoor Mold
• Water leaks
• Excessive moisture
• Mold needs moisture or water to grow
• The key to controlling mold is controlling
moisture

20. Mold Prevention
• Repair leaks such as roof leaks, plumbing
leaks, etc.
• Direct water away from buildings
• Repair downspouts
• Clean gutters

21. Mold Prevention
• Eliminate sources of moisture
• Vent clothes dryer properly
• Remove water on windowsills
• Wipe down shower stall
• Use bathroom vent
• Purchase dehumidifier

22. Mold Prevention
• Keep furniture 4” - 6” away from outside wall
• Keep interior doors open
• Provide adequate ventilation
• Maintain adequate heat
• Report water leaks to landlord

23. Mold Removal Procedure
• If you see mold, remove it
• Clean affected area w/ detergent & water
• Rinse
• Sanitize w/ 10% bleach solution
• Let dry
• Paint or seal if desired

24. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Respirator – half face w/ dust cartridges
• Gloves – especially when using bleach
• Coveralls or long sleeves

25. Containment
• Not required – mold isn’t asbestos
• Doesn’t prevent mold – it’s already present
• Keeps other areas clean
• Limits exposure

26. Moldy Carpet
• Should be discarded, along with pad
• Mold develops in wet carpet in ~ 6 days
• Mold cannot be removed from textiles
• Wet carpet should be taken up & dried
• At least wet vac carpet

27. Other Moldy Items
• Professionally clean upholstered furniture
• Clean leather w/ saddle soap
• Separate books & papers – let dry
• Wash & dry fabrics
• Discard items

28. Mold Remediation Companies
• No state certification
• Contact BBB
• Get 3 estimates & a written contract
• Costs $10,000.00 for basement
• Save money - use elbow grease

29. Professional Mold Inspections
• No state certification
• Air samples - $300.00 each
• Complete air study - $3,000.00+
• Air study includes indoor & outdoor sampling
• Establishes relative concentrations

30. Mold Test Kits
• Available in hardware stores
• Various kits available
• Not recommended by CCGHD
• If you test for mold, you will find it
• If you can see it, remove it

31. Resource List
• www.clermonthealthdistrict.org
• www.cdc.gov
• www.epa.gov
• www.aiha.org

32. The End