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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

CDPH Statement on Building Dampness, Mold, and Health

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

CDPH Statement on Building Dampness, Mold, and Health

CDPH has updated its "Statement on Building Dampness, Mold, and Health," (2011) to state:

  • CDPH has concluded that the presence of water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor in schools, workplaces, residences, and other indoor environments is unhealthy. 
  • We recommend against measuring indoor microorganisms or using the presence of specific microorganisms to determine the level of health hazard or the need for urgent remediation. Rather, we strongly recommend addressing water damage, dampness, visible mold, and mold odor by 

a) identification and correction of the source of water that may allow microbial growth or contribute to other problems,

b) the rapid drying or removal of damp materials, and

c) the cleaning or removal of mold and moldy materials, as rapidly and safely as possible, to protect the health and well-being of building occupants, especially children."

CDPH's position is based on the current consensus among scientists and medical experts (cited in the Statement) that

  • Visible water damage, damp materials, visible mold, and mold odor indicate an increased risk of respiratory disease.
  • The traditional methods used to measure mold exposure do not reliably predict health risks.
  • The differentiation of some molds as "toxic molds" that are especially hazardous to healthy individuals is not justified by available evidence.
  • The most important steps in dealing with indoor dampness or mold are to identify the source of moisture and take the necessary steps to make repairs to stop them, dry or remove damp materials, and clean or remove moldy materials.

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