Best Practices and New Developments Around Radon and Mold - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Best Practices and New Developments Around Radon and Mold

Alliance for Healthy Homes Convening

Dan Tranter, MPHMinnesota Department of Health

10/1/13

Slide2

A widespread lung carcinogen

Radon Basics

Slide3

Radon Key Facts

A colorless, tasteless, odorless gasFrom uranium in soilCancer-causing RadioactiveLeading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

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Health Effects Of Radon

Second leading cause of lung cancer in the United StatesEstimated to cause 21,000 deaths annually*MN 700-1,000Second only to smokingLeading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers

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

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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)

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Radon in Minnesota

EPA

MDH

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

Radon Awareness Act

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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?

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Background

Radon not regulated in MN

Except new construction since 2009

G

eneral

disclosure requirements in real estate (MS 513.55)

inadequate

Discourages seller from testing

have to disclose if high

Misleading to buyer

c

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

Do real estate professionals educate their clients?

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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/mitigation

records of testing/mitigation

Does not apply to renting

Effective 1/1/14

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Radon Warning Statement

The

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

.

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Impact

Increased awareness

 increased testing r

adon 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

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Looking Forward

Real Estate Publication

Model disclosure forms

New website

Educate real estate professionals

Recruit radon professionals

Provide materials to all interested parties

Slide14

Education and Outreach at the Community Level

Partnerships & Outreach

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Partnerships

Local Agencies

44 Counties

Non-profits

housing, health, etc.

Contractors: technical assistance

1-2 per month

Builders:

Gold Standard for Radon

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MDH Offers Test Kits to Partners

FreeShort test (2-7 days)Long test (3+ months)Contact meRecommend sellingRevenueGreater kit usage

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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

p

er kit to

govt

(State’s Master Contract CPV List-MN

Dept

Admin)

Track your test kits (usage, results)

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

Radon Resources

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Gold Standard for RRNC

MN code requires passive radon resistance featureBut...20% of new homes > 4pCi/L action levelGold Standard Builders offer fan to customers95 buildersBuilders provided:marketing trainingtest kits brochures point for Green Path

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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

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Radon Data for your Community

MDH has maps

Star Tribune data portal by zip code

http://

www.startribune.com/local/190270511.html

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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

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Radon Trends

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Monthly Calls/Emails (12/11 – 6/13)

Starts earlier, sustained

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MDH Web Hits

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Air Chek Kits Analyzed

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Quarterly Mitigations

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Mold in Homes

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A common health concerns

Mold Basics

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MDH Perspective on Mold

All molds may cause health problems.Mold growth should NOT be tolerated in occupied indoor areasMoisture is the key to preventing mold.Inspect, don’t test (usually)Cleaning is based on amount of growth and material it’s on

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What is Mold?

Natural (fungus)Mold spores (seeds) are everywhereMold growth is the problem:OdorsUnsightlyDestroying buildingHealth

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For Mold Growth To Occur:

SporesAirModerate temperaturesFood source (organic matter)Moisture

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Health: Mold Allergies

5% of peopleAsthmaHay feverRashesHypersensitivity Pneumonitis (rare)Very high levels (silos)Cleaning large amounts, frequently

Photo Courtesy AAAAI

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Health: Mold Infections

Serious infections very rare in healthy peopleSource: Usually Bird or Bat droppingsPossible if weakened immune systemHIV+Uncontrolled diabetesMedication for cancer or transplant

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Health: Toxic Effects

M

ay 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)

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Other Indoor Air Contaminants Cause Similar Symptoms

Moisture

Related

Cockroaches Bacteria

Dust

Mites

Smoke

, Pets,

Chemicals,

etc

Not Moisture

Related

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Flooding, Condensation,Leaks

Addressing Moisture

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Flooding:Over-land

Rushford August 2007

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Flooding:Over-land

Cleaned by hosing down

Sheetrock very moldy on back side

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Flooding:

Plumbing burst

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Condensation:Humidity

Exhaust fans present, working?

Dryer ducted outside?

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Condensation:Humidity

Poor air circulationCold surfacesMoisture sourcesHumidifiers, many plants, aquariumKeep winter humidity at 20-30%

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Leaks:Roof--Ice Dams

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Leaks:Windows/Heavy Rain

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Leaks:Plumbing

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Leaks:Basement & Crawlspace

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Safely and thoroughly remove growth

Remediation

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

Talk to your doctorExamples:Severely weakened immune systemUncontrolled asthma or known severe asthma sensitivity to moldDiagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitisCommon-senseIf you had severe reaction in a known moldy place

Slide49

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

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Identify and Map Dampness

Infrared Camera

Moisture Meters

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

Remove ventilation diffuser

Peel back carpet

Peel back base board

Small hole in drywall/cabinet

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Cleaning Process

Remove

‘mud/muck’ and debris

Remove

porous

items and building materials

Scrub remaining

hard surfaces

with soap and water

Apply

bleach

recommended for sewage, over-land flood

1/4

-1/2 cup per gallon

water

Dry quickly

fans

, open windows, dehumidifier, furnace on continuous

Rebuild when

drying

is

complete

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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

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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

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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

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Personal Protection:Just Water Damage or Small Mold Problem

Small Problem:Less than 10 sq ft, No severely susceptible people, andSmall amount of dust producedRespiratory protectionN95No containment needed

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Personal Protection and Containment: Larger Mold Problems

Larger Problem> 10 sq. feet, orDusty clean-up, orSusceptible people Consider inspection and/or clean-up specialistsRespiratory ProtectionHEPA/N100/P100 Containmentpoly single or double sheetingExhaust to outdoors or HEPA air machines

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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

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Respirators

Do NOT use surgical mask or nuisance dust mask

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Respirators

N95 or N100/P100/HEPADo fit checkRemove facial hairWill restrict air flow to lungs

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Rebuilding

Should wait till materials are completely dry May take monthsCan monitor with moisture meter

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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

U

nder

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)

Slide63

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

Slide64

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

Slide65

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.

Slide66

Questions?

Dan Tranter

Indoor Air Unit

Supervisor

651-201-4618

daniel.tranter@state.mn.us

www.health.state.mn.us/healthyhomes