If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. By using this site, you agree to the 954-767-5111. We only look for environments that create favorable conditions for mold growth. ), Flooding from the indoor (overflow from sinks, tubs, toilets, air conditioner drain pans or sewerage systems), Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold), Water leaks from outside the building (roof, walls, floors), Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes, Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting the walls, or indoor fire sprinklers, Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking), Drying wet clothes indoors, or not venting clothes dryers outdoors (including electric dryers), Moisture from our bodies (sweat, wet hair on pillows, breath). Some strains of Stachybotrys chartarum may produce mycotoxins. By using this site, you agree to the The Florida Department of Health has developed the following information 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. Indoors, mold growth can be found where humidity levels are high, like basements and showers. Answer your questions about health effects and possible hazards of mold exposure. Who should do the cleanup depends on many factors. Privacy Policy. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. Stopping the use of an air conditioning system due to suspected mold growth would make most Florida buildings very uncomfortable during hot and humid weather. How can I tell if there is mold in my home? What one person can tolerate with little or no effect may cause symptoms in another individual. Some symptoms are more general, such as inability to concentrate or fatigue. If you think the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been affected, visit the EPA's guidance documents under ". People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses, and bacteria. If you smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. 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. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is not needed. A private consultant is recommended for this service if you are interested in finding out what is in your air. There are no health- or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. Viera, FLThe Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) has a list of Frequently Asked Questions to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold. It exists solely to assist the public in solving their indoor environment problems and living a healthier life. Should you turn off an air conditioner if a mold problem in the system is found? 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. If power is available use an air conditioner or dehumidifiers to reduce the indoor humidity levels. By using this site, you agree to the If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, tasteless, and radioactive gas produced from the radioactive decay of radium, found in most soils and earthen construction materials. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources for Cleanup and and Remediation, CDC Factsheet on Invasive Mold Infections in Immunocompromised People. You should contact a private lab for this service. Building materials, household goods, and furnishings may also be damaged. People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. U.S. Dust mites are microscopic animals related to spiders, ticks, and other mites. Prescription Pad Vendors. On the one hand, there will always be mold in your home in the form of spores and pieces of mold cells. Molds can grow almost anywhere there is enough moisture or high humidity. provide food that can support mold growth. There is evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins. 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". Mold often emerges as a staining or fuzzy growth on furniture or building materials, such as walls, ceilings or anything made of wood or paper. The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County assists the public with their indoor environment concerns by offering a variety of services. If you have a mold complaint about an apartment, hotel or workplace, see our information on apartments and hotels or on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in workplaces. Single family residences, duplexes, triplexes, and apartments under four units are covered under the Florida Landlord/Tenant Law. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @HealthyFla. Ladapo, a Harvard-trained medical doctor who was appointed by Florida Gov. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. 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. The system should be shut down while cleaning or mold removal is performed. Should I use an ozone generator to address an existing mold problem? Environmental Health 904-253-1280 DCHD.Contact@flhealth.gov Fax. Elevated exposure can also occur if people directly handle moldy materials or accidentally eat mold. If the moldy material is not easily cleanable, such as drywall, carpet padding, and insulation, then removal and replacement may be necessary. Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals. These molds are common, and are sometimes referred to as "toxic mold." Who should do the cleanup? Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. For additional information, call DOH-Brevards Environmental Health Office or FDOHs Radon and Indoor Program in central office. There are hundreds of thousands of different types of mold. By using this site, you agree to the If you choose to hire a contractor, consider someone licensed by the State of Florida. There are no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. 850-892-8025 Mailing Address 362 State Hwy 83 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. Without it, mold growth cannot grow. Indoor Air Quality | Florida Department of Health in Orange Home Programs and Services Environmental Health Indoor Air Indoor Air Quality Environmental Health Program 407-858-1497 OrangeEVHPermitApplications@flhealth.gov Fax 407-228-1467 or 407-228-1468 Mailing Address 1001 Executive Center Drive, Suite 200 Orlando, FL 32803 Mold | Florida Department of Health in Volusia Home Programs and Services Environmental Health Mold Mold Florida Department of Health in Volusia County Environmental Health 386-274-0694 chd64webmaster@flhealth.gov Fax 386-274-0698 Mailing Address P.O. The long-term presence of indoor mold may eventually become a problem. They can provide guidance and advice on prevention, identification of mold problems, investigation techniques, clean-up methods . Gloves and safety goggles should be worn during cleaning. There are no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. Did you know 1 in 5 homes in Florida has an elevated radon level? Surgeon General recommends all houses be tested for radon. Remove standing water from your home or office within 24 hours, being cautious about other hazards such as electricity, physical damage to the home or office and animals in the water or home. The Florida Department of Health does not recommend mold testing or sampling to see if you have a mold problem, or to see what kind of mold might be growing. All residents and visitors in Hillsborough County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and . Moisture can come from: Yes and no. Keep your home clean and dry. Where can I obtain additional information? Should bleach or other biocides (disinfectants, sanitizers, or fungicides) be used to kill mold? To learn more about the renewal process, select the type of license you wish to renew from the list of professions below. Who can I call if I suspect that I have a mold problem, or if I want more information on mold? 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. Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals. Should I be worried about mold in my home? Mediate or investigate landlord-tenant, workmans comp and homeowner/insurance company disputes. The easiest way to prevent the mold from gaining a foothold is to control dampness. Persons who clean the mold should be free of symptoms and allergies. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Where can I obtain additional information? Through this program, Sarasota County has a full-time environmental health specialist who provides advice and expertise about how to manage indoor air problems in residences, schools, health care, and public facilities. 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? Exposures increase when indoor moldy materials become dried, damaged, or disturbed, causing spores and other mold cells to be released into the air and then inhaled. Dust mites eat mold and dead human or animal skin scales (flakes) and leave allergenic proteins. 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Suite A116. 239-308-5196. Ozone generators do not need be used. What health problems can be caused by mold? Search areas where you notice mold odors. . Mold only needs a few things to grow and multiply: Many building materials (e.g., wood and sheetrock) provide food that can support mold growth. By using this site, you agree to the Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. Providing technical assistance and advice to the public, county health departments, school districts, and others. More information can be found through U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at cdc.gov/mold/, and the University of Central Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center atfsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/basics/moldgrowth.htm. On the other hand, one should not let mold grow and multiply indoors. It is important to note that Florida Statutes do not require mold cleanup and/or removal. Advice on the health effects of common indoor air pollutants. Mold Assessor (aka Testers) and Remediators, For Advice on Mold Clean-up, please click the following, For more information about mold health effects and issues, please click here (. If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet, which is less than a 3-foot by 3-foot patch, cleanup can be handled yourself. Tiny particles of molds are found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air. How can I be exposed to mold? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is not needed. Consult a licensed air-conditioning or mechanical contractor for additional information. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)https://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/mold/default.htm, Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Floridahttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/TOPIC_Moisture_Mold_and_Mildew. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or . Protective gloves and safety goggles should be worn during cleaning Small areas of mold should be cleaned using detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. One of the most problematic issues for condo associations and property owners is mold. Lee-PIO@FLHealth.gov. Mold in Water-Damaged Buildings. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Mold is virtually everywhere, floating in the air and on all surfaces. Search areas where you notice mold odors, if you smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. A directory of accredited labs can be found by clicking here. Where can I obtain additional information? For additional information, call DOH-Brevard's Environmental Health Office at 321-633-2100 or brevard.ehs@flhealth.gov or the Florida Department of Health's (DOH's) Radon and Indoor Air Program at 800-543-8279. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of radon can cause lung cancer. Focus on . Some strains of Stachybotrys chartarum may produce mycotoxins. When the mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. This program was established to reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants including mold and mildew. PHYSICAL ADDRESS 3339 Tamiami Trail East Suite 145 Naples, FL 34112 Get Directions MAILING ADDRESS P.O. For additional information about the health effects of mold exposure and information on the safe removal of mold, please call your County Health Departments Environmental Health Office, the Florida Department of Health, Radon and Indoor Toxics Program at 1-800-543-8279, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-438-4318. Stachybotrys can be identified only by specially trained professionals through a microscopic exam or by cultures. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. The Board has made every effort to include the information you need to renew your license . Unfortunately, it is thought that most, if not all, heating and air conditioning systems in Florida will support mold growth at some point. JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to display articles. They grow in the natural environment. Consult a licensed air-conditioning or mechanical contractor for additional information. Most radon comes into buildings or homes from the soil and rock beneath it. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. All indoor mold growth should be removed, regardless of type. Viera, FL The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) has a list of Frequently Asked Questions to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold.. How can I tell if there is mold in my home? Ozone generators do not need be used. On the one hand, there will always be mold in your home in the form of spores and pieces of mold cells. Mold Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (305) 293-7500 Mailing Address 1100 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040 Due to the damp conditions fostered by a tropical environment in Florida, mold growth may become an issue in some homes or apartments. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. Water is the key. What health problems can be caused by mold? People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses, and bacteria. 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