Mold in Workplace

Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for all of their employees. One area of concern for those who work in buildings that have high humidity levels or that have suffered water damage is the potential presence of mold. With moisture, mold can begin to grow on many building materials, furnishings and contents in less than 48 hours.

People that are exposed to elevated levels of mold in the air they breathe can develop a wide range of health issues.  Workers who suspect they have indoor air quality problems should report their concerns to their supervisors and/or to those people who are responsible for building maintenance.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), when health problems are believed to be caused by exposure to dampness or mold in the workplace, building owners and managers should do the following:

• Always respond when occupant health concerns are reported.
• Establish clear procedures for recording and responding to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) complaints to ensure an adequate and timely response.
• Regularly inspect building areas for evidence of dampness; take prompt steps to identify and correct the causes of any dampness problems found.
• Conduct regularly scheduled heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system inspections, and promptly correct any problems.
• Prevent high indoor humidity through the proper design and operation of HVAC systems.
• Dry any porous building materials that have become wet from leaks or flooding within 48 hours.
• Clean and repair or replace any building materials that are moisture-damaged or show evidence of visible mold growth.
• Encourage occupants who have developed persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms while working in the building to see a healthcare provider.
• Follow healthcare provider recommendations for relocation of occupants diagnosed with building-related respiratory diseases.
• Establish an indoor environmental quality team consisting of a coordinator and representatives of the building’s employees, employers and building management who would oversee implementation of an IEQ program.

“At EMSL, we offer indoor environmental quality testing services to identify mold and other indoor pollutants,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Our Products Division also supplies a comprehensive range of inspection tools and equipment, such as moisture meters, that can be instrumental in finding elevated moisture levels in materials that if left alone could quickly lead to mold concerns.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about mold and moisture in the work environment that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/VuBbFTWCXsQ.

To learn more about mold and IAQ testing services or other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to government agencies, industry professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.