Biological pollutants
Testing and cleanup
There are no practical tests for testing for biological pollutants. The EPA and other public health agencies do not recommend testing mold or mildew for possible toxicity unless litigation is an issue, or the individual is experiencing health problems. The simple reason for this is that if you can see or smell the mold, you need to clean it up, regardless of whether it is considered toxic. Mold can damage property and has differential health consequences on people.
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off of hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Here are some tips for reducing biological pollutants in your indoor environments:
- Prevent mold growth by keeping basements, bathroom, and other rooms clean and dry. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces that have mold on them. If carpeting or furnishings become wet, they must be quickly and thoroughly dried or discarded.
- Keep humidity at low levels (less than 50 percent), and in areas where moisture tends to build up, be sure there is adequate ventilation.
- Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioning condensing units should be regularly cleaned with a disinfectant. The EPA has a good fact sheet on this topic at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/humidif.html.
- Vacuums with high-efficiency filters, or central vacuum systems, can help reduce the airborne dust generated by vacuuming.