BEST PRACTICES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS AROUND RADON AND MOLD

Alliance for Healthy Homes Convening

Dan Tranter, MPHMinnesota Department of Health

10/1/13

A widespread lung carcinogen

Radon Basics

Radon Key Facts A colorless,

tasteless, odorless gas

From uranium in soil Cancer-causing Radioactive Leading cause of

lung cancer for non-smokers

Health Effects Of Radon Second leading cause of

lung cancer in the United States Estimated to cause

21,000 deaths annually* MN 700-1,000

Second only to smoking

Leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

* EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (June 2003, EPA -402-R-03 -0003)

What Level of Radon is Considered Safe? There is no known safe level of radon

exposure

World Health Organization (WHO) 2.7 pCi/L health based standard

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 4 pCi/L ‘action level’ based on 1980s

mitigation technology

Minnesota Department of Health 2 pCi/L (mitigators usually reduce to <

2)

Radon in Minnesota

EPA MDH

New law, effective 1/1/14, that will inform home buyers and sellers

Radon Awareness Act

Why Real Estate?Common Questions I never heard about radon…

Why? Why did I not hear about this

when I bought my home? Why didn’t my realtor tell me

about radon? Why isn’t the government doing

more to ensure we know about this hazard?

Background Radon not regulated in MN

Except new construction since 2009 General disclosure requirements in real

estate (MS 513.55) inadequate Discourages seller from testing

have to disclose if high Misleading to buyer

can check off ‘no radon environmental concern’ if never tested

Do real estate professionals educate their clients?

Radon Awareness Act Applies to most residential real estate Buyers and sellers given information

MDH radon publication Radon Warning Statement Seller Discloses:

whether radon levels known (i.e., no testing)

history of testing/mitigationrecords of testing/mitigation

Does not apply to renting Effective 1/1/14

Radon Warning StatementThe Minnesota Department of Health strongly recommends that ALL homebuyers have an indoor radon test performed prior to purchase or taking occupancy, and recommends having the radon levels mitigated if elevated radon concentrations are found. Elevated radon concentrations can easily be reduced by a qualified, certified, or licensed, if applicable, radon mitigator.

Every buyer of any interest in residential real property is notified that the property may present exposure to dangerous levels of indoor radon gas that may place the occupants at risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer. Radon, a Class A human carcinogen, is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause overall. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on radon test results of the dwelling.

Impact Increased awareness increased

testing radon reduction lung cancer reduction

In Illinois, 3 – 4 x increase in radon testing during real estate transactions

About 100,000 MN residential real estate transactions per year

Looking ForwardReal Estate PublicationModel disclosure formsNew websiteEducate real estate professionals

Recruit radon professionalsProvide materials to all interested parties

Education and Outreach at the Community Level

Partnerships & Outreach

PartnershipsLocal Agencies

44 CountiesNon-profits

housing, health, etc.Contractors: technical assistance 1-2 per month

Builders: Gold Standard for Radon

MDH Offers Test Kits to Partners Free Short test (2-7 days) Long test (3+ months) Contact me Recommend selling

Revenue Greater kit usage

Suggestions regarding test kits Provide public booklet with test kits MDH cannot guarantee test kits

available at all times When test kits run out provide test kit order

form (retail: $8/kit) Test kits available at $4 per kit to govt

(State’s Master Contract CPV List-MN Dept Admin)

Track your test kits (usage, results)

See our website:www.health.state.mn.us/radon

Radon Resources

Gold Standard for RRNC MN code requires passive radon

resistance feature But...20% of new homes > 4pCi/L action

level Gold Standard Builders offer fan to

customers 95 builders

Builders provided: marketing training test kits brochures point for Green Path

Radon Contractor Listings Two types:

Radon Measurement Professionals Radon Mitigation Professionals

Certified by: National Radon Proficiency Program National Radon Safety Board

Training provided through Midwest Universities Radon Consortium St. Paul Dec 2-7, 2013

Contractors NOT licensed by state for radon

Radon Data for your Community MDH has maps Star Tribune data portal by zip code

http://www.startribune.com/local/190270511.html

Upcoming Outreach Activities Press releases W. MN Town Hall Meetings (?) Radio PSAs

Nov: KS95, KDWB, K102 Jan: WCCO (?)

Test kit distribution Health & Home Shows New construction ads Quarterly Radon Meetings Sign up to receive radon email updates through

our website: www.health.state.mn.us/radon

Radon Trends

Monthly Calls/Emails (12/11 – 6/13) Starts earlier, sustained

Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June0

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Air Chek Kits Analyzed

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Quarterly Mitigations

Mold in Homes

A common health concerns

Mold Basics

MDH Perspective on Mold

All molds may cause health problems.

Mold growth should NOT be tolerated in occupied indoor areas

Moisture is the key to preventing mold.

Inspect, don’t test (usually)

Cleaning is based on amount of growth and material it’s on

What is Mold? Natural (fungus) Mold spores (seeds)

are everywhere Mold growth is the

problem: Odors Unsightly Destroying building Health

For Mold Growth To Occur: Spores Air Moderate

temperatures Food source

(organic matter) Moisture

Health: Mold Allergies 5% of people

Asthma Hay fever Rashes

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (rare) Very high levels (silos) Cleaning large amounts,

frequently Photo Courtesy AAAAI

Health: Mold Infections Serious infections very

rare in healthy people Source: Usually Bird or Bat

droppings Possible if weakened

immune system HIV+ Uncontrolled diabetes Medication for cancer or

transplant

Health: Toxic Effects May be possible, but not well understood Controversial Many molds produce toxins Not likely to be enough toxins in air Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (rare)

Need very heavy levels (cloud of spores, such agriculture)

Other Indoor Air Contaminants Cause Similar Symptoms

Moisture RelatedCockroaches Bacteria Dust Mites

Smoke, Pets, Chemicals, etcNot Moisture Related

Flooding, Condensation,Leaks

Addressing Moisture

Flooding:Over-land

Rushford August 2007

Flooding:Over-land

Cleaned by hosing down

Sheetrock very moldy on back side

Flooding:Plumbing burst

Condensation:Humidity

Exhaust fans present, working? Dryer ducted outside?

Condensation:Humidity Poor air

circulation Cold surfaces Moisture sources

Humidifiers, many plants, aquarium

Keep winter humidity at 20-30%

Leaks:Roof--Ice Dams

Leaks:Windows/Heavy Rain

Leaks:Plumbing

Leaks:Basement & Crawlspace

Safely and thoroughly remove growth

Remediation

Don’t Clean Mold if You Have a Known Health Problem

Talk to your doctor Examples:

Severely weakened immune system

Uncontrolled asthma or known severe asthma sensitivity to mold

Diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Common-sense If you had severe reaction

in a known moldy place

MDH does not Recommend Mold Testing in Most Cases Expensive, when done right Usually unnecessary:

Mold visible/known, or Moisture problem known, so mold can be

found No health standard

Mold is naturally present in environment Individual susceptibility varies a lot

Testing may miss problem Levels can vary by time, location Different testing methods

Identify and Map Dampness

Infrared Camera

Moisture Meters

Identify Scope of Problem before Starting to CleanReview History, Check a few areas

Remove ventilation diffuserPeel back carpet

Peel back base boardSmall hole in drywall/cabinet

Cleaning Process1) Remove ‘mud/muck’ and debris2) Remove porous items and building

materials3) Scrub remaining hard surfaces with

soap and water4) Apply bleach

recommended for sewage, over-land flood 1/4 -1/2 cup per gallon water

5) Dry quickly fans, open windows, dehumidifier, furnace on

continuous6) Rebuild when drying is complete

Clean Up Important points

Structural members should be removed by contractor or knowledgeable person

Move salvageable items (e.g., not porous furniture) outside for cleaning

Clean up should be done to 2 feet beyond affected area check backside of walls/floors

Use of antimicrobials or pesticides by a for-hire company is regulated

Replace Moldy Porous Materials Flooring

carpet and pad linoleum or laminate

Sub-floor / underlayment pressed-wood, plywood

Walls drywall, pressed-wood, lathe and plaster (major damage)

Insulation cellulose, fiber glass

Furniture upholstered, particle board

Ceiling tiles Wall paper, inexpensive wall coverings Paper materials Non-metal materials in ductwork

Clean Semi-porous Moldy Materials...if structurally sound Flooring

stone, tile, vinyl, concrete, wood, rubber Walls

concrete, brick, solid wood, lathe and plaster Subfloor/underlayment

concrete or solid wood Furniture

solid wood, metal, plastic, glass Laminated furniture if laminate in tact Foam insulation Unlined or uninsulated metal ductwork

Personal Protection:Just Water Damage or Small Mold Problem Small Problem:

Less than 10 sq ft, No severely

susceptible people, and

Small amount of dust produced

Respiratory protection N95

No containment needed

Personal Protection and Containment: Larger Mold Problems Larger Problem

> 10 sq. feet, or Dusty clean-up, or Susceptible people

Consider inspection and/or clean-up specialists

Respiratory Protection HEPA/N100/P100

Containment poly single or double

sheeting Exhaust to outdoors or

HEPA air machines

Working with Bleach Apply to cleaned surfaces

Should be no mud or soiling Use ¼ - ½ cup per gallon water to treat

surfaces Wear gloves Ventilate the area

open windows, use fans

Respirators Do NOT use surgical mask or nuisance

dust mask

Respirators N95 or N100/P100/HEPA Do fit check Remove facial hair Will restrict air flow to lungs

Rebuilding Should wait till materials are completely

dry May take months Can monitor with moisture meter

Assistance is Limited

Where flood or water event Homeowner’s insurance

Where inadequate insulation/sealing condensation Local weatherization programs (MN DEED)

Fix up loans Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency

Valuation reduction of homestead property damaged by mold Under Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.11,

subdivision 21 In rental properties

Local housing/code enforcement (property maintenance code)

In new construction Local building official (building code)

When to Seek Professionals

Mold / moisture Inspector odors or other signs of hidden mold and you

can’t figure scope of problem Mold removal specialist

if large amount of mold present highly sensitive people present

Building contractor removing structural components

Asbestos, lead, chemical spills, or other hazard abatement

Where to Receive Further Training/Certification University of Minnesota – Continuing

Education American Council for Accredited

Certification Indoor Air Quality Association Institute of Inspection Cleaning and

Restoration Certification

MDH Perspective on Mold (revisited) All molds may cause health problems. Mold growth should NOT be tolerated in

occupied indoor areas. Moisture is the key to preventing mold. Inspect, don’t test (usually). Cleaning is based on amount of growth

and material it’s on.

Questions?Dan TranterIndoor Air UnitSupervisor651-201-4618daniel.tranter@state.mn.uswww.health.state.mn.us/healthyhomes