Environmental Health Experts Provide Guidance to Prevention Against Mold
Ability for protection from mold-related and safety problems relies on knowledge of prevention and addressing sources of moisture.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Jun 24, 2021
The Association for Scientists and Professionals (AIHA) is committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) in the workplace and community. AIHA published a free resource for consumers: “Facts About Mold: A Consumer Focus.” The association provided a downloadable guide to address the issues of mold contamination and growth and prevention. A video was also released by AIHA with information on mold in residential buildings.
According to a press release, it provides information for consumers to assess mold and dampness buildings, including: residential and home environments. This affects building safety, structure and health. Residents with mold allergies may experience sneezing, nasal congestion, red eyes, severe allergic complications and upper-respiratory health issues. The elderly, pregnant women and those with asthma are particularly susceptible to mold-related health problems and risks.
Homes in areas susceptible to flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes are at an even greater risk for mold damage. “With hurricane season underway,” advised Don Weekes, CIH, CSP, FAIHA, a member of the Indoor Environmental Quality Committee, “it’s not too soon to think about ways to keep moisture out of your home and how to avoid facilitating mold growth.”
Weekes added that there are more ways for moisture to enter houses and create issues, such as “Leaks in the building envelope, including the window frames, roof, and basement walls and floors, as well as unattended plumbing leaks.”
“Elevated relative humidity levels and condensation on cool surfaces, such as kitchen and bathroom surfaces, window frames, and in basements, can also lead to considerable mold damage,” Weekes said.
Ability for protection from mold-related and safety problems relies on knowledge of prevention and addressing sources of moisture. AIHA guidelines also enable residents of homes to identify and remove mold and water damage and make recommendations for remedial work.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.