2003 Health Information Bulletin On Mold - OSHA

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http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib101003.html

10/14/03 1:43:00 PM

Contact: Meilinger of the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration, 202-693-1999

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A new Safety and Health

Information Bulletin issued by OSHA today gives recommendations on

how to prevent mold growth and how to protect workers involved in the

prevention and cleanup of mold. Indoor exposure to mold can cause

allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some individuals.

" This bulletin offers workers some basic information on how to

prevent, control and remove mold in buildings leading to the

reduction of health risks, " said OSHA Administrator Henshaw. " By

reading this bulletin, workers with little or no experience with mold

remediation may be able to determine if a mold problem exists and

whether the contamination can be managed in-house or if outside

assistance is required. "

The Safety and Health Information Bulletin is directed primarily at

building managers, custodians, and others responsible for building

maintenance. It offers recommendations on how to prevent mold growth,

proper use of personal protective equipment, ways to assess mold or

moisture problems, and methods to cleanup damage caused by moisture

and mold growth.

The bulletin also includes checklists on mold prevention tips, how to

determine if a mold problem exists, cleanup methods, and mold

remediation guidelines based on the size of an affected area to make

it easier to select the appropriate techniques. Additional sections

address personal protective equipment, sampling methods and

remediation equipment.

Molds are found almost everywhere and can grow on virtually any

substance as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Molds can

damage building materials and, if left unchecked, can eventually

cause structural damage to wood-framed buildings by weakening floors

and walls.

Some molds have the potential to cause adverse health effects,

including asthma attacks in some people who are allergic to mold.

Exposure to mold can also cause other types of allergic reactions,

including hay fever type symptoms, skin rashes, and irritation to the

eyes, noses, throat, and lungs in both mold-allergic and non-allergic

people.

OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health. Safety and

health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more

information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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/© 2003 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/