Molds

Jan 17, 2002 10:39 AM

This booklet provides information about molds that may grow in damp, humid or water-damaged areas of school buildings and may be associated with allergic reactions in school staff and students. For information on other indoor air quality problems; some of which can produce similar allergy symptoms; consult: INDOOR AIR QUALITY: Straight Talk from the UFT.

Q: Why is the UFT distributing information about molds?

A: In dozens of schools, the UFT has identified molds in damp, humid or water-damaged areas as the source of allergic reactions or asthmatic symptoms that were plaguing some staff and students. The union then helped secure repairs that successfully eliminated the troubling symptoms.

By reading this pamphlet, you can get the information you need to protect yourself, your co-workers and your students from health problems associated with molds.

Q: What are molds?

A: A mold is a fungus. Have you ever discovered black, gray or white fuzz on food long-forgotten in your refrigerator? That’s mold. Mildew (the black spots sometimes found on clothes or bedding that remains damp) is a mold, too.

Often molds have a musty smell — like a damp basement. You can sometimes see mold growth on water-damaged surfaces. However, you cannot see mold spores, which molds use to reproduce; they are microscopic and travel with air currents.

Q: Why and where do molds develop?

A: Molds are found everywhere, indoors and out, but they flourish in places that are damp and humid and on surfaces such as wood, wallboard, insulation and carpets which retain moisture and/or provide nutrients for mold growth. The type of molds that grow in severely water-damaged building spaces are often different from those normally found outdoors. This is one reason why people feel symptoms inside the building and recover when they go outside.

Q: What are the symptoms of an indoor mold problem?

A: Rashes, nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Generally these symptoms improve when the victims leave the school and get worse when they return.

Other reactions may include fatigue, headaches and dizziness, but these symptoms also may be associated with other indoor air quality problems, such as lack of adequate ventilation.

Q: Some of my students complain of allergy-type symptoms every time they come to school, but everyone else feels fine. If molds in my classroom are responsible, wouldn’t everyone feel sick?

A: No. It’s very common for molds to affect only a small number of people who are exposed to them. Some people — including those with a history of asthma or severe sinusitis — appear to be particularly vulnerable, because their sensitive airways react to a variety of irritants, making breathing difficult.

Also, people who have had an allergic reaction to molds in the past may be more likely to feel sick when exposed again, because the original exposure sensitized their bodies.

Q: How can we protect our school against molds?

A: The first step is to find and eliminate leaks and excessive moisture. You and your colleagues can take a close look at classrooms and common spaces like the cafeteria and auditorium. Ask the principal to check with the custodial staff to help identify problem areas and to check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system for any places where stagnant water has accumulated or molds may be present. Pay special attention to:

• Leaking roofs or water pipes.
• Infiltration of moisture through poorly sealed windows, brickwork and other parts of the building’s exterior.
• Condensation of moisture on cold surfaces such as windows, windowsills, external walls, cold water pipes or the cooling coils in the air conditioning system.
• Inadequate ventilation in damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
• HVAC systems that are not properly maintained.
• A brown stain or other discoloration on ceiling tiles may be a sign of periodic leaks.
• A musty odor also may alert you to excessive moisture and mold growth.

Q: What do we do after the inspection?

A: Your UFT chapter leader can work with the principal and custodian to develop a remediation plan that includes:

• Repairing all leaks.
• Periodically inspecting and cleaning all air-handling units to be sure they are clean and free of excess moisture.
• Keeping the relative humidity under 60 percent, such as by adjusting the HVAC system or installing local exhaust fans in damp areas.

These steps will help to prevent molds from developing in the future, but it is essential that the remediation plan also include the removal or cleaning of materials already damaged by water.

Q: Please describe exactly what should be done about water-damaged materials.

A: All porous (water-absorbing) materials that have been damaged by water must be removed and replaced. This includes materials that do not show any visible sign of mold growth. Porous materials include ceiling tiles, plaster, wallboard, carpets, cork bulletin boards and books.

Your school shouldn’t wait until staff or students develop allergic reactions. Talk to your chapter leader, who may call your UFT district representative. They will insist that the principal have the custodian or the DOE remove the materials as quickly as possible.

Your principal should make sure any problems with leaks, condensation or accumulation of stagnant water are taken care of before the school replaces damaged materials. Otherwise the replacement materials may become moldy as well.