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

gmr05@health.state.ny.us, 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