www mould com au Library Mould Remediation Dr

www. mould. com. au Library Mould Remediation Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp Dr Peter Kemp 34 th Annual IAMSLIC Conference September 14 -18, 2008 Suva, Fiji

Background Mould Ecology & Health Effects n Case Study: Library Mould Remediation n Books in Law & General section showing signs of visible mould Combination of problems n n HVAC System Cleaning maintenance Inoculum Remediation steps

Basics of Fungal Ecology

Fungi / Mould / Yeasts n Ubiquitous n Very durable in water and air n Affect our health as Allergens n Pathogens n Toxins n

Morphological Classification of Fungi n Filamentous n Yeast (Mould) (Budding Cells) n Dimorphic (Both)

MICROSCOPIC FUNGI ASPERGILLUS www. mould. com. au

ASPERGILLUS www. mould. com. au

ASPERGILLUS

ASPERGILLUS www. mould. com. au

Fungal Hyphae (Microscopic)

Large Fruiting bodies – Mushrooms & Toadstools

Adverse Health effects of Fungi Allergens Pathogens Toxins Alternaria spp. Aspergillus spp. Fusarium spp.

Exposure and Disease n Inhalation of conidia, spores, hyphae, cell wall components, mycotoxins, MVOCs. n Contact by conidia, spores, hyphae, cell wall components, mycotoxins, MVOCs. n Ingestion/Swallowing of conidia, spores, hyphae, mycotoxins.

www. mould. net. au

Mycotoxin Symptoms n n n n n Fatigue Nausea Headaches Respiratory Irritation Eye Irritation Discomfort Inability To Concentrate Dermatitis Behavioral Changes

Health and Indoor Mould exposure from mould growth indoors outdoors background exposure from all sources and agents individual’s health and genetics Baseline health status Effect of indoor exposure Final health status

HEALTH SYMPTOMS RELATED TO MOULD DAMAGE n n n n Discomfort Eye irritation Runny nose Sneezing Coughing Nausea/Diarrhoea Headaches Fatigue n n n n Inability to concentrate Constriction of air passages Skin irritations Congestion Shortness of breath Wheezing Aggravation of asthma

PRESCRIBED ILLNESSES & DUTY OF CARE Infants less that 12 months old, and children less than 2 years old People with compromised immune systems People with chronic inflammatory lung disease such as: n n n n Asthma Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and Sever allergies People recovery from recent surgery Elderly

www. mould. com. au Case Study Library Mould Remediation

Initial inspection n HVAC n n n Fresh air pre-filters too close to inlets Electrostatic filters not cleaned Filter bench n n n extremely soiled moist towards core by passing

Initial inspection n HVAC n n Standing water on drip trays Nodules on cooling coils Chiller pipes lagging & mouldy Fan ducts, chamber & blades mouldy

Causes for mould on books High frequency of handling 1. • Body fats & oils on hands Elevated moisture in storage area Inoculum from HVAC Ping pong effect 2. 3. 4. • Mould on books dispersed into return air & into HVAC system

Mould Remediation Steps Properly restore HVAC system n Restorative cleaning to library book shelves and books n Maintenance plan for HVAC & Cleaning of library n Environmental controls in library n

HEPA Vac Damp wipe n All sides of books n All shelves HEPA filters n 80% vinegar n 20% water n Micro-fibre cloths n

PPE n n n Non-breathable overalls Respirators P 3 with charcoal Gloves Eye protection 2 bucket system Water bucket Vinegar bucket n n

HVAC Recommendations n n 6 monthly filter change Yearly coil clean n n High pressure washing & wet vacuuming of fins Regular check of ducts Seal bypass Protect pre-filters n n n Non-corrosive cleaning Avoid standing water in drip trays Upgrade efficiency grade of filters

Library Recommendations n Carpet cleaning regime n n n Higher frequency in high traffic areas HEPA vacuum with power head (rotating brush) Procedures for mouldy returned books n n Isolate & immediate restoration HEPA vac 6 sides Micro-fibre treatment with MCS Return to shelf

Australian Mould Guideline AMG-2005 -1 Editors Dr Peter Kemp & Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp Mycologia Australia Pty Ltd First Edition March 2005

19 TH INTERNATIONAL CLEAN AIR AND ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE 6 -9 September, 2009 Perth, Western Australia The 19 th International Clean Air and Environment Conference will be held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre from 6 -9 September, 2009. The theme is: Air Quality and Economic Growth – Challenges and solutions. : http: //www. iceaustralia. com/casanz 2009/