RE: Mould Hazard & Risk Example

[Guest guest]

Great comments but the reality is that armed with the data of very high spore counts or high levels of mycotoxins who would say this is hazardous and what harm could the hazard do? I think we all agree we don't know but we also recognise a hazard and risk probably does exist to some people?

The following is a part of my report which tries to explain the potential hazard and leaves it unto the clients risk appetite.

I have also attached counts in normal conditions and then after I installed negative pressure (50 Pascal's)

I would appreciate comment and if anyone wants to see the whole report please ask.

Regards

Jeff Charlton

London

15. HEALTH, HAZARD & RISK & MANAGEMENT

Note

The following information is provided for information purposes only and is not connected to the report data. The true extent of possible hazard is unknown and indeed may or may not exist and as such much will depend on risk appetite.

Exposure to hazardous materials is subject to various national legislation and legal obligations for employers, landlords and general duty holders but risk & hazard management is universally accepted as essential in reducing the potential of physical harm.

Internationally assessments of risk and hazard management recognize the following statements and protocols.

“In the absence of confirmed evidence to the contrary it must be assumed that where a hazard may exist, it should be accepted as present and controlled by risk management”. Risk & Hazard management is utilized in occupational health and generally protects workers who may be exposed to any form of hazard for the working day (8hours). It should be recognized that in a domestic situation people may be in their homes for far longer periods.

The Hazard

Some moulds are known to cause infection of the ear, eye, skin, and lung and the second most common, Aspergillus flavus is known to produce aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. Penicillium and Aspergillus moulds can produce mycotoxins such as Ochratoxin which can damage kidneys, liver and cause hemorrhaging of the brain and lungs. Fusarium mould can produce toxins similar to the female sex hormone estrogen and targets the reproductive organs, similarly some moulds can produce mycotoxins such as Saratoxin H which can cause spontaneous abortion in animals and can reduce the immune system making affected individuals more susceptible to infection.

Note

The USA Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA have published a technicians terrorist response guide which specifically mentions mould mycotoxins T2 as a chemical / biological weapon used by terrorists.

In the UK “JANES” (Fighting Ships) have published a similar guide and response advice.

Although live mould is considered hazardous, dead or (non viable) mould releases exotoxins from cell walls which fragment. This fragmentation or natural decay may follow the application of biocides or dessication (where the mould is dried out)

Typically the release may contain microscopic particulates which carry metabolites, and toxins which include allergens such as IgE, Glucans that are readily inhaled to deep lung and or be absorbed through the skin. These contaminates are linked to the following symptoms in some individuals:

· Very young who’s immune system has yet to develop

· The older person who’s immune system is failing

· Excess alcohol and or illegal drug abuse

· Those with reduced immune system due to chemotherapy, transplant rejection drugs

· Those displaying any of the following symptoms from exposure.

· Flu like symptoms, skin irritation, allergies

· Nose bleeds and coughing up blood

· Respiratory problems (asthma)

· Heart disease

· Lung infection and liver disease

· Skin irritation and wound infection (mould and bacteria)

· Depression

It should be recognized that exposure to mould or bacterial hazards may cause both acute and chronic symptoms. People react differently to exposure and some may react after short or minimal exposure (Type A) but others may be exposed for relatively long periods before symptoms are recognized (Type Type A people usually feel better when removed from exposure but Type B people may find that once symptoms do appear they are consistent and may require prolonged medical assistance.

Identifying Risk Markers

The home or built environment has the following indicators of biological amplification or mould growth

· Musty or malodor exists

· Historic leaks or flood events or water staining

· Condensation

· Visible mould

· Visible indicators of moisture damage, (swelling, cracking, surface finishes

Risk Assessments

· In the absence of proof to the contrary “Any person or persons may be affected by the allergens assumed expected, or known to be present”

· In the absence of confirmed evidence to the contrary but in line with known toxic components (T2 Toxins –Tricothesenes), mould should be considered as allergenic or a health hazard.

· Where moisture or water damage evidence exists in the built environment, the presence of mould and or bacteria should be considered as present.

Risk Management

· Reduce exposure by engineering controls

· Remove moisture source

· Remove visible mould

· Assess or investigate hidden mould

· Decontaminate surfaces, air and voids

· Certify effective sanitation

16. Sample results

Static Air Test

Note. Level of detection <33 Red denotes toxic mould

No

Area

Species

Count m³

1

Landing communal

Cladosporium

33

2

Lounge

Ascospores

33

3

Hall & Immersion

Cladosporium

33

4

Master bed & ensuite

Chaetomium

Stachybotrys

33

33

5

Main bathroom

Ascopores

Pen/Aspegillus

33

100

6

Second bedroom

Pen /Asp

100

Disturbed Negative Air Test

No

Area

Species

Count m³

7

Second bedroom

Alternnaria

Ascospores

Chaetomium

Cladosporium

Pen /Asp

Stachybotrys

33

800

3600

300

1500

67

8

Lounge

Ascospores

Chaetomium

Pen/Asp

Stachybotrys

230

1300

1800

67

9

Hall & immersion

Ascospores

Chaetomium

Cladosporium

Pen/Asp

Stachybotrys

230

1100

370

470

100

10

Master bed & ensuite

Ascospores

Chaetomium

Cladosporium

Pen/Asp

Stachybotrys

200

930

100

670

130

11

Cut hole in wall lounge (cavity) Following remedial works.

Cladosporium

Pen/Asp

Stachybotrys

100

67

33

12

Master bed bathroom wall cavity where mould removal was said to have been undertaken.

Ascospores

Chaetomium

Cladosporium

Pen/Asp

Stachybotrys

100

200

33

400

330

13

Master bed hall wall cavity where mould removal was said to have been undertaken.

Chaetomium

Pen/Asp

Stachybotrys

730

1500

67