DOHMH guidelines on fungi assessment and remediation, Apr 2000

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

(c) Air monitoring may be necessary if there is evidence from a visual inspection or bulk sampling that ventilation systems may be contaminated. The purpose of such air monitoring is to assess the extent of contamination throughout a building. It is preferable to conduct sampling while ventilation systems are operating.

(d) Air monitoring may be necessary ifthe presence ofmold is suspected (e.g., musty odors) but cannot be identified by a visual inspection or bulk sampling (e.g., mold growth behind walls). The purpose of such air monitoring is to determine the location and/or extent of contamination. (e) If air monitoring is performed, for Shi!! arative purposes, outdoor air samples should be collected concurrently at an air intake, ifpossible, and at a location representative ofoutdoor air. For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference ofGovernmental Industrial Hygienists’ document, “Bioaerosols: Assessment and ControL”

(f) Personnel conducting the sampling must be trained in proper air sampling methods for microbial contaminants. A laboratory specializing in mycology should be consulted for specific sampling and shipping instructions.

2.4 Analysis of Environmental Samples

Microscopic identification ofthe spores/colonies requires considerable expertise. These services are not routinely available fi’om ETcial laboratories. Documented quality control in the laboratories used for analysis of the bulk/surface and air samples is necessary. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AMA) offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Enviro mtal Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). Accredited laboratori^ must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)). A list ofmicrobiology laboratories participating in the EMPAT program is available on the AMA web site at http://www.aiha.org.

Evaluation of bulk/surface and air sampling data should be performed by an experienced health professional. The presence of few or trace amounts of fungal spores in bulk/surface sampling should be considered background. Amounts greater than this or the presence of fungal fragments (e.g., hyphae, and conidiophores) may suggest fungal colonization, growth, and/or accumulation at or near the sampled location.^ Air samples should be evaluated by means of comparison (i.e., indoors to outdoors) and by fungal type (e.g., genera, and species), hr general, the levels and types of fungi found should be similar indoors (in non-problem buildings) as compared to the outdoor air. Differences in the levels or types of fungi found in air samples may indicate that moisture sources and resultant fungal growth may be problematic.

3. Remediation In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or fungal I growth will recur. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned immediately. An immediate response (within 24 to 48 hours) and thorough clean up, drying, and/or removal ofwater

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