Finland: Schools suffer from indoor air pollution

Classrooms may be making your kids sick
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Over the past several years, countless studies have been made on dampness and moisture in buildings throughout Finland. In 2007, researchers chose 630 random houses and apartments that were built between 1950 and 1989 for their study. Of those homes, 51 percent had moisture problems; 33 percent of those had moderate to severe issues, particularly in houses. 

Many respiratory diseases, eye irritations and allergies have been directly linked to the moisture problem across the country.

The National Public Health Institute revealed in 2007 that there was a strong correlation between damp homes and the prevalence of asthma among children. Up to one in five asthma cases could be linked to water damage in the home.

A new study, made by the Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ,) has now discovered that moisture issues extend beyond the home. Up to two thirds of the schools and day-cares across the country have indoor air quality issues. Approximately 80 percent of the buildings in Finland, schools and day-cares included, are not sufficiently ventilated.

Water damage in some of the damp schools is so bad that recommendations have been made to tear them down, rather than try to repair them. Though poor indoor air quality in schools have been an issue for over fifteen years now, some people believe the issue is still not being handled properly. Remediation has been slow moving, leading to parents, in one town, taking matters into their own hands.

Tervajoki School in Vähäkyrö, Finland was shut down for a week while parents pulled their kids out of the school and promised to continue striking until changes were made. The school has since been relocated pending repairs or the building of a new school.

What do you think about the parents' strike? Would you do the same if  you thought your kids were at risk? Let us know!

Source: Helsingin Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat, University of Turku, Air & Waste Management Association

Improving indoor air quality in schools

Apart from the home, kids spend most of their time at school. Considering the astronomical number of children with asthma today (7 million in US), it is extremely important that the quality of the air in schools is up to par.

Removing mold is the most important first step to solving indoor air pollution in schools. Many schools in North America have been shut down recently for precisely that reason. If a school is dealing with elevated moisture, however, ventilation is the first plan of action.

Electrocorp offers air cleaners that can complement remediation and ventilation efforts within schools and universities. Our units use two different types of filters to help remove harmful chemicals, gases and particles from the air: the HEPA filter (for particles) and the activated carbon filter (for chemicals and gases). An optional UV germicidal lamp will also help remove mold, bacteria and viruses, thereby resulting in better air quality for both students and staff.

For more information on our air cleaners, contact Electrocorp.

Show your support for greener and healthier environments. Become a member of this blog.

Mold forces school closing in Montreal

Many schools have poor indoor air quality that can affect
students as well as teachers and other staff members.

Mold is a serious indoor air quality issue – so much so that an elementary school in Montreal had to send more than 400 students home.

Officials don’t know when the school might reopen, since the mold remediation process may take up to two years.

The elementary school was infested with mold spores that were blamed for an increase in respiratory ailments, runny noses, coughing and other symptoms, according to an article in today’s Montreal Gazette.

These health effects surfaced after months of exposure to mold spores, experts say.

The school board involved the public health department when it received multiple complaints of minor health problems from adults and children.

Air samples from 29 rooms in the school revealed an unhealthy level of mold spores in each one.

As is so often the case when it comes to mold, a burst water pipe incident in November 2010 may be to blame for the high mold count.

Mold spores are ubiquitous in the environment and can start to settle down and actively grow mold if there is enough water or moisture.

The mold can be hidden or visible and for this school, the spores probably became airborne after the school had some masonry work done.

The students moved to an empty school building in Montreal but have to find different accommodations soon.

Source: Montreal Gazette

Keep indoor air healthy in schools

The 5000 and 6000 Series is a popular
choice for individual classrooms.

Mold is one of the most common indoor air quality issues in schools, but students and staff are also affected by particles and dust, allergens, chemicals and odors – especially in older schools where the ventilation system is simply not enough to provide the required fresh air exchanges.

Electrocorp has designed powerful stand-alone air cleaners for schools and universities that can help keep the air clean and healthy.

The air cleaners can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals and gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens. They feature a multistage air filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA and UV (optional).

The easy-to-use air cleaners are designed for around-the-clock operation at minimal cost, with a long filter lifespan and easy maneuverability.

For more information and options, please contact an Electrocorp air quality expert.

Related posts:

• Environmental exposures in schools
• IAQ challenge: Keeping schools healthy
• Students need better air quality in schools

 

Former grow-op houses a risk in real estate transactions

Illegal marijuana grow-ops often lead to
mold problems and structural damage.

Experts say new homeowners may be in for a rude awakening when it comes to houses that have been used as marijuana grow-ops.

That’s because cannabis production in residential homes is often linked to moisture problems and structural damage and may lead to mold infestations as well as electrical and chemical contamination, according to an indoor environmental consultant interviewed for the Chronicle Herald in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Remediation and reconstruction may be a costly expense for unsuspecting homeowners.

With hundreds of grow-op busts each year, there are often no rules or regulations requiring sellers to declare that the house was used for illegally growing cannabis.

In some jurisdictions in Canada, health authorities, municipal building inspectors and municipalities become involved and have recognized the problem as a serious public health issue.

Experts recommend having a home properly inspected before buying it and to hire professionals to deal with any mold problems, electrical and structural damage.

Portable industrial air cleaners for on-site protection

Electrocorp's 5000 Pro

Breathing in airborne mold spores and mold mycotoxins, chemicals, VOCs, tiny particles and other pollutants may affect the health and well-being of contractors and workers.

Electrocorp has designed powerful and portable air cleaners for mold and asbestos remediation, construction and renovation work and for chemical and odor control.

Designed with an efficient multistage filtration system containing activated carbon and HEPA, the air cleaners remove the widest range of pollutant from the air, including chemicals, gases, VOCs, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, mold, allergens and more.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and recommendations.
  

Environmental exposures troubles schools

Old and new schools can have poor
indoor air quality.

While many (if not most) schools suffer from poor indoor air quality that can range from

• Dust
• Allergens
• Chemicals (from cleaning products, arts products, labs)
• Mold
• Bacteria, viruses
• And other toxins

There are some environmental exposures that parents likely wouldn’t even think about.

In a previous blog post we have written about schools suffering from vapor intrusion involving the toxic chemical TCE (trichloroethylene) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) leaking from old light fixtures in classrooms.

A recent article by iWatch News detailed the environmental law violations that may affect the health and well-being of thousands of children in tribal schools.

The schools, run by the Interior Department, have been found to expose children to hazardous waste, asbestos in the heating systems and high levels of arsenic in the tap water. The Department of the Interior recently entered a settlement with EPA to take the necessary action for remediation.

The article also mentioned the poor indoor air quality affecting the children of the US military personnel.

Other IAQ concerns that may affect school-age children:

Pesticides – Are chemical pesticides being sprayed on or around the school’s property? Experts warn strongly against pesticide exposure for children, as it has been linked with numerous health symptoms.

Air pollution – is the school in an industrial area? The air pollution outside may have profound effects on the children’s ability to learn, to retain information and it can cause or aggravate respiratory disorders.

Toxic paint chips – Older schools can become an IAQ problem-zone, especially when old paint is peeling, as it may contain lead or in the case of a Boston-area school, traces of the toxic chemical PCB.


A portable, cost-effective air cleaning solution

RAP Series: Robust and highly
efficient air cleaners.

Electrocorp offers industrial air cleaners for schools and universities that can remove airborne chemicals, particles and odors with its powerful activated carbon and HEPA filtration system.

The air cleaners are designed for around-the-clock operation, they require little maintenance and are easy to use and to move from room to room.

Contact one of Electrocorp’s air quality experts to find out more about our industrial air treatment solutions.

Related posts concerning IAQ in schools:

• IAQ challenge: Keeping schools healthy
• Toxic chemicals and bad air quality in schools
• Schools plagued by air problems and carbon dioxide
• Students need better air quality in schools

    

Law Enforcement Center attacked by mold

A badge won't help protect
officers from mold exposure.

The Douglas County Courthouse and Douglas County Services Center in the Alexandria area have been infiltrated by mold, according to recent reports, prompting air quality tests and causing concern.

The mold may be a result of the heavy rainfalls that have come down on the region this summer, an article in the Alexandria Echo Press said.

Mold was found in the license area and in the library, where walls with vinyl wallpaper were still wet. Water had also entered the child support offices, causing the subfloor to buckle and leading to a musty smell, one of the obvious signs of mold.

The Law Enforcement Center (LEC) also suffered from poor air quality caused by a foul smell, and mold was visible on several walls on the first floor.

Two Stachybotrys spores were found in the crawl space beneath the LEC.

Health effects of mold exposure

Commonly referred to as “black mold”, some strains of Stachybotrys mold are believed to produce mycotoxins that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, sore throats, fatigue, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, dermatitis, immune suppression and possible fatal pulmonary hemorrhage in infants, according to many experts.

Federal standards regulating mold concentrations in the air do not exist, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“Most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects,” according to an OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin issued March 2010.

“Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions). Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas.”

Symptoms associated with allergic reactions to mold may include red eyes and sinus drainage, respiratory illnesses, skin or mucus infections, asthma attacks, irritation in eyes, skin, nose, or throat. Immuno-compromised individuals may experience infections associated with mold.

Mold needs to be removed, not just killed

OSHA recommended cleaning water leakage within one to two days to prevent mold growth.

“As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough,” the bulletin stated. “The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold.”

The officers and employees at the LEC had reported sore throats, scratchy eyes and respiratory issues after the July rain.

However, the complaints stopped after some air scrubbers, HEPA filters, and dehumidifiers were employed in the area and adjustments were made to the air-conditioning units for dispatch. Existing ductwork was changed and new ductwork installed.

The discussion is ongoing whether they should stay in the building or find another location.

Source: Alexandria Echo Press


Industrial air cleaners for law enforcement centers and evidence rooms

Electrocorp offers high-value, portable air cleaners for law enforcement applications that may involve Aspergillus and other mold spores and mold mycotoxins, heavy odors, airborne chemicals, fumes, particles and pathogens.

The air cleaners feature a multistage filtration system with the deepest activated carbon beds, the largest circumference adsorbent area, the most relevant filter media at the best price and the most customizable options and features.

RAP Series: Around-the-clock
chemical and particle removal.

Featured units:

• RAP Series, which includes a variety of sizes and models, a 360-degree air intake, optional UV germicidal filtration and a deep bed of granular activated carbon
• I-6500 Series: Ideal for larger law enforcement centers and areas where heavy odors, chemicals or mold is a concern
• AirRhino Series: Versatile industrial air cleaner with interchangeable carbon and HEPA filters
• Numerical Series: The most efficient air purifiers for smaller spaces, offering a large activated carbon filter, HEPA filtration and optional UV lamp; consider the 5000 Exec or 6000 Exec, among others.

Contact Electrocorp today for more information and suggestions uniquely suited to your needs.
  

IAQ challenge: Keeping schools healthy

Children can be affected by poor
indoor air quality in schools.

Facility management involves a lot of different factors, but indoor air quality is a recurring theme when it comes to problems reported in schools.

Right now, parents in New York City with children at the Bronx New School have to come to terms with the fact that the school needs to be closed because it is contaminated with high levels of the toxic chemical TCE (trichloroethylene).

The school was housed in a former industrial building and the problem was detected because air quality tests were undertaken as part of a lease renewal.

TCE is a toxic chemical that causes headaches and dizziness when breathed in small quantities. In larger doses, the chemical can kill or lead to nerve, liver and kidney damage.

Some parents are not surprised, saying their children have become sick after attending the school.

Authorities may have known about the chemical contamination for more than six months before acting on it, an article in the Daily News charges.

 
Mold another common IAQ concern in schools

Mold growth can develop quickly, especially if a building suffers from water damage like a leaking roof, a broken pipe or any other excessive humidity issues.

These problems need to be fixed right away, since mold can start growing in a matter of 24-48 hours.

Once mold is allowed to grow, it can affect the health and well-being of certain individuals (students, teachers and administrative staff). Health effects include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation, fever and shortness of breath, says the US Centers for Disease Control.

In some instances, like a recent example at a Chicago area elementary school, the mold can grow behind walls or above the ceilings and may not be visible at first.

At this school, mold remediation and renovation costs are estimated at almost $290,000.

 
Make indoor air quality a priority in schools

The RAP Series feature chemical,
particle and pathogen protection.

Poor indoor air quality has been associated with a wide range of concerns and problems, including possible health effects, aggravated symptoms, less productivity and learning ability, lower test scores and more absences.

Electrocorp has designed portable, stand-alone as well as HVAC-compatible air cleaners for schools and universities that provide a cost-effective and powerful air cleaning solution, removing indoor air pollutants such as chemicals, odors, particles, gases, fumes, bacteria, viruses and mold.

Electrocorp air scrubbers use a multistage filtration system with granular activated carbon (for chemicals and odors) and HEPA (for particles and pathogens) as well as UV (for bacteria, viruses and mold).

The air cleaners require little to no maintenance, they are robust and can be moved around to areas where they are needed most.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and available features.

Health and safety issues: Mold in the workplace

Water is a beautiful thing - unless it leaks
into buildings and causes IAQ problems.

Water damage in the workplace can be a result of a variety of reasons, among them a leaking roof, broken pipes, heavy rains or similar problems.

But excessive moisture can turn into a serious problem in a matter of 48 hours, when mold starts to grow, which can affect the health and well-being of building occupants.

When heavy rains caused water damage at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office recently, management did the right thing and evacuated many employees.

According to an article in the Alexandria Echo Press, the water damage along with hot and humid weather prompted concerns about mold growth. Water was running down walls and saturated the building, and it was not clear where the leak occurred.

According to renovation experts, it’s often difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak, since water can travel behind walls and along supporting structures before it can be seen.

The precautionary measure to evacuate the officers is a smart move – exposure to mold spores and mold mycotoxins can cause or aggravate existing health conditions in many individuals and cause symptoms such as

• Headache
• Sneezing
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Irritation of eyes, skin, nose and throat

Mold often grows on marijuana stored
in evidence rooms.

Mold can also become a major problem in property and evidence protection rooms where marijuana and other hazardous materials are stored. Aspergillus mold is a common occurrence on improperly dried or improperly stored marijuana.

Electrocorp offers efficient, versatile and cost-effective stand-alone air filtration systems for Law Enforcement and other industrial or commercial applications.

The air cleaners remove a wide range of contaminants such as chemicals, particles, odors, bacteria, viruses and mold by leveraging a multi-stage filtration system:

RAP Series: Ultimate protection
for Law Enforcement agencies.

1. Carbonized pre-filters
2. 15 lb. to 120 lb. activated carbon filter (most efficient medium for the removal of airborne chemicals and odors)
3. Medical-grade or micro-HEPA (most efficient filter for the removal of small particles)
4. UV germicidal filtration (the UV lamp neutralizes live contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold mycotoxins

Electrocorp services law enforcement agencies, environmental consultants and a myriad of industries across North America. Contact Electrocorp for more information, testimonials and customizable solutions.
 

Students need better air quality in schools

Poor indoor air quality affects most
school children.

Learning institutions are supposed to help children get the knowledge and tools they need to succeed as an adult – but what if the indoor air quality in schools provides a serious obstacle?

The indoor air quality in schools should be a primary concern for parents and authorities, according to a recent article by Lourdes Salvador, the founder of MCS America.

Salvador quoted researchers Cartieaux and colleagues who studied the IAQ in schools and identified children as “one of the most sensitive groups to atmospheric pollution because their bodies are actively growing and they breathe higher volumes of air relative to their body weights than adults do.”

Many factors contribute to poor IAQ in schools

As with most people who spend the majority of their time indoors, IAQ is of prime importance for children going to school every day.

Common sources of poor indoor air quality in schools:

• Outdoor air pollution 
• Building materials
• Paints
• Dust
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Markers, pens, etc.
• Fragrances
• Pesticides
• Sanitizing products
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Bacteria and viruses
• Molds
• Many other sources

Often, the problem is exacerbated by improperly maintained ventilation system or simply insufficient ventilation systems for the classroom sizes and student population.

Effects of poor IAQ in schools

Respiratory symptoms and diseases such as asthma and allergies increase when air quality is poor. Some studies have shown that students’ academic performance also suffers.

Researchers have found that exposure to ambient levels of air pollution leads to an increase in emergency room (ER) visits for acute respiratory symptoms, the article says.

The best way to improve air quality is to increase ventilation and open windows. Free standing air filters or those which attached to the heating and air conditioning also help to reduce allergens and pollution.

Portable air cleaners provide a simple, cost-effective solution

Electrocorp offers a wide range of air filtration systems for schools and universities.

These air cleaners remove harmful chemicals and odors with the help of a deep bed of activated carbon as well as particles with a HEPA filter.

Contact Electrocorp for more information.


Related posts:

• Air pollution near schools linked to poorer student health, academic performance
• Poor indoor air quality in university
• Schools plagued by air problems
• Toxic chemicals and bad air quality in schools
• University building management and air quality

  

First wildfires, then flash floods? New Mexico officials worry about more disasters

Natural disasters: Wildfires and floods can affect
rescue workers and residents in the area.

The Las Conchas wildfire has turned into the most destructive raging fire in the state’s history, and now residents may have yet another problem on their hands – the seasonal rains that are moving toward New Mexico.

In a recent article from Reuters, officials could claim that progress was being made in saving the Indian pueblo lands on the north end of New Mexico’s largest wildfire, which triggered the temporary evacuation of the Los Alamos nuclear laboratory.

However, the charred land may be unable to cope with the monsoon rainfalls that are coming, officials said.

"We've gone straight from fire danger to flood danger, so it's one thing after another," the article quoted a frustrated Jason Lott, superintendent of the Bandelier National Monument, a revered ancestral home of New Mexico's pueblo Indian natives.

The risk to flooding has been aggravated by the raging wildfire which has burned off trees, ground-hugging grasses and vegetation, raising concerns that any run-off will barrel down canyons unchecked, causing creeks to burst their banks.

Crews have worked hard this week to clear stream beds, removing logs and other debris creating a clearer path so waters cannot back up and flood historic sites and buildings.

Many buildings will be sandbagged and hopefully sealed from the waters, Lott said.

The wildfire was ignited on June 26 when strong winds tipped an aspen tree onto nearby power lines in the Santa Fe National Forest about 12 miles southwest of Los Alamos, the article says. It has scorched 14,400 acres of land.

Natural disasters and indoor air quality

Wildfires and floods not only affect buildings and land, they can also cause adverse health effects for residents once they return to their homes.

Outdoor air pollution combined with indoor air pollutants can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma.

However, it’s not just asthmatics who need to beware of smoke, researchers say, but also patients with heart failure, (who) should be particularly aware.

After floods, the extreme moisture often causes active mold growth and associated health problems.

Activated carbon can remove airborne
chemicals and odors.

Electrocorp offers air filtration systems with high efficiency particle filters and deep-bed activated carbon filters as well as UV germicidal filtration to help remove harmful chemicals, particles and odors associated with tobacco and wildfire smoke as well as mold.

See also:

• Wildfires lead to busier ERs: Report
• Water infiltration - bad news for buildings
• Clean-up tips for flood-related mold 
• VIDEO: LANL employees return to work

RAP Series: Robust air cleaners with a small-footprint design

Electrocorp's RAP Series:
Powerful air cleaners

Electrocorp’s Radial Air Purifiers (RAP) series features some of the most versatile and effective air cleaners in the company’s diverse lineup of industrial-strength air purifiers.

The RAPs are available in different sizes, from 23.5” height x 12” diameter up to 62” height and 22” diameter. They feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of chemicals, gases and odors as well as an electrostatic particle filter or a Super-HEPA.

The powerful micro-HEPA + carbon combination gives these air cleaners one of the largest and most extensive adsorbent areas, allowing them to capture odor-causing pollutants more efficiently than other units.

The RAP air cleaners can accommodate 15 to 120 pound activated carbon filters and can be customized even more with regards to the filter media and carbon blends.

Around-the-clock air cleaning

The RAP units are portable, free-standing, plug-and-go air purifiers with a round design for maximum efficiency.  They are engineered for around-the-clock operation with a quiet, modern design.

The main body of the air purifier is covered by metal mesh housing, combining a large-volume air intake with robust and protective features.

RAP air cleaners can have a UV
lamp for added protection.

The overall design and capabilities of the RAP Series makes these units the best choice for clients who need fast and effective chemical and odor relief and who are concerned about biological contaminants such as mold spores, bacteria and viruses, since the RAPs can also be equipped with a UV light.


Recommended industries for the RAP air filters:

• Individuals or companies who want a super-adsorbent unit with chemical and gas adsorption, plus UV germicidal filtration
• Law Enforcement agencies
• Art Conservation and restoration
• Funeral Homes and Embalming
• Hospitals and Healthcare
• Laboratories
• Laser Engraving and Cutting
• Pulp and Paper Mills
• Equipment rental places
• Retirement Homes
• Schools and Universities
• Any commercial or industrial setting where odors, chemicals or gases are an issue (odor control)

Electrocorp is a leader in the research and development of complete and reliable air quality management solutions for industrial and commercial applications.

For more information, visit electrocorp.net or call 1.888.667.0297.


Find out more about Electrocorp's air filtration systems:

• RSU Series
• I-6500 Series
• SSU Series
• AirRhino

Water infiltration -- bad news for buildings

Water infiltration can lead to mold problems
and sick building syndrome.

For anyone owning, managing or occupying a building or house, water leaks and water infiltration can become big problems.

Not only can extreme moisture lead to active mold growth after only 24 to 48 hours, the source of the water problem is often very difficult to find.

As Canadian building and renovations specialist and TV series host Mike Holmes explained in a recent column, there are many ways water can sneak past a building’s defenses.

Most people connect water infiltration with a leaking roof and will call a roofer right away, but Holmes points out that in many cases, the problem has nothing at all to do with the roof.

Common causes for water infiltration in a home or building:

• The obvious causes: a hole in the roof or a crack in the foundation or caulking
• Damp spots can be caused by water vapor entering through the exterior walls, if there is a break in the house wrap and water barrier
• Water infiltration through permeable materials like wood or concrete
• Condensation from inside the home or building disguising itself as a leak
• Leak in the chimney flashing

Some of the entry points of the water can far away from where the water leak actually shows up.

How to deal with mysterious damp spots:

1. Start with a good roofer. Water makes its way from top to bottom, and so should you.
2. Use common sense. If the water damage appears underneath a window, it is likely because of the window.
3. Identify the building’s vulnerable points. Materials wear out, dry out or crumble over time. Inspect the roof, the flashing where the chimney or soffits meet the roof or where different types of exterior sheathing meet, the chimney, the caulking around windows and doors.
4. Enlist the help of a building inspector with a thermographic camera, which can be used to trace the water path and identify the source.

Source: “Water isn’t always the result of a roof leak” by Mike Holmes, Making it Right

Indoor air quality in buildings with water intrusion

Many buildings suffer from mold if water intrusion has occurred. Mold produces mold spores, which in turn contain mycotoxins that can be harmful to human health. People who react to mold can experience symptoms like nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation and even fever and lung infections.

Besides finding the source of the water intrusion, dehumidifying the air and ensure adequate ventilation, an air filtration system with activated carbon + HEPA can improve the indoor air quality immensely by removing airborne chemicals, vapors, particles, mold spores and mycotoxins.

Electrocorp has designed air filtration systems for large buildings (facility management), mold and asbestos abatement, construction and renovation projects as well as for Home and Office use (sold under the AllerAir brand).

Contact one of our air quality experts for more information.


Related Posts:

• Clean-up tips for flood-related mold
• Flood waters: Mold growth and serious IAQ concerns
• The damaging effects of mold in libraries and archives
• Mold wreaks havoc on materials stored in evidence rooms
• Prevent and control mold growth in commercial settings
• The mold factor: Mold issues, health effects and cleanup

Clean-up tips for flood-related mold

Mold removal may be necessary
after a flood.

The American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) warns that mold grows easily in flood-related conditions, which include standing water, humid air and wet surfaces.

      The longer these conditions remain, as in the current flooding in the South and the Midwest, the more the mold growth can spread. To address this, ASSE offers the following tips for people to consider when looking at how to clean up mold and minimize its adverse effects.

      Be prepared for the worst case scenario

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that ‘surfaces wet longer than 48 hours with “clean water” should be considered as potentially contaminated, and any surfaces in contact with “dirty water” should be considered contaminated’.
Be aware of local laws and regulations in your area concerning mold, and ask local experts for guidance.

 

      Take steps to protect your business or store from mold growth
In addition, to lessen the chances of a mold colony growing in a store/business, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that 1) the humidity level be kept below 50 percent; 2) an air conditioner or dehumidifier be used during humid months (depending on the climate); 3) adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans, in the kitchen and bathrooms, be used; 4) to add mold inhibitors to paints before applying them; 5) bathrooms be cleaned with mold-killing products; and, 6) not to put carpeting in bathrooms, basements, or other areas where moisture or water could be a concern.
 

      
Learn how to recognize mold and be aware of the health risks
Mold, ASSE members note, is a group of microscopic fungi, which also includes mildew and other organisms that rot materials on which they grow. Molds can often be invisible to the eye. A blotch of black, gray, white, red, orange, yellow, blue or violet fuzzy or slimy growth is usually the result of widespread mold growth. Besides infection and allergic reactions, excessive mold growth indoors can result in offensive, musty odors from the gases released by certain molds as they grow and die.

      
Clean up the mold
ASSE offers the following tips for cleaning a facility/building area affected by mold:

• Avoid direct contact with affected mold areas as much as possible.
• If it can be thrown away, throw it away. Replacements may be less expensive in the long term (and short term) than attempting to decontaminate some surfaces.
• If it cannot be disposed of, decontaminate and then dry as thoroughly as possible. Moisture removal is a key factor to preventing future growth.
• Wallboard can often be cut to the point of contamination and replaced with new sections.
• Clean all tools after use, or dispose if possible, and also clean tools after each shift.
• When in doubt about the structural integrity of a facility, obtain an evaluation by a licensed and qualified builder or structural engineer before entering. Medical clearance may also be necessary based upon the severity of mold in the area.
• Individuals involved in mold remediation should be aware that attempts to mix chemicals to clean surfaces can cause further damage, such as the toxic gases that can be released when ammonia and bleach are mixed. Workers need to exercise caution, so as not to create additional hazards. The power supply (circuit breakers) should be turned off in the specific damaged areas/ high levels of moisture to avoid electrical shock hazards.

Source: Cherokeean Herald

Concerned about mold in your building? 

 Electrocorp offers a range of indoor air purification units for mold and asbestos abatement projects to help keep workers and occupants safe during cleanup and to control mold in the future.

Contact us to find out more.
   

Flood waters: Mold growth and serious IAQ concerns

Flood - Courtesy of Elspeth and Evan

Reports of flooding in communities across North America have dominated the news recently, and while a flood can be scary, the after-effects can be even more dangerous.

Excess moisture and standing water caused by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home or building that has been flooded, mold will be present and become a serious health risk for all occupants.

Active mold growth usually starts within 24-48 hours of excessive moisture. The indoor air quality in flooded or previously flooded buildings or homes can also remain problematic due to bacteria and chemicals or other hazardous substances that are present in the flood water.

Companies specializing in mold remediation should also consider the indoor air quality and take the necessary steps to improve IAQ as part of the mold removal process.


Possible health effects

After buildings have been flooded, moisture can remain in drywall, wood furniture, cloth, carpet, and other items and surfaces and can lead to mold growth. Exposure to mold can cause hay-fever-like reactions (such as stuffy nose, red, watery or itchy eyes, sneezing) and asthma attacks as well as headaches, leading to poor memory retention and decreased productivity.


How to recognize mold growth

Mold removal is necessary to avoid
health problems later on.

    Sight (Are the walls and ceiling discolored, or do they show signs of mold growth or water damage?) and/or
    Smell (Do you smell a bad odor, such as a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench?)


How to deal with mold growth in a building after flooding

• Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider, a health and safety officer or nearest practitioner if your building has been flooded.
• To prevent mold growth, clean and dry everything that has come in contact with flood water and throw away anything that can’t be cleaned or dried quickly (like paper or padded furniture).
• If there are large amounts of mold and serious health and safety concerns, hire professional mold remediation help.
• Clean and dry all hard surfaces.
• If something is moldy, and can't be cleaned and dried, throw it away.
• Use a detergent or use a cleaner that kills bacteria and other pathogens.
• Do not mix cleaning products together or add bleach to other chemicals.
• Wear an N-95 respirator, goggles, gloves so that you don't touch mold with your bare hands, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and boots or work shoes.

Additional tips for mold removal in schools and commercial buildings from EPA

• Consult health professional as appropriate throughout process
• Select remediation manager
• Assess size of mold problem and note type of mold-damaged materials
• Communicate with building occupants throughout process as appropriate to situation
• Identify source or cause of water or moisture problem
• Plan remediation, adapt guidelines to fit situation
• Select personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Select containment equipment
• Select remediation personnel or team
• Choose between outside expertise or in-house expertise
• Remediate
• Fix water or moisture problem
• Clean and dry moldy materials
• Discard moldy items that can't be cleaned
• Dry non-moldy items within 48 hours
• Check for return of moisture and mold problem
• If hidden mold is discovered, reevaluate plan

Helpful resources:

• Natural disasters and weather emergencies – flooding 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings

Improve indoor air quality in buildings affected by mold

Electrocorp has designed air filtration systems that are uniquely suited to mold applications. Our units purify the air with a powerful deep-bed activated carbon + HEPA filtration technology.

Many of our air cleaners can also be equipped with a sterilizing ultraviolet light, which helps neutralize biological contaminants such as mold spores, bacteria and viruses.

Find out more about our air scrubbing machines for mold and asbestos remediation as well as other contaminants.


Related posts:

• Prevent and control mold growth in commercial buildings
• The mold factor - mold issues, health effects and cleanup
• The damaging effects of mold in libraries and archives
• Mold wreaks havoc on material stored in evidence rooms

Bed bug pesticide blamed for tourists’ death at Thailand hotel

Indoor air quality in hotels can be problematic.

Hotels often have indoor air quality issues. As we have explained in previous blog posts (see below), guests may encounter mold or humidity problems, allergens, chemicals from harsh cleaning products and off-gassing materials, third-hand smoke and more indoor air pollutants at hotels.

Health problems can include breathing difficulties, headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal ailments, skin rashes, severe allergic reactions and neurological damage.  

But it can get worse.

To contain a growing bed bug problem, a hotel in Thailand allegedly used a poisonous pesticide, one that has been banned in many countries, which may have caused the deaths of at least seven tourists staying there.

Seven people dead after staying at the hotel

According to an article in the Daily Mail, a British couple were among seven tourists whose deaths in Thailand have been linked to a toxic bed bug pesticide used at the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai.

An undercover investigation revealed shocking evidence linking the deaths between January and March after all seven stayed at or used facilities at the hotel.

Police initially dismissed the mystery deaths as a terrible case of food poisoning caused by eating toxic seaweed from a stall at a bazaar.

Most had very similar symptoms, including myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, suspected to have been caused by food or water contamination.

 Thai authorities have continually maintained the deaths linked to the three-star hotel were coincidence despite repeated claims of a cover-up by families of the victims.

Hotel rooms sprayed with pesticide that was banned from indoor use

A probe by the New Zealand current affairs programme 60 Minutes has revealed the hotel rooms had been sprayed with a potentially lethal toxin called pyrophus, which has been banned from indoor use in many other countries.

Reporters posing as hotel guests secretly took samples from the fifth floor room where New Zealand backpacker Sarah Carter, 23, died in February.

Test results found small traces of an insecticide called chlorpyrifos (CY) inside the room - a chemical that is used to get rid of bed bugs.

Thai police recently raided the company in charge of eradicating insects at the hotel and Chiang Mai’s head of public health suspects the pest controllers could have made a mistake.

‘It's possible that they mixed together the wrong chemicals,’ Dr Surasing Visaruthrat said.

According to the article, United Nations chemical expert, Dr Ron McDowall, said he was confident Miss Carter's symptoms and death were linked to CY poisoning.

‘Their reaction was that it is clear, it's CY poisoning - we've seen it before, the symptoms are the same, the pathology is the same and the proxy indicates that the chemical was in the room,’ Dr McDowall said.

‘I think she’s been killed by an overzealous sprayer who has been acting on the instructions of the hotel owner to deal with the bed bugs.’

Chemical gets absorbed quickly

Dr McDowall added that the poisoning is difficult to confirm from blood samples making tests done on Miss Carter useless: ‘The chemical is absorbed by the body very quickly. It only has a half-life of a day so it can be very hard to predict the event.’

The popular tourist destination of Chiang Mai, 430 miles north of Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s most culturally significant cities, nestled among the highest mountains in the country.

Source: Daily Mail

Electrocorp has designed industrial-strength air filtration systems for the hospitality industry. 

Contact us for more information.
 


Related posts

• Allergen-free hotels - a home away from home for those with allergies
• Secondhand smoke in casinos a health risk, study reveals
• Traveling? Take note of the indoor air quality in your hotel