Mold Task Force Update Gregg Recer, PhD, Research Scientist 3 Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment.
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Transcript of Mold Task Force Update Gregg Recer, PhD, Research Scientist 3 Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment.
Mold Task Force Update
Gregg Recer, PhD, Research Scientist 3
Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment
PHL Section 1384 – Background &Timeline
• Chapter 385 of Laws of 2005 establishes Task Force
• DOH & DOS co-chairs
• Tasked with researching technical questions and issuing a report
• Dec 2007 – Aug 2009 Task Force public meetings & conference calls
• Aug 2010 – Draft report for public comment
• Dec 2010 – Final report submitted to governor & legislature
General Conclusions
• Mold growth is a symptom of moisture problems.• Focus actions on moisture problems – prevent &
promptly mitigate.• Mold sampling has little value for decision-
making.• “Toxic” mold not defined and not supported by
clear evidence -- report considers all mold a potential concern
Health Effects
• Indoor mold can be a health concern for occupants• Overabundant mold growth is undesirable• Prevent building dampness to prevent mold
growth & potential morbidity
Building Codes
• Codes used to prevent moisture problems in buildings
• Strengthen codes with respect to preventing and correcting moisture problems.
• Provide training and education to CEOs to address water and mold problems more effectively.
Regulatory Approaches
• Many different approaches were identified. • Comparative effectiveness not well studied.• At a minimum provide guidance about
recommended work practices & available training.• Other more formal regulatory approaches could be
considered.
Exposure Limits & Mold Sampling• Reliable health-based exposure limits not feasible• Numerous technical problems with indoor mold
sampling• Air sampling unlikely to help decision-making for
cleanup or clearance• Promote use of qualitative assessment – “clean
and dry”.
Control & Mitigation
• Some limited evidence for effectiveness of some mitigation protocols and antimicrobial treatments.
• Generally supports much existing guidance to correct moisture problems and clean or remove mold sources.
• Value of using antimicrobials will depend on circumstances, but often not much added value.
Education & Research
• Develop or enhance relevant educational materials & tailor to specific audiences.
• Emphasize correcting dampness problems & mold source control to reduce potential health problems.
• Research to fill data gaps would improve decision-making – e.g., remediation protocols, building materials, building assessment
More Info
NYSDOH Web site:
www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/indoors/air/mold.htm
www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/indoors/air/mold/task_force/
General mold/IAQ questions:
CEH -- Indoor Health Assessment Section:
518-402-7810
MTF Report questions:
Gregg Recer
[email protected], 518-402-7820
Questions?
Problems identified with sampling• Don’t know actual agent involved in health effects or dose-resp.
• A standardized, validated method (sample device, analysis, sampling strategy) has not been agreed
• Mold spores are heterogeneous mixtures; air samples with similar species/counts are not necessarily the same
• Too many sources of variability unaccounted for– spatial/temporal air levels (grab sampling)
– microbial products (allergens, VOCs, glucan, EPS, etc.)
– other non-fungal agents present
– different information from total/viable/molecular/surrogate
– receptor susceptibility
• Rarely informs effective response decisions -- interpretation subjective