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