Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments - New York City Guidelines

Summary of April 2000 (January 2002)

While there are no government regulations describing methods to properly remediate mold contaminated environments, the New York City Department of Health has written guidelines recommending safe practices of remediation of mold contaminated environments, based on current knowledge and the advice of recognized experts in the field. These guidelines are subject to change as more information becomes available.

• Repair of the defects that led to water accumulation (or elevated humidity) should be conducted prior to fungal remediation, or fungal growth will recur.
• People performing renovation/ cleaning of widespread fungal contamination may be at risk of exposure to microbials capable of: a) triggering allergic reactions, causing rhinitis (runny nose), eye irritations, coughs, congestion, and/ or aggravation of asthma; b) producing mycotoxicosis related to exposure to toxin-producing molds from the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Stachybotrys or Memnoniella; or c) causing Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (flu-like symptoms after a single heavy exposure to dust contaminated with microbials) or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (after repeated exposures to the same causative agent).
• The goal of remediation is to remove or clean contaminated materials in a way that prevents the emission of fungi and dust contaminated with fungi from leaving a work area and entering an occupied or non-abatement area, while protecting the health of workers performing the abatement.
• It is the responsibility of the people conducting remediation to ensure the methods enacted are adequate.

The simplest and most expedient remediation that reasonably, properly and safely removes fungal contamination should be used.

• 3.1 Level I: Small Isolated Areas(10 sq. ft or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls.

  Trained building staff may perform the cleanup. Recommended measures include: Mist area (or cover with contact paper) for dust suppression; Use N95 respirator (dust mask available at hardware stores); Wear gloves; Use eye protection: Remediate while area is unoccupied; Bag contaminated materials; Vacate adjacent spaces if occupied by susceptible groups; Clean with damp cloth and/or mop with detergent solution.

• 3.2 Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas(10 - 30 sq. ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels.

  Trained building staff may perform the cleanup. Recommended measures include: Mist area (or cover with contact paper) for dust suppression; Use N95 respirator (dust mask available at hardware stores); Wear gloves; Use eye protection: Remediate while area is unoccupied; Bag contaminated materials; Vacate adjacent spaces if occupied by susceptible groups*; Install critical barriers**; HEPA vacuum and clean with damp cloth and/or mop with detergent solution.

• 3.3 Level III: Large Isolated Areas(30 - 100 square feet) - e.g., several wallboard panels. Seek help from a qualified Safety and Health Professional.
• 3.4 Level IV: Extensive Contamination(greater than 100 contiguous square ft in an area). Seek help from a qualified Safety and Health Professional.
• 3.5 Level V: Remediation of Ventilation Systems(furnace, ducts and registers)
• 3.5.1 A Small Isolated Area of Contamination (<10 sq. feet) in HVAC System

  N95 disposable respirator; gloves; eye protection; remediation while unoccupied; vacate adjacent spaces if occupied by susceptible groups*; install critical barriers**; mist contaminated area with water for dust suppression; bag contaminated materials; HEPA vacuum and clean with damp cloth and/or mop with detergent solution for post-remedial cleanup.

• 3.5.2 Areas of Contamination (more than 10 square ft) in the HVAC System.
  Seek help from a qualified Safety and Health Professional.

Extensive contamination, particularly if heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) systems or large occupied spaces are involved, should be assessed by an experienced safety and health professional and remediated by personnel with training and experience in handling environmentally contaminated materials. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all remedial efforts.

Fungi in buildings may cause or exacerbate symptoms of allergies (such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and eye irritation), especially in persons who have a history of allergic diseases (such as asthma and rhinitis). Decisions about removing individuals from an affected area must be based on the results of such medical evaluation, and be made on a case-by-case basis. Except in cases of widespread fungal contamination that are linked to illnesses throughout a building, building-wide evacuation is not indicated.

For further information or testing, contact a qualified environmental health professional (certified industrial hygienist or environmental professional with indoor air quality training and experience).

* Susceptible groups include infants and children, the elderly, immune compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, hypersensitivity pneumonitis or asthma.

** Critical barriers are two layers of polyethylene sheeting that block all openings, fixtures, and HVAC system components. The purpose is to prevent the spread of contaminants beyond the containment area.

(Full text: Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments)

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