Mold Information
Mold, mildew, and fungus are caused by a combination of warm temperatures and excess moisture. The Building Code does not speak directly to mold, mildew, and fungus. In some cases, the conditions that contribute to excess moisture may be code related. Examples of this would be leaking plumbing or a leaking roof. Once the cause of excess moisture is corrected, the Building Code is silent on the need to clean or remove any remaining mold, mildew, or fungus.
The following web sites contain additional information on this topic:
- American Society for Testing and Materials: Building Science Concepts on Moisture - "Moisture Analysis and Condensation Control in Building Envelopes - MNL40." 2001, ASTM. West Conshohoken, PA.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA, 30333
- EPA: Mold Resources - EPA's Mold Resources, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation Indoor Environments Division, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Mail Code: 6609J, Washington, DC 20460
- New York City Department of Health - "Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments."
- University of Minnesota - Environmental Health and Safety, Fungal Abatement Safe Operating Procedure, Glossary, Hidden Fungi in Buildings, Investigation/Interpretation of Results, Links, Managing Water Infiltration, Pictures, References.
- NAHB Research Center - The Research Center has excellent information on this and related construction topics. For their current information on mold, click on "Moisture and Leaks."
- National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies - This site is dedicated to the mold issue and includes comprehensive information.
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