The cleaned area should then be thoroughly dried. Around 30 years of experience in technical and regulatory aspects of environmental and public health, industrial hygiene, and health and safety for clients across the United States. Some symptoms are more general - such as inability to concentrate or fatigue. A, Suite 251 MC-45 Jacksonville, Florida 32209 Allergic disease is now considered the most likely health problem related to mold exposures. Whom can I call if I suspect that I have a mold problem, or if I want more information on mold? For example, the black mold often found between bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys. If the moldy material is not easily cleanable, such as drywall, carpet padding and insulation, then removal and replacement may be necessary.Should bleach or other biocides (disinfectants, sanitizers, or fungicides) be used to kill mold? Elevated exposure can also occur if people directly handle moldy materials or accidentally eat mold.How much mold does it take to make me sick? For people who are sensitive to molds, symptoms may occur such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, or watery, reddened eyes. Mold only needs a few things to grow and multiply: Many building materials (such as wood, sheetrock, etc.) All indoor mold growth should be removed, regardless of type. Currently, there is no test to determine whether Stachybotrys growth found in buildings is producing toxins. The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County provides consultative-type services to the community regarding indoor air and mold problems. The long-term presence of indoor mold may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. This is in response to a cat that tested positive on 2/15/2023 (Description: Domestic Shorthaired Grey). https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mold/index.html, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. While Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough County does not perform indoor air testing (including mold testing), please feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have. If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet, which is less than a 3-foot by 3-foot patch, cleanup can be handled yourself. If there is a lot of mold growth, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) booklet "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although written about schools and commercial buildings, this document addresses mold in other types of buildings. To determine if you should have your ducts cleaned, you may want to review the EPA Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? As with other types of mold, at higher levels adverse health effects may occur. Not all greenish-black molds are Stachybotrys chartarum. Routinely inspect the evaporator coils, liner surfaces, drain pans, and drain lines. These include cold-like symptoms, rashes, sinus inflammation, eye irritation, and aggravation of asthma. Mold can grow almost anywhere: on walls, ceilings, carpets, or furniture. or the FDOHs Radon and Indoor Program at 850-245-4288 or Toll-free at 1-800-543-8279. Unfortunately, it is thought that most, if not all, heating and air conditioning systems in Florida will support mold growth at some point. The Florida Department of Health Indoor Air program helps with mold issues through the following activities: Please note that the Florida Department of Health does not provide mold testing or support to professional consultants. Downtown Service Center, 1300 West Gregory Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 For more information, please call (813) 307-8059 or email us . Most unresolved landlord-tenant issues related to indoor air quality or mold are best handled using the local court system. Who can I call if I suspect that I have a mold problem, or if I want more information on mold? Remove standing water from your home or office within 24 hours, being cautious about other hazards such as electricity, physical damage to the home or office and animals in the water or home. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks or cause development of asthma. Please note, that allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Who can I call if I want more information on mold? Look for visible mold growth (it may look cottony, velvety, rough, or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green). Poor indoor air quality can be linked to a variety of respiratory ailments. ), Flooding from the indoor (overflow from sinks, tubs, toilets, air conditioner drain pans or sewerage systems), Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold), Water leaks from outside the building (roof, walls, floors), Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes, Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting the walls, or indoor fire sprinklers, Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking), Drying wet clothes indoors, or not venting clothes dryers outdoors (including electric dryers), Moisture from our bodies (sweat, wet hair on pillows, breath). Although written about schools and commercial buildings, this document also helps address mold in other building types. The Florida Department of Health operates county health departments in all 67 of the state's counties. Are some molds more hazardous than others? Search areas where you notice mold odors. In nature, molds help break down dead materials, and can be found growing on soil, foods, plants and other items. How can I tell when Stachybotrys chartarum is present in my home? U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)https://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/mold/default.htm, Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Floridahttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/TOPIC_Moisture_Mold_and_Mildew. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. Moisture from leaks or flooding can promote mold growth. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Contact Us 850-595-6700 Fax. All molds should be treated the same when it comes to health risks and removal. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. However, if there has been significant water damage and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA booklet referenced above. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. Indoor air quality specialists are available to speak at your next business or civic function. Search areas where you notice mold odors. Mold is virtually everywhere, floating in the air and on all surfaces. There are four kinds of health problems that come from exposure to mold: For people that are sensitive to molds, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. Through this program, Sarasota County has a full-time environmental health specialist who provides advice and expertise about how to manage indoor air problems in residences, schools, health care, and public facilities. More information can be found through U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at, , and the University of Central Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center at, fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/basics/moldgrowth.htm, https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/indoor-airquality/, https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mold/index.html. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. How Should Mold Be Cleaned? Gloves and goggles should be worn during cleaning. Post.CHD06@flhealth.gov. There are four kinds of health problems that come from exposure to mold: For people that are sensitive to molds, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. Infants, young children, older adults, people with chronic respiratory conditions and people with weakened immune systems may be affected sooner and more severely than others by mold in the home. Megamenu requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. By using this site, you agree to the Single family residences, duplexes, triplexes, and apartments under four units are covered under the Florida Landlord/Tenant Law. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints, but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet understood. All indoor mold growth should be removed promptly, no matter what type(s) of mold is present, or whether or not it can produce mycotoxins.What is Stachybotrys chartarum?Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that can grow on materials such as drywall or sheetrock, ceiling tiles and wood when they become moist or water-damaged. There are many potential Indoor Air Quality pollution sources in the home, which can create or exacerbate existing health issues, including asthma and allergies. If you think the air conditioning or heating system has been affected, check the EPA's guidance documents under "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?". Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. If you think the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been affected, visit the EPA's guidance documents under ". The EPA suggests the following: "Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building". Box 429 Naples, FL 34106 Email Address Info.DOHCollier@flhealth.gov HOURS OF OPERATION General Business Hours: 8am - 5pm Richfield Inn: Health Department Should Be Notified of Mold Issues! Whether a mold produces mycotoxins depends on what the mold is growing on and conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity, or other factors. Verywell Health. These molds are common, and are sometimes referred to as "toxic mold." The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County assists the public with their indoor environment concerns by offering a variety of services. Ideally, yes. Mold needs moisture to grow. To Protect Against Health Risks Associated with Mold: Additional guidance and tips on how to clean your flooded home are available through the Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Healths Indoor Air webpage, contact DOH-Lee at 239-690-2100 or call DOHs Radon and Indoor Program at 850-245-4288 or 800-543-8279. . The Florida Department of Health has developed the following information to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold, how it affects human health, and ways in which you can prevent or remove it. Advice on the health effects of common indoor air pollutants. Who should do the cleanup depends on many factors. By using this site, you agree to the About Mold and Moisture. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. Those with concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. Moisture can come from: Should I be worried about mold in my home? Spores can also be spread by water and insects. They stain or discolor surfaces and smell musty. It exists solely to assist the public in solving their indoor environment problems and living a healthier life. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. More information on mold can be found on theFlorida Department of Health Mold Web Page. Mold needs moisture to grow. The license for a mold assessor or mold remediator can be checked by using the VERIFY A LICENSE link at the Florida Department of Business and Professional web page. Single family residences, duplexes, triplexes, and apartments under four units are covered under the Florida Landlord/Tenant Law. Privacy Policy. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. However. By using this site, you agree to the Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? To address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold, how it affects human health, and ways in which you can prevent or remove it, please visit the Florida Department of Health's website on mold. New Licensed Health Care Practitioners and Facilities. For answers to more frequently asked questions about mold please review Indoor Mold and Health and https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mold/index.html. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's ", If you think the heating or air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, read the EPA's guide ". Elevated exposure can also occur if people directly handle moldy materials or accidentally eat mold. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of radon can cause lung cancer. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources for Cleanup and and Remediation, CDC Factsheet on Invasive Mold Infections in Immunocompromised People. For additional information about the health effects of mold exposure and information on the safe removal of mold, please call your County Health Departments Environmental Health Office, the Florida Department of Health, Radon and Indoor Toxics Program at 1-800-543-8279, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-438-4318. Indoors molds are commonly found anywhere where humidity levels are high. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. If you have concerns regarding your health before starting the cleanup, consult your doctor. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses, and bacteria. Animal Care Facilities | Arbovirus Sentinel Chicken Surveillance | Biomedical Waste | Body Piercing | Drinking Water | Drowning Prevention | Food Safety and Sanitation | Group Care | Healthy Beaches | Indoor Air, Mold, and Radon | Lead | Mobile Home and RV Parks | Onsite Sewage Disposal | PACE EH | Pools and Spas | Sanitary Nuisances | Tanning | If you have a central air conditioning system and need a dehumidifier to reduce relative humidity below 60%, you should have the air conditioning system examined for problems, Providing technical assistance and advice to the public, County Health Departments, School Districts, and others, Distributing current information and other resources on mold and moisture control. Privacy Policy. If you are unable to log in, please contact the Florida SHOTS help desk for assistance at 877.888.7468 (SHOT) or flshots@flhealth.gov . People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. If using a portable generator to power air conditioners, dehumidifiers or other equipment, appliances or tools. It depends on the situation and the person. Are some molds more hazardous than others? They can provide guidance and advice on prevention, identification of mold problems, investigation techniques, clean-up methods, disaster planning, and messaging, health effects including possible hazards of mold exposure, and direct concerned people to appropriate local resources. What is the Florida Department of Health doing about mold? For their size, children breathe up to twice as much air as adults, and are therefore at higher risk for health problems. If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. You may also contact Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc. at 321-631-2500. Mold often appears as a staining or fuzzy growth on furniture or building materials (walls, ceilings, or anything made of wood or paper). 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