If you live outside of Washington State, try contacting your county or state health department. Typically, indoor air levels of Stachybotrys are low. Note: While most experts suggest a relative humidity of less than 60%, below 50% is best for controlling both mold growth and dust mites. All About Mold - information on finding mold If you would rather report by phone, please contact the Morbidity Unit at (213) 240-7821 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). If mold-allergic people have some of the symptoms listed above when in … When the mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne. Look for visible mold growth (it may look cottony, velvety, rough, or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green). The above does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. The Health Department does not handle mold complaints. It is important that tenants act as a partner with landlords to help address living conditions. Broken links? The system should be shut down while cleaning or mold removal is performed. There are no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. Where to Report Mold Problems as a Tenant. . The Florida Department of Health does not recommend mold testing or sampling to see if you have a mold problem, or to see what kind of mold might be growing. Search areas where you notice mold odors. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Central Florida Solar Energy Center, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Washington State Department of Health American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) World Health Organization - Europe, Building Science Corporation Contact and Feedback Information Do you have comments, feedback or suggestions regarding this brochure? To find a vaccine, please visit Florida is currently experiencing a moderately severe influenza season. Mold only needs a few things to grow and multiply: Many building materials (such as wood, sheetrock, etc.) Some mold has a musty, stale or earthy smell. Mold spores are constantly traveling through the air all around us and can be found both indoors and outdoors. The Florida Department of Health has developed the following information to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold, how it affects human health, and ways in which you can prevent or remove it. Who should do the cleanup? What health problems can be caused by mold? If you can smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. While Fairfax County Health Department does not perform indoor air testing or remediation for mold, this page provides links to resources to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold These resources are intended to help Wisconsin residents and professionals understand the impact mold exposure can have on health, how to prevent mold growth, and how to fix indoor mold problems. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. toddler issues. Spores can also be spread by water and insects. The Health Department does not have a program with enforcement authority to address mold complaints inside residential property. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Tiny particles of molds are found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air. Those with special health concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. Working to monitor, prevent and control diseases in Arizona through education, immunization and research. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing [F.S. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. Before successful remediation can take place, the source of moisture must be eliminated or the problem can recur. Address the cause of the mold (usually moisture) and then remove the mold by cleaning surfaces or removing moldy materials. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself. The best way to protect yourself from flu Tools and resources to help you and your family prepare for any disaster. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. Water is the key. California is one of a handful of states that strictly regulates mold growth in rental properties. Many molds are black but are not Stachybotrys. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. Mold can cause many health effects. Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. More Resources Printer-friendly However. pregnancy, Allergic disease is now considered the most likely health problem related to mold exposures. The statewide toll-free hotline offers counseling information and referrals about Laws to address mold directly are not common. Some types of molds can produce chemicals called "mycotoxins". Heavy indoor mold growth can cause physical damage to the dwelling and health problems for its occupants. Should I use an ozone generator to address an existing mold problem? Flooding from the outside (storm water, overflowing lakes, streams, storm surge, etc. Stachybotrys can be identified only by specially trained professionals through a microscopic exam or by cultures. However, in some cases, local building Providing technical assistance and advice to the public, County Health Departments, School Districts and others, Distributing current information and other resources on mold and moisture control, The Florida Department of Health does not provide mold testing, The Florida Department of Health does not provide support to professional consultants, Help you with the identification of mold problems and advise you on investigation techniques and clean-up methods, Answer your questions about health effects and possible hazards of mold exposure, Provide mold prevention advice into public message and disaster response plans, Direct concerned people to the appropriate local resources or to the Florida Department of Health Indoor Air Program staff. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's ", If you think the heating or air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, read the EPA's guide ". Look for signs of moisture or water damage (water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.). Some strains of Stachybotrys chartarum may produce mycotoxins. When to involve environmental health Environmental health is a department of your local council. The easiest way to prevent the mold from gaining a foothold is to control dampness. Mold usually grows in wet or damp places. Using bleach or other disinfectants on surfaces after mold removal may be needed where people are thought to be susceptible to fungal infections (such as a person with immune system problems). ), Flooding from the indoor (overflow from sinks, tubs, toilets, air conditioner drain pans or sewerage systems), Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold), Water leaks from outside the building (roof, walls, floors), Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes, Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting the walls, or indoor fire sprinklers, Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking), Drying wet clothes indoors, or not venting clothes dryers outdoors (including electric dryers), Moisture from our bodies (sweat, wet hair on pillows, breath). One consideration is the size of the mold problem. Lt. They grow in the natural environment. There are a wide range of mold species found both indoors and outdoors. 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