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