Even dust that has settled on these materials or furniture can be a food source for molds. It has worked on two-year-old immunizations, tobacco control, and statewide preparedness response efforts. Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Environmental Public Health CHD50contactus@flhealth.gov 561-837-5900 Mailing Location 800 Clematis St. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Indoor Air Quality studies suggest that people spend 90% of their time indoors. Should bleach or other biocides (disinfectants, sanitizers, or fungicides) be used to kill mold? What health problems can be caused by mold? Are some molds more hazardous than others? If you choose to hire a contractor, consider someone licensed by the State of Florida. Should you decide to use bleach or another chemical, please read and carefully follow the label directions and hazard statements (caution, warning, danger). How can I tell if there is mold in my home - should I test my home for mold? When this happens, your level of exposure can increase, thereby increasing the risk of potential health problems. For more information, call 407-723-5004. This program was established to reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants including mold and mildew. Search areas where you notice mold odors, if you smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. "Consult a licensed air-conditioning or mechanical contractor for additional information. Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals. They grow in the natural environment. There is evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins. Lee County, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) urges the public to take precautionary measures to avoid indoor air quality problems that can occur in storm damaged homes and buildings. These include cold-like symptoms, rashes, sinus inflammation, eye irritation, and aggravation of asthma. By using this site, you agree to the Post.CHD06@flhealth.gov. Dead mold can still pose health risks if you are exposed. Other ways include: Note: While most experts suggest a relative humidity of less than 60%, below 50% is best for controlling both mold growth and dust mites. Gloves and goggles should be worn during cleaning. Sensitive populations such as children, the elderly and those with immune disorders are more susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality. Indoor Air - Florida Department of Health, Eliminating mold: more info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Annual Regulatory PlansFlorida Department of Health (pdf). U.S. For example, the black mold often found between bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys. Molds produce microscopic cells called spores that are spread easily through the air. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Currently there are no active health alerts for Monroe County. If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. For people who are sensitive to molds, symptoms may occur such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, or watery, reddened eyes. Elevated exposure can also occur if people directly handle moldy materials or accidentally eat mold. Look for visible mold growth as it may appear cottony, velvety, rough or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow or gr. Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control of the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County, Florida Department of Health Indoor Air Quality Program Headquarters. For answers to more frequently asked questions about mold please review Indoor Mold and Health and https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mold/index.html. Allergic disease is now considered the most likely health problem related to mold exposures. Keeping humidity levels below 60% and venting moisture from showering and cooking to the outside are several ways to prevent the conditions that can lead to mold growth. If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline: ", If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using a detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Keeping humidity levels below 60% and venting moisture from showering and cooking to the outside are several ways to prevent the conditions that can lead to mold growth. The Florida Department of Health Indoor Air program helps with mold issues through the following activities: Please note that the Florida Department of Health does not provide mold testing or support to professional consultants. As with other types of mold, at higher levels adverse health effects may occur. From mold in barracks to updating jump logs, here are some of the issues that soldiers want to fix. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. Look for signs of moisture or water damage (water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.). For additional information, call DOH-Lees Environmental Health Office at 239-690-2100 or the Florida Department of Healths (DOHs) Radon and Indoor Air Program at 800-543-8279. The Florida Department of Health - Volusia's Keech Street location is closed until further notice. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention and serve as a reminder of the safe and nurturing environment desired for every child. How can I tell if there is mold in my home; should I test my home for mold? Tiny particles of molds are found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air. It depends on the situation and the person. For additional information about the health effects of mold exposure and information on the safe removal of mold, please call your County Health Department's Environmental Health Office, the Florida Department of Health, Radon and Indoor Air Program at 1-800-543-8279, or review the respective mold webpages of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How can I tell if there is mold in my home? Radium is a decay product of uranium, which is present in almost all rocks and soil. Stachybotrys can be identified only by specially trained professionals through a microscopic exam or by cultures. If the moldy material is not easily cleaned, such as drywall, carpet padding and insulation, removal and replacement may be necessary. How can I tell if there is mold in my home, or should I test my home for mold? A private consultant is recommended for this service if you are interested in finding out what is in your air. To address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold, how it affects human health, and ways in which you can prevent or remove it, please visit the Florida Department of Health's website on mold. Look for signs of moisture or water damage, such as water leaks, standing water, water stains and condensation. Search areas where you notice mold odors. Ideally, yes. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. If after reviewing the above information you still have questions regarding indoor air or mold, feel free to contact us by phone at 321-633-2100 x52315 or by e-mail. No. "Although written about schools and commercial buildings, this document also helps address mold in other building types. Mold can grow almost anywhere: on walls, ceilings, carpets, or furniture. Who can I call if I want more information on mold? Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints, but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet understood. Operating hours for your county can be found by visiting the Florida Department of Health's website (floridahealth.gov). There is no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. For more information on indoor air quality and mold, see resources listed below. If you have a central air conditioning system and need a dehumidifier to reduce relative humidity below 60%, you should have the air conditioning system examined for problems, Providing technical assistance and advice to the public, County Health Departments, School Districts, and others, Distributing current information and other resources on mold and moisture control. August 1, 2020. Due to the damp conditions fostered by a tropical environment in Florida, mold growth may become an issue in some homes or apartments. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay fever-like symptoms. There is also no blood or urine test that can tell if an individual has been exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum spores or its toxins.How can Stachybotrys affect my health? More information on mold can be found on theFlorida Department of Health Mold Web Page. By Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Contact:Environmental Health (321) 633-2100. All vaccine services at Pearl Immunization Center will be relocated to Central Health Plaza, West, effective May 1, 2023. Contact Us 850-595-6700 Fax. The air in your home can be unhealthy if it contains too many pollutants without proper ventilation or outdoor air exchange. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. Contact: Environmental Health (321) 633-2100. Molds are living organisms that grow in damp places in your home. WIC. Provide mold prevention advice into public message and disaster response plans. For additional information, call DOH-Brevards Environmental Health Office or FDOHs Radon and Indoor Program in central office. Any water leaks must first be fixed when solving mold problems. Do not mix bleach with ammonia cleaners or acids, because a dangerous chlorine gas may be formed.Should I use an ozone generator to address an existing mold problem? They can provide guidance and advice on prevention, identification of mold problems, investigation techniques, clean-up methods . The EPA suggests the following: "Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building". Environmental Health 904-253-1280 DCHD.Contact@flhealth.gov Fax. For people that are sensitive to molds, symptoms may occur such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, or watery, reddened eyes. Routinely inspect the evaporator coils, liner surfaces, drain pans, and drain lines. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for licensing mold assessors and remediators. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth, because all molds require water to grow. Verywell Health. When water stands for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold. People are exposed to molds every day. There are very few reports that toxic molds inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions. Routinely inspect the evaporator coils, liner surfaces, drain pans, and drain lines. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov Dust mites reduce allergen production at these lower humidity levels. We only look for environments that create favorable conditions for mold growth. If there is a lot of mold growth, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) booklet "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although written about schools and commercial buildings, this document addresses mold in other types of buildings. These molds are common, and are sometimes referred to as toxic mold. In nature, molds help break down dead materials, and can be found growing on soil, foods, plants and other items. On the other hand, one should not let mold grow and multiply indoors. Radon is an odorless, tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of radium in the soil. Yes and no. JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to display articles, Florida Department of Business and Professional, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? Privacy Policy. This question is difficult to answer in the same way it's hard to say how much sun causes a sunburn: the amount varies from person to person. If you think you have a mold problem in your home, you do not need to find out what type of mold you may have. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. The following types of people may be affected sooner and more severely than others: Are some molds more hazardous than others? Moisture can come from: Yes and no. Where can I obtain additional information? Molds are types of fungi. Dry out wet building materials and carpets within 24 hours. For their size, children breathe up to twice as much air as adults, and are therefore at higher risk for health problems. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. Privacy Policy. 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