| Flood conditions contribute to the growth
and transmission of many kinds of fungi, some of which can cause sickness.
Cleanup workers are at increased risk of exposure to airborne fungi and
their spores because they often handle moldy building materials, decaying
vegetable matter, rotting waste material, and other fungus-contaminated
debris. The fungal material is carried into the respiratory tract when
airborne dust particles are inhaled.
There are many different kinds of fungi, including mildew, molds,
rusts, and yeasts. Most of these are harmless, but some can cause
respiratory and other disorders when workers inhale or come into contact
with fungi. Inhalation is the route of exposure of most concern to flood
cleanup workers. The recommendations below offer strategies for workers
renovating flooded buildings, homes, and structures to protect themselves
while handling building materials that are visibly contaminated with
fungi.
For workers cleaning up flooded buildings, homes, and other structures,
excessive moisture or water accumulation indoors will encourage the growth
of the fungi that are already present. Some fungi have the potential to
cause adverse health effects such as allergic responses and asthma
attacks. Individual who are sensitive to molds may have signs and symptoms
of allergic reactions such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, and
wheezing. These individuals should minimize fungal exposure by wearing
respirators, gloves, and eye protection. They should also seek to
eliminate fungi, as described below.
In addition, repeated or prolonged contact of the skin with flood water
and continuous sweating can lead to fungal skin infections. These can be
minimized or avoided by washing the skin with warm, soapy water and
keeping it as dry as possible.
What to do if Symptoms Develop
If a cleanup worker experiences severe allergic or skin symptoms, or
severe flu-like symptoms, he or she should seek medical advice. A health
care provider can determine whether medication or any other precautions
are necessary.
Tips to Remember
For all workers that may be exposed to mold and fungi:
- Avoid breathing dust (fungal spores) generated by wet building
materials, crops, and other materials.
- Consider using an N-95 NIOSH-approved disposable respirator as a
minimum when working with moldy or damp hay, grain, compost, or building
materials.
- Consider discarding all water damaged materials. Articles that are
visibly contaminated with mold should be discarded. When in doubt, throw
it out.
- Surfaces that have a light covering of mold should be scrubbed with
warm, soapy water and rinsed with a disinfectant made of ½ cup liquid
household bleach mixed in one gallon of water.
- CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products that contain
ammonia.
- After working with mold-contaminated materials, wash thoroughly,
including the hair, scalp, and nails.
- If the safety of food or beverage is questionable, throw it out.
Only drink safe drinking water that has been bottled, boiled, or treated
until there is confirmation that the community water supply is safe for
consumption.
For workers that are cleaning up or renovating buildings and homes that
have been flooded, consider the following recommendations:
- If flooding has caused severe damage to a building or home and there is
the chance of extensive mold growth, consult with your insurance carrier
or local health department to identify a professional with expertise in
Mold Remediation.
- If you suspect that flooding has damaged building integrity, consult a
structural engineer or other professional with appropriate expertise.
- NIOSH-approved respirators are strongly recommended. Respiratory
protection such as the N-95 must be used in accordance with OSHA's
Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Also wear gloves and
eye protection.
- Remove building materials and furnishings that are wet and may become
contaminated with mold growth and place them in sealed impermeable bags or
closed containers. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered
with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed
from the area. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary
construction waste.
- Remove and discard porous organic materials that have become wet or are
visibly contaminated (e.g., damp insulation in ventilation system, moldy
ceiling tiles, and mildewed carpets). Again, these materials can usually
be discarded as ordinary construction waste.
- Clean and disinfect nonporous surfaces where microbial growth has
occurred with detergents, chlorine-generating slimicides, or other
biocides and ensure that these cleaners have been removed before air
handling units are turned on. When you use a biocide or disinfectant, use
appropriate personal protective equipment. NIOSH-approved respirators with
the appropriate chemical cartridges are recommended. Wear gloves and eye
protection also.
For cleanup workers in rural and agricultural communities:
- Silos and other enclosed areas should be vented prior to entry.
However, this may not eliminate the problem entirely. If a worker is
transporting or working with moldy animal feed, exposures are likely to
be threatening if the feed and the worker are enclosed in a barn, silo
or other structure. Workers will still need to wear respirators.
- Workers uncapping a silo, shoveling grain, or working with feed,
especially in any enclosed space, should always wear at a minimum a
NIOSH-approved N-95 particulate respirator. Grain and hay should be
stored when fully dry.
For additional information concerning fungi, health effects, and
addressing flood damaged materials, please see OSHA's Safety and Health
Topics webpage on Molds and Fungi at
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds/index.html
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