Mould and indoor health: improving health by controlling moulds.

Moulds are a health concern. High levels of moulds in a building environment are to be avoided. Some species or high concentrations of mould are a serious health risk, and must be dealt with if we want to maintain healthy indoor environments. Gives New York City remediation guidelines, and lists methods to control mould growth: 1) Repair indoor and outdoor water leaks, 2) Clean and disinfect smooth surfaces, 3) Clean and dry other materials or remove them, 4) Discard porous contaminated materials, 5) Control moisture sources (e.g. indoor relative humidity, standing water around mechanical equipment). Guidelines for remediation of heat and ventilating systems: The mechanical system should be shut down before any remedial work is done. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Widespread contamination is a much larger problem that must be dealt with on a case by case basis in consultation with a health and safety specialist. This is a particularly potential problem in larger commercial buildings. However, smaller residential buildings and houses could have problems, especially if air conditioning and humidification is part of the mechanical system. Contaminated, growth supporting materials, such as the paper on the insulatio of interior lined ducts and filters should be removed. Other contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed in sealed plastic bags. The work areas and areas immediately surrounding it should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth and/or mop and a detergent solution. Biocides are often recommended. However, they should be used with caution, as they may compromise the general indoor air quality, and create other problems. Specific products to be used should be carefully evaluated, and verified that they are acceptable for use with the system.