LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va

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Mold educators investigate for lurking mold issues

The Langley Air Force Base Fighter Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:30 AM PST

By Senior Airman Sylvia Olson, 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

http://www.langleyfighter.com/articles/2010/01/11/news/local/local03.txt

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- It sits, feeding, growing and festering in the

air vents just above your head, kin to dirt but worse. Right beside it, a pair

of pink and purple-spotted stains expands, eating away the ceiling tiles. You

blame the weather for your headaches and runny nose, but find it strange your

symptoms only bother you at work ...

Ever-present, mold is prevalent inside buildings if given a nurturing

environment.

In the wake of last month's nor'easter, Langley Bioenvironmental Engineering

inspected buildings with water damage, looking specifically for lurking signs of

mold infestation and remove it from the premises.

" We are the mold educators for Langley, " said Tech. Sgt. Krista Marfa, 1st

Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Bioenvironmental Engineering non-commissioned

officer in charge. " Our job is to provide guidance on how to clean up mold. "

Sergeant Marfa advises Airmen to be aware of their surroundings. If you notice a

stain or spot on the ceiling or wall that is getting bigger or changing color,

it may be mold. " Someone could be working right next to mold growing behind

wallpaper or a bookcase, unaware it's there and the source of their health

issues. "

The first line of defense against visible mold is to clean it with diluted

bleach water and ensure the area is dry. The mold will not return unless it has

a food source, such as water or cellulose. If it returns, the next step is to

contact the 1st Civil Engineer Help Desk to submit a work order.

Building facility managers should change HVAC filters every three months or as

needed and regularly check drip pans, which capture extra moisture that provides

a breeding ground for mold. If mold is found in a drip pan, the best thing to do

is wipe it clean, Sergeant Marfa said.

" Heating, ventilation and air conditioning units are breeding grounds for mold

and when they are turned on, the spores are released everywhere, " Sergeant Marfa

said.

The Bioenvironmental Engineering Mold Guide states mold can be hidden, but

evident because the building smells moldy, or its residents are reporting health

problems, such as headaches, eye or throat irritation and sneezing. It can grow

in unseen locations, such as the back side of drywall, wallpaper, the top side

of ceiling tiles and underneath carpet.

Sergeant Marfa recommends those with health problems possibly linked to mold

issues get tested for mold spore allergies.

" Working in a building with mold makes it difficult to focus at times because

you're constantly worried about getting sick, " said Hopper, 1st Fighter

Wing intern, whose desk is next to a an air vent mildewed with mold.

Mr. Hopper and his associates complain often of runny noses and headaches,

experienced only in the work center. Much to their relief, the building is

currently undergoing air vent cleaning to resolve the issue.

" I'm glad the mold issue is being taken care of, " Mr. Hopper said. " Not only

will it make the office look better, but it will take away any cause for concern

or worry over health issues. "

The mold guide also emphasizes prevention as the best way to combat mold. Leaky

pipes, clogged drains and poor drainage are potential mold food sources.

Likewise, wet carpets or upholstery harbor mold, and should be replaced or

removed if not dry within 48 hours. It is also helpful to minimize humidity and

maintain constant ventilation.

For more information, call Bioenvironmental Engineering at 764-7069. To report

mold issues, call the 1st CES Help Desk at 764-5065. For on-base housing mold

issues, call the housing office at 764-5040.

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