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Mold Task Force Update

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

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Mold Task Force Update

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  1. Mold Task Force Update Gregg Recer, PhD, Research Scientist 3 Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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”.

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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 gmr05@health.state.ny.us, 518-402-7820

  11. Questions?

  12. 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

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