Post on 14-Aug-2020
Flooded Building Clean-up Contractor Training
Kenneth Hellevang, Ph.D., P.E.
Flood Sights
Verify contractors have local license,
bonding, insurance, training &
certifications.
Flood Sights
Seek help! Don’t make hasty decisions.
Control Humidity
Ventilate and Dry to prevent mold growth
Limited Benefit of Biocides
• Contact Killer
• Mold Inhibitor
• Chemical Safe?
Hazards
Structural
Electrical
Mold
Biological
Lead Dust
Asbestos
Carbon Dioxide
Cuts and Punctures
Categories of Water
Clean Water – Category 1
– Broken water pipes, rainwater, etc
Gray Water – Category 2
– Contains contamination & microorganisms
– Toilets with urine,sump pump,dishwashers
Black Water – Category 3
– Contains pathogenic agents
– Sewage, surface water flooding, pesticides
Health Effect
Scientific evidence links mold and other factors related
to damp conditions in buildings to:
• Asthma symptoms in those with the chronic disorder
• Coughing, wheezing, and upper respiratory
symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in susceptible people
• Lower respiratory illness in children
Institute of Medicine of the National Academies 2004
Mayo Clinic – Chronic Sinusitis
The cause of most chronic sinus infections was an immune
system response to fungus. Common symptoms are runny nose,
nasal congestion, loss of smell and headaches. Frequently the
chronic inflammation leads to polyps, small growths in the nasal
passages which hinder breathing. An estimated 37 million people
in the United States suffer from chronic sinusitis, an inflammation
of the membranes of the nose and sinus cavity.
http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com
Health Effects of Mold Exposure
The cause-and-effect relationship between mold exposure and
allergic disease, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are
consistently supported by epidemiologic studies
The most common adverse health effect associated with mold
exposure is allergic rhinitis. Mold exposure is a strong irritant
factor.
Volatile organic compounds produced by fungi can provoke
symptoms in susceptible individuals. (Not just spores.)
Spectrum of Noninfectious Health Effects From Molds
American Academy of Pediatrics
Pediatrics, December 2006
Health Effects of Mold
World Health Organization: Sufficient epidemiological evidence is
available in different countries and under different climatic conditions
to show that the occupants of damp or moldy buildings are at
increased risk of respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections and
exacerbation of asthma. Some evidence suggest increased risks of
allergic rhinitis and asthma.
There is clinical evidence that exposure to mold and other dampness-
related microbial agents increases the risks of rare conditions such as
allergic alveolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis.
Toxicological evidence supports these findings, showing the
occurrence of diverse inflammatory and toxic responses after
exposure to microorganisms isolated from damp buildings, including
their spores, metabolites and components.
February 2007
Health Effects
Among children with allergies, 63% of their homes had increased fungal
levels. More than one third of children with asthma who live in an inner
city in the United States had a positive skin test result to Alternaria.
Because asthma severity has been linked to sensitivity to Alternaria
species, this finding may partially account for the unusually high morbidity
due to asthma in this population.
The threshold levels of allergens that are required to sensitize and
exacerbate allergic symptoms have yet to be established.
Indoor Aeroallergens Author: Steven L Cole, DO, Consulting Staff, Park Lane Allergy and Asthma Center, Baylor University Medical Center;
Volunteer Clinical Faculty, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Coauthor(s): Richard F Lockey, MD, University Distinguished Health Professor, Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Public
Health, Joy McCann Culverhouse Chair in Allergy and Immunology, University of South Florida College of Medicine; Director,
Division of Allergy and Immunology, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital
Updated: Aug 4, 2010 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/137911-overview
Respiratory Protection
Respirators
– Minimum
N-95 respirator or mask
P-100 - HEPA filter
– Proper fit
– Labored breathing
Eyes, Feet, Hands, etc.
Goggles must prevent entry of dust and small
particles
Limited Benefit from
Air Cleaners
Filters remove only some spores & do not remove
Volatile Organic Compounds
Ozone units should not be used in an occupied space
and are not effective!
Hydroxyl and Ultraviolet units of limited benefit
UV Lights
Concentration and exposure time!
In general it is not effective on fungi within the
airstream in air ducts.
Can be used on air conditioning coils or drip
pans.
Inspections
Structural Evaluation
• Look for any movement, check
alignment, bowing, cracks, separation
• Basement wall/foundation
• Check floors & ceiling
Check Structural Integrity
Utilities
Shut off electricity
Verify electricity is off before starting work.
Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Shut off gas if heating system has been
affected
Preparation
Electrical power
– Carbon dioxide hazard of generators
Lighting
Tools and equipment
Garbage containers
Bathroom
First Aid Kit
Mold Occurs within 2 to 3 days
Mold Test Kits
Test Results are Not Accurate!
Testing for Mold
No standard – No acceptable or unacceptable level or level of
action
No criteria or requirements for inspectors (Several states now have requirements.)
False negative evaluation
Compare quantity and types at various locations
Expensive
Report Results
CFU: Colony forming units
– Total Fungi
– Viable Fungi
– Fungi Type
What Does It Mean?
– <10,000 cfu low contamination
– 10,000 to 100,000 medium contamination
– >100,000 medium to heavy contamination
– Neal Carlson, University of Minnesota
GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
New York City Department of Health “Guidelines on Assessment and Recommendation of
Fungi in Indoor Environment”
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH);
“Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control”
The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Remedial Certification (IICRC) IICRC S520
“Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation”
EPA Remedial Guidelines
REMOVAL OF MOLD
CONTAMINATION
People react to active, dormant and dead mold -
Biocides are not adequate!
Porous Materials
(ceiling tiles, carpeting, upholstered furniture, wallboard)
– Remove and replace
Non-porous surfaces
– Vacuum with HEPA filters
– Wash with a detergent solution
– Sanitize with a biocide if desired
– Thorough drying
Semi-porous (floor joist, sill plates)
– Remove mold, dry
Mold Hazard
Air moves
from stud
wall cavity
into living
space
Remediation Containment
Trained Personnel
Minimize Dispersal
HVAC System
HEPA Vacuum – contain surface
Bagging
Control Tracking
Control Equipment
Negative Pressurization
Clean-up Steps
Remove water
Empty Contents
Remove water, mud & muck
Remove wall materials and etc.
Wash
Sanitize
Ventilate & dry
Remove Water Slowly
Remove 2 to 3 feet of water from the basement
Wait 24 hrs, if the water level rises, wait 24 hrs.
Remove another 2 to 3 feet
Continue process until water is removed.
Water Damage Restoration
IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide
for Professional Water Damage Restoration Third Edition 2006
– Institute of Inspection Cleaning and
Restoration Certification
Authored by application and technical experts
Contaminated Water Restoration
Discard carpet saturated with category 3 water carpet cushion
Category 2 water carpet contamination may be
cleaned with hot water extraction and biocide
Remove floor if water reached subflooring
– Subflooring must be cleaned, disinfected, dried
Subflooring
Vinyl or ceramic tile flooring
– Dry & clean under vinyl
Contaminated Water Restoration
Dispose
– absorbent stuffed fabrics
Stuffed furniture
– Saturated absorbent materials
Ceiling tile, dry wall, paper, etc.
Evaluate structural materials for degree of
contamination and physical damage
Clean-out Sequence
Air out
Small objects
Large objects
Appliances (Tape doors shut)
Cut and remove carpet
Remove items from closets and cabinets
Grand Forks 1997
Sorting
Follow local waste management guidelines
– Hazardous materials
– Electronics
– Appliances
– Furniture
– Building materials
Minot
Save or Throw
Food (cans)
Dishes & China
Toys (Hard vs. soft plastic)
Wood furniture
Appliances
Clothes Washer
Drier
Water heater
Refrigerator
Freezer
Dishwasher
Kitchen range
HVAC
Specific Items
Plaster & stucco
Cabinets and countertops (check material)
Non-porous tubs, toilets, sinks
Plumbing
Wood Flooring (remove covering, allow expansion)
Windows & doors
OSB & particle board
Gut-out Sequence
Cabinets and doors
Trim
Ceiling
Walls
– Drywall
Remove to 2 feet above water line)
– Insulation
– Paneling
– Fasteners
Sweep surfaces
Exterior Walls
Electrical
All electrical fixtures (switches, outlets,
breakers) submerged in flood water need to be
replaced.
Electrical motors will need to be professionally
reconditioned.
Wire (consult electrician)
Contact an electrician or an electrical
inspector.
Photographs & Valuables
Damage arrested by freezing
Wax paper between layers
Important papers should be copied after drying
CDs and DVDs rinse with clean water, dry
Crawl Space
•Dry soil
•Fans face out
•Place plastic
Cleaning
Flush non-porous surfaces with water
Clean non-porous walls starting at the bottom
or where damage is worst
– Scrub with detergent
– Two bucket system (detergent bucket, rinse bucket)
Rinse with clean water
Sanitize
Biocide – Clean then Sanitize
Must be used according to label (specific application)
– The label is the law
– Non-porous material?
Must be applied to clean surface
Must have required exposure time
Must use PPE
Ventilate the area
Common biocides
– Alcohol, sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach), hydrogen
peroxide, iodine, quaternary ammonium chloride,
synthesized phenolic compound
Biocide Registration
Disinfectants are a pesticide
EPA reviews efficacy data
Use registered disinfectants
http://www.agdepartment.com/
– http://www.kellysolutions.com/nd/
People applying disinfectants in buildings for
hire need to be commercially certified in the in
the Home and Industrial category.
Bleach Not Effective?
The bleach solution was wiped on the surface with a
sponge, allowed to stand for 30 seconds, then rinsed
off by dunking the piece in clean water. They found that
the bleach was not effective at killing mold. (Is the
research method the appropriate method to apply a
bleach solution?)
Ability of bleach and other biocide treatments to remove and prevent
mold growth on Douglas-fir lumber. Taylor, Freitag & Morrell, Oregon
State University, Forest Products Journal, Vol. 54, No. 4, pg. 45-49
2004
Caution – Does this mean bleach does not work?
Bleach is a biocide not
a fungicide.
Testing Antimicrobial Cleaner Efficacy on Gypsum Wallboard
Contaminated with Stachybotrys chartarum* Marc Y. Menetrez1**, Karin K. Foarde2, Tricia D. Webber2, Timothy R. Dean1 and Doris A. Betancourt1
1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management
Research Laboratory,
Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
2 Research Triangle Institute, Center for Engineering and Environmental Sciences, NC 27709, USA
Restricting regrowth long-term
0= no regrowth 5=extensive regrowth
Chlorine Bleach
Follow the Label!
Only non-porous & hard materials &
surfaces
PPE
Ventilation
¾ cup bleach per gallon water
Surface wet for 5 minutes
Rinse
Dry
Borates as a fungicide
Borate base supplemented with 0.1% voriconazole, 0.1%
thiabendazole or 0.5% thujaplicin “inhibited” development of mold
on southern pine.
Dimethylcocoamine, an ingredient in the borate base, is reported
to have antifungal properties.
Borates alone, at higher loadings, are only marginally effective at
controlling mold fungi.
Protecting wood from mould, decay,and termites with multi-component biocidesystems
Carol A.Clausen,VinaYang USDA Forest Products Laboratory, July2005
Available online 24 July 2006
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2007/fpl_2007_clausen001.pdf
Commercial Product
MOLD-CARETM
Moldicide Concentrate Active Ingredient: Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride........ 80.0% Inert Ingredients ......................................... 20.0% Total ............................................................ 100.0% EPA Reg. No. 6836-212-64405 EPA Est. 64405-TN-1
http://www.nisuscorp.com/pdf/products/moldcare_label.pdf
Bora-Care prevents and eliminates:
Termites, Carpenter ants, Powderpost beetles , Old house borers
PLUS: Bora-Care will kill and prevent wood-decay fungi and algae
The active ingredient is the natural borate salt and micronutrient disodium
octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT)
Structural Drying
Open enclosed areas (walls, floors)
Drying may take several days or weeks
Drying Closed Wall
What is the condition inside the wall?
Structural Drying
Long Process
Drying Process
Circulate air across drying surfaces
Ventilation – exchange air
Relative Humidity
Dehumidification
Dehumidification < 50% RH
– Open system: ventilation
– Closed system: mechanical dehumidification
Minimum RH is about 50% with typical home
unit.
Measure Humidity
½ cup water
¼ cup salt
75% RH @ 12 hrs.
Temperature Control
Ambient temperature <72°F
– Balance evaporation, dehumidification,
microorganism growth
Acceptable Moisture Level
Material type affects potential for mold growth
Wood moisture >15% may lead to mold growth
Potential for mold growth if relative humidity >70%
Do not enclose
wet/damp
materials
Moisture Meters
Saturated Soils
Soils contain water for a long time
Moisture moves through concrete into
basement in liquid or vapor form.
Gallons per day
Test for Water Vapor Movement
Clear plastic taped to surface
– Watch for several days
– Moisture accumulation indicates problem
Basement wall or floor
http://www.rd.com/64970/article64970.html
Mold or Salt
Frost Heave Danger
Heat the
Basement
Search for NDSU Flood Information
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood