Health Issues Associated with Mold
Identifying mold and how to prevent it
If you oversee properties that are vulnerable to water leaks and dampness, have experienced flooding, or are located somewhere with high humidity, you may need to watch for signs of mold. Exposure to mold can put you, your employees, and/or your residents at risk of serious health consequences. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), “Research studies have shown that exposures to building dampness and mold have been associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, and respiratory infections.”
In order to keep residents safe, property managers should have a reporting system in place for moldy odors, dampness, leaks, and mold-related respiratory health concerns. These reports should always be addressed immediately.
NIOSH recommends the following tips for property managers:
Always respond to resident health concerns
Conduct regular inspections of roofs, ceilings, walls, basements, crawl spaces, and foundations to mitigate causes of dampness
Regularly inspect HVAC systems and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary
Ensure porous materials are dry within 48 hours of becoming wet or damp
Conduct proper remediation steps in areas with signs of moisture or mold damage
Encourage residents to consult a healthcare provider regarding persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms
Consult a healthcare provider about relocating residents with diagnosed building-related symptoms
Partner with or establish an Indoor Environmental Quality team
If you’re looking for recommendations that are a bit more detailed, check out this document from the CDC and NIOSH on how to keep the property you manage free from mold.
Our highly-trained crew at React 24/7 can restore facility damage from mold. If you smell damp or musty odors, see evidence of moisture, or visible mold, call us right away at (206) 577-2069.
