Responding to Indoor Mold Concerns: A Resource for Environmental Public Health Professionals
4.1 Assess Indoor Moisture and Mold Objectives: • Identify potential sources and extent of indoor moisture and mold growth. • Characterize indoor environmental conditions to inform suggestions for remediation and cleanup actions. Key Activities: • Interview home or facility occupant or representative to gather information on moisture or mold concerns. Use this information to determine if additional investigation is necessary. • Conduct or advise on how to perform indoor assessments to identify moisture sources and determine the extent of mold growth. Document leaks, ventilation deficiencies, and other possible contributing factors. • Perform investigational surveys or moisture mapping when warranted, particularly after flooding or significant water damage. Use tools such as moisture meters, hygrometers, and thermal imaging to detect moisture and measure humidity. Use of infrared thermometers to measure surface temperatures might be a more cost-effective approach than thermal imaging. Summarize findings in a report that identifies and maps affected areas. • Conduct verification surveys to ensure indoor moisture and mold issues have been successfully resolved following remediation and cleanup.
4. Practice-Based Guidance The following guidance supports responses to indoor moisture and mold concerns, organized around three core activities: assess, consult, and communicate. It emphasizes key practices and considerations rather than providing an exhaustive list. The practices described can be applied across a range of settings and engagement, whether delivering direct services, such as conducting assessments, or consulting with homeowners or building managers to identify issues and address remediation, prevention, and cleanup. In addition, these practices might support related activities when moisture and mold concerns arise as part of an emergency response effort. The appendices include links to comprehensive guidance documents and tools to support fieldwork and consultation.
6
Powered by FlippingBook