DEH offers help to address problem of mould

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DEH offers help to address problem of mould

Friday, July 14, 2006

Cayman Net News - grand cayman,Cayman Islands

http://www.caymannetnews.com/cgi-

script/csArticles/articles/000039/003908.htm

In the wake of Hurricane Ivan the health issues arising from both

acute and chronic exposure to mould became increasingly apparent.

As a result a set of guidelines-Indoor Mould Prevention and

Remediation in Buildings-has being issued by the Department of

Environmental Health (DEH), following extensive research and

consultation with an overseas expert.

Concerns with indoor mould contamination arose here following Ivan's

widespread water intrusion damage to all types of buildings on Grand

Cayman in 2004.

Indoor exposure to mould can cause a wide range of health problems

including allergic reactions, as well as economic losses,

particularly in the food industry. The DEH experienced a growing

awareness that the problem needs to be continuously addressed from

an environmental and public health point of view.

Many species of fungi or mould (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium,

Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Memnoniella) are able to produce potent

toxic substances called micotoxins. These compounds are toxic to a

wide range of other living organisms, including humans. Some of

them, if not most, are also well know carcinogens-substances linked

to the formation of different types of cancers.

Experts in the medical profession have discovered that people doing

renovations or cleaning work in areas with widespread fungal

contamination may be at risk for developing Organic Dust Toxic

Syndrome (ODTS) or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP).

The ODTS may occur after a single heavy exposure to dust

contaminated with fungi and it produces flu-like symptoms. It

differs from HP in that it is not an immune-mediated disease and

does not require repeated exposure to the same causative agent. A

variety of biological agents may cause ODTS, including common

species of fungi.

HP may occur after repeated exposures to an allergen and can result

in permanent lung damage. Fungi can also cause allergic reactions.

The most common symptoms are: runny nose, eye irritation, cough,

congestion, and aggravation of asthma symptoms.

Having taken the above-mentioned health issues into consideration,

the DEH guidelines contain recommended actions for the cleanup of

mould in buildings.

These guidelines were prepared based on the USEPA (United States

Environmental Protection Agency) and the USA and the New York City

Department of Health guidelines for mould removal in buildings.

According to the department, the DEH guidelines will be periodically

reviewed and updated to incorporate new and updated information.

These guidelines are a valuable source of information for use by

everyone involved in the identification, prevention, and remediation

of mould-related problems. Such persons include: environmental

health officers, tourism accommodation inspectors, property

managers, building contractors, and those responsible for

maintaining large buildings-hotels, condos, schools, colleges,

hospitals, etc.

Based on the information contained in the guidelines, even persons

with little or no experience in mould remediation should be able to

make a reasonable judgment as to whether identified problems can be

handled in-house or should be submitted to companies / consultants

with appropriate experience.

More importantly, the guidelines also offer advice on how to protect

buildings from and prevent mould growth in the first place.

For more information or a copy of the guidelines, the public is

invited to contact the DEH at 949-6696.