Identify floodproofing measures including the difference between wet and dry floodproofing. Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensed where required. Warning: Repeatedly pressing Tab beyond the number of selections on the screen may cause the keyboard to lock up. Videos in the series include: For more information on damp buildings and health effects, see the 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, published by The National Academies Pressin Washington, DC. The publication, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home[EPA 402-K-02-003] reprinted September 2012, is available in: The publication, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, [EPA 402-K-01-001] reprinted September 2008,is available in: The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control Infographic By reading this safety and health information bulletin, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation may be able to reasonably judge whether mold contamination can be managed in-house or whether outside assistance is required. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. It makes sense to raise all components of the electrical system, including wiring, above the base flood level identified on the NFIP's Flood Insurance Rate Map for the location. Coastal flooding occurs when intense offshore storm systems push ocean water inland above the normal tide level. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. Wet floodproofing measures are typically used to protect electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (also known as HVAC), and utility components of a structure when flooding occurs. In January 2019, theNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: These tools may help identify and determine the severity of known and unknown areas of dampness and mold, prioritize repair and remediation, and track past and present problems. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. Mold and Health. Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction is a FEMA produced series of 31 fact sheets providing technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may adhere to equipment surfaces. Relocation is another flood mitigation measure that will comply with most community floodplain ordinances. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. There is a tremendous risk of mold growth after flooding. Always, read and follow product label precautions. NFIP Claims Handbook tells policyholders what to do before, during, and after a flood. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. For more detailed information, consult a health professional or your state or local health department. Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings, WHOGuidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (PDF), World Health Organization, 2009, 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Resources for Public Health Professionals. This guide is intended to provide streamlined guidance to state, territorial, and tribal governments on the essential elements of Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and required actions to request, initiate, and receive FEMA disaster assistance grants. Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality. There are molds that grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation, while other molds feast on the everyday dust and dirt that gather in the moist regions of a building. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Non-porous surfaces and porous materials that cannot be removed should be cleaned using a soap or detergent solution. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. To help accomplish this goal, by the end of this course you will: Click on the "Exit" button to close this window and access the menu listing all lessons of this course. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. Guidance Introduction Mold Prevention Investigating, Evaluating & Remediating Moisture & Mold Problems Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention Table 2: Mold Remediation Guidelines Checklist for Mold Remediation Resources List Appendix A: Glossary, References, Acknowledgements Appendix B: Introduction to Molds It serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. Indoor environmental quality training center giving courses in building moisture and biocontamination, and managing and operating facilities for good IAQ. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas. If a home or business is damaged by a flood, the owner may be required to meet certain building requirements in the community to reduce future flood damage. An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality [Page title updated in 2012], Biological Pollutants [Page title updated in 2012], Building Air Quality (BAQ) [Page title updated in 2012], Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air Quality [Page title and link updated in 2015], Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings [Page title and link updated in 2015], Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools [Page title updated in 2015], Resources for Flood Cleanup and Mold [Link updated in 2019], Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide [Link updated in 2015], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings, Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Jewish Health Medical and Research Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Managing water infiltration into buildings, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, SHIB 03-10-10 A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace - English, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, (formerly Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine), Office of Science and Technology Assessment. Learn about mold growth indoors, including topics like basic information about indoor mold growth, how mold can affect health and mold testing. Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. Actions that tend to disperse mold include: breaking apart moldy porous materials such as wallboard; destructive invasive procedures to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; removal of contaminated wallpaper by stripping or peeling; using fans to dry items or ventilate areas. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate in mold remediation. A full face piece respirator provides both respiratory and eye protection. Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean- up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. This requirement is most significant for structures built before the current floodplain ordinance was enacted. Referrals to clinics with physicians, who have experience with environmental exposures, include exposure to mold; maintains a database of occupational and environmental cases. The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or the mold growth will reoccur. In many cases, it is not economically practical or useful to test for mold growth on surfaces or for airborne spores in the building. Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on: There are several websites that contain flood mitigation information. Looking for condensation and wet spots. The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) These barriers, including levees, berms, floodwalls, and temporary barriers, may be used to create a protected area for a single structure or for multiple structures. In this lesson you learned about: Future risks associated with the hazard event that resulted in the disaster declaration, Mitigation measures available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property, Identify the different types of flooding that occur in the United States, Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public, List the importance of directing individuals to local building officials, engineers, and other specialists before starting repairs, Match FEMA information, publications, and websites that support the mitigation recommendationsto specific audiences, How to receive credit for this independent study course. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment? Examples of fungicides include hexachlorobenzene, organomercurials, pentachlorophenol, phthalimides, and dithiocarbamates. Mold exposure may cause or aggravate asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children. Other resources are intended for use by building and emergency management professionals. The glove material should be selected based on the type of substance/ chemical being handled. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim paid has amounted to nearly $48,000. When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. The remediation manager should rely on professional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., known as FLASH, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation across a variety of natural hazards, including floods. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid). Community Floodplain Management ordinances. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. JAWS assistive technology users can press the 'Ctrl" key to quiet the screen reader while the course audio plays. If you or . If the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, consult a professional who has experience cleaning and repairing buildings damaged by contaminated water. We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris that can sweep away most things in its path. Expert Help. Notification should include a description of the remedial measures to be taken and a timetable for completion. Molds may cause localized skin or mucosal infections but, in general, do not cause systemic infections in humans, except for persons with impaired immunity, AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, or those taking immune suppressive drugs. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). Individuals with persistent health problems that appear to be related to mold exposure should see their physicians for a referral to practitioners who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialties and are knowledgeable about these types of exposures. Flash flooding is usually caused by intense rainfall and can flood an area in less than six hours. A N-95 respirator is recommended. Appropriate precautions and protective equipment for biocide applicators should be selected based on the product manufacturer's warnings and recommendations (e.g., goggles or face shield, aprons or other protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection). A storm surge can occur in just a few minutes. All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris. What is mold? This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (, Respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended. Physician referral directory, information on allergies and asthma. You can request the phone number for an HM Insurance Specialist or the JFO Insurance Hotline phone number from your supervisor. (Note: the bonus was based totally on sales performance.) The following procedures may be implemented depending upon the severity of the contamination: Note: If abatement procedures are expected to generate a lot of dust (e.g., abrasive cleaning of contaminated surfaces, demolition of plaster walls) or the visible concentration of the mold is heavy (blanket coverage as opposed to patchy), it is recommended that the remediation procedures for Level IV be followed. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area, using outside air if possible, and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, contaminated dust, and other particulates that are released during the remediation process. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. When the lowest floor of a flood-prone structure is raised to or above BFE, it will meet the minimum ordinance standards required by the NFIP for structures located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. C. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. Remediators, particularly those with health related concerns, may wish to check with their physicians or other health-care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. In addition, there are no standards for "acceptable" levels of mold in buildings, and the lack of a definitive correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes interpreting the data difficult, if not impossible. People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. These guidelines are subject to change as more information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available. C. Is it necessary to sample for mold? What you say and do makes a real difference in peoples lives! Symptoms other than allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold in the indoor environment. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. Some of the more common items include: Moisture meters measure/monitor moisture levels in building materials, and may be helpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materials following water damage. If dislodged, these tanks also pose serious threats to public safety and to the environment. Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely. No major drilling or cutting of dry wall is required. Along with mushrooms, yeasts, and mildew, molds are classified as fungi. What happens once a loss claim has been reported, Explain the risk and the mitigation actions clearly and at a level of detail appropriate to the listener, Refer to publications/websites that reinforce or provide additional information about rebuilding or repairing to reduce future risk of damages, Communicating basic information to the public about flood-related mold issues, FEMA publications to promote flood mitigation, FEMA-approved online resources available for flood mitigation, Appropriate actions to take when advising the public. Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding explains the meaning of retrofitting and details six retrofitting methods that protect the house from flooding including elevating, wet and dry floodproofing, relocating, floodwalls, and protecting service equipment. The guidelines have been designed to help construct a remediation plan. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. Conversely, negative results may persuade investigators to abandon this hypothesis and to consider other sources of mold growth or dissemination. What precautions should be taken when cleaning up mold? Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed. River and stream flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash flooding in minutes. Many communities have adopted even stricter standards in their floodplain ordinance and require higher elevation called freeboard. Freeboard helps compensate for many unknown factors that can contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated in base flood elevations, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the effects of urbanization of the watershed. The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. If you choose to hire outside assistance to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience with mold remediation. Second, each community participating in the program has adopted a floodplain management ordinance, which reflects the flood risk information provided in the FEMA flood maps. The following list of resources includes information developed and maintained by public and private organizations. Mold is a public health issue that is addressed by appropriate local, state, and federal experts. Of these, 83 83 received a bonus last year, 100 100 attended a special sales training program at the beginning of last year, and 42 42 both attended the special sales training program and received a bonus. Testing for mold is expensive, and there should be a clear reason for doing so. Dry floodproofing may NOT be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residential structure into compliance with the communitys floodplain ordinance. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. You can select any of the lessons from this menu by simply clicking on the lesson title. Information on best practices in building remediation. It consists of a video camera on the end of a flexible "snake." Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard. If any individual has health concerns, doubts, or questions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult a health professional. JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. After a flood, there are many mitigation measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of future flood damage. Even if they are inundated for only short periods, electrical system components usually have to be replaced. For more information about the other courses, refer to the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov. business. Wells suspected of being contaminated should be inspected by a professional. After correcting water or moisture infiltration, the prompt removal of contaminated material and structural repair is the primary response to mold contamination in buildings. Further, the inclusion of these resources is not intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, by the author of the reference or the organization operating the service identified by the reference. The three types of adverse health effects in humans caused bymold are allergy, infection, and toxin-mediated conditions (12).Further discussion of these health effects is provided in Appendix Aof this document. The primary function of personal protective equipment is to prevent the inhalation and ingestion of mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes. Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% (25 - 60%, if possible). IS 322: Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff After a disaster event, which agency is. which agency is responsible for the message to the public about mold hazards and remediation? This bulletin is directed primarily at building managers, custodians, and others responsible for building maintenance, but may also be used as a basic reference for those involved in mold remediation. Questions That May Assist in Determining Whether a Mold Problem Currently Exists. Excellent sources of information on flood insurance are provided in Lesson 5 of this course. However, it does reduce the immediate risk of illness and additional damage from the mold conditions created by the flooding. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division 2001. Refer interested individuals to local building officials and plumbing specialists before undertaking any of these measures. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Flooding can cause sewage from sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. Click on the "Help" button to review guidance and troubleshooting advice regarding navigating through the course. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. Molds are part of the natural environment. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) represents the building industry for members and affiliated state and local builders organizations. Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a communitys floodplain management ordinances or laws. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. Use the Tab key to move forward through each screens navigation buttons and hyperlinks, or Shift + Tab to move backwards. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in impermeable bags or containers in such a way as to prevent release of the debris. This explains why mold infestation is often found in damp, dark, hidden spaces; light and air circulation dry areas out, making them less hospitable for mold. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. River and stream flooding may be triggered by heavy rains, melting snows, and storm surge. Click on the "Glossary" button to look up key definitions and acronyms. Potential health effects from mycotoxins are the subject of ongoing scientific research and are beyond the scope of this document. Although the level of personal protection suggested in these guidelines is based on the total surface area contaminated and the potential for remediator or occupant exposure, professional judgment always should play a part in remediation decisions. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). Seasonal rainfall and storm systems can cause the lake level to rise faster than it can empty. Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. This can be done by using moist techniques, such as a damp cloth or pad, for mold removal and by bagging the material in the confined space for later removal. The NFIP provides specific resources to policy holders and the public following a flooding event. Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). NFIP Summary of Coverage provides guidance on deductibles, what is and is not covered by flood insurance, and how items are valued at time of loss. Such persons should receive training on proper clean up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. Please note that these are guidelines; some professionals may prefer other remediation methods, and certain circumstances may require different approaches or variations on the approaches described below. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Some jobs may require the use of dust-tight chutes to move large quantities of debris to a dumpster strategically placed outside a window in the remediation area. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Learn more about mold and moisture control. Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. Losing these tanks results in major costs and inconvenience to their owners. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because this may produce highly toxic vapors and create a hazard to workers. Flood Hazards Portable Generators Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy. This safety and health information bulletin provides recommendations for the prevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants.

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