DOHMH guidelines on fungi assessment and remediation, Apr 2000

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Water damaged materials should be dried and repaired. Mold damaged materials should be remediated in accordance with this document (see Section 3, Remediation).

2.1 Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and mold growth should be visually assessed. This assessment is important in determining remedial strategies. Ventilation systems should also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness. Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard (sheetrock), cardboard, paper, and other cellulosic surfaces should be given careful attention during a visual inspection. The use of equipment such as a boroscope, to view spaces in ductwork or behind walls, or a moisture meter, to detect moisture in building materials, may be helpful in identifying hidden sources offungal growth and the extent of water damage.

23 Bulk/Surface Sampling (a) Bulk or surface sampling is not required to undertake a remediation. Remediation (as described in Section 3, Remediation) of visu^ly identified fungal contamination should proceed without further evaluation. (b) Bulk or surface samples may need to be collected to identify specific fungal contaminants as part of a medical evaluation if occupants are experiencing symptoms which may be related to fungal exposure or to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g., discoloration, and staining). (c) An individual trained in appropriate sampling methodology should perform bulk or surface sampling. Bulk samples are usually collected fiom visibly moldy surfaces by scrying or cutting materials with a clean tool into a clean plastic bag. Surface samples are usually collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by stripping the suspect surface with clear tape. Surface sampling is less destructive than bulk sampling. Other sampling methods may also be available. A laboratory specializing in mycology should be consulted for specific sampling and delivery instructions.

23 Air Monitoring (a) Air sampling for fungi should not be part of a routine assessment. This is because decisions about appropriate remediation strategies can usually be made on the basis of a visual inspection. In addition, air-sampling methods for some fungi are prone to false negative results and therefore cannot be used to de^tively rule out contamination.

(b) Air monitoring may be necessary if an individual(s) has been diagnosed with a disease that is or maybe associated with a fungal exposure (e.g., pulmonary hemonhage/hemosidCTOsis, and aspergillosis).

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