by Shane Henson — January 2, 2013—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released information to assist facilities managers of office buildings, schools, and other nonindustrial buildings in preventing unwanted and excessive moisture in buildings.
According to NIOSH, some buildings develop moisture and dampness problems from roof and window leaks, high indoor humidity, and flooding events, among other things. This can lead to the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria; the release of volatile organic compounds; and the breakdown of building materials, which can all pose a hazard to building occupants’ health and lead to costly building repairs.
Research studies have shown that exposure to building dampness and mold have been associated with various respiratory ailments, warns NIOSH, and individuals with asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis may be at risk for progression to more severe disease if the exposure continues.
Through NIOSH’s publication, Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings, FMs can find advice to minimize the likelihood of persistent building dampness and deterioration, and subsequent respiratory problems in exposed occupants. Important tips in the publication include:
- Always respond when occupant health concerns are reported.
- Regularly inspect building areas such as roofs, ceilings, walls, basements, crawl spaces, and slab construction for evidence of dampness, and then take prompt steps to identify and correct the causes of any dampness problems found.
- Conduct regularly scheduled inspections of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and promptly correct any problems.
- Prevent high indoor humidity through the proper design and operation of HVAC systems.
- Dry any porous building materials that have become wet from leaks or flooding within 48 hours.
- Clean and repair or replace any building materials that are moisture damaged or show evidence of visible mold growth.
- Inform occupants that respiratory effects from exposure in damp buildings can occur, and implement a system for response to building dampness and musty or moldy odors, leaks, and flooding incidents.
- Encourage occupants who have developed persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms while working in the building to see a healthcare provider.
- Establish an indoor environmental quality (IEQ) team to oversee implementation of an IEQ program. The IEQ team should consist of a coordinator and representatives of the building employees, employers, and building management. IEQ teams for schools may wish to include nurses, school board officials, and parents.
