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4.4 Page 18 <br /> L „,,.i <br /> the source of the agent to the individual and the dust or chemical must be present in a form <br /> that can gain entry to the body. <br /> Mold particles,like other dust particles, are not capable of moving through solid objects. <br /> Exposure to mycotoxins also requires a physical pathway from the mold source to the <br /> individual's environment because mycotoxins are not volatile chemicals. This means that a <br /> gas or vapor of mycotoxins is not created. These compounds remain associated with dust or <br /> mold particles on surfaces and are not released into the air through evaporation under normal <br /> conditions.Also, mycotoxins may not be present at all since their production depends on <br /> environmental conditions such as food source,temperature, and moisture availability. <br /> Industrial hygiene sampling should be conducted in a way that is relevant to the exposure <br /> route for individuals in a particular environment. For molds in the indoor environment,the <br /> important exposure route(for mold dust and any mycotoxins contained in the dust)is <br /> inhalation.The industrial hygiene air sampling used to estimate the airborne concentrations of <br /> mold spores and mold particles is the spore trap(or non-viable or non-cultured)air sampling <br /> method. Dermal(skin) contact is possible but is of secondary importance because skin is an <br /> effective barrier against mold particles. Ingestion of a sufficient quantity of mold from air to <br /> cause adverse effects is highly unlikely in indoor environments. Thus, air samples are <br /> collected to estimate the potential inhalation exposure to mold particles. <br /> C. The mere presence of any material,including mold,does not mean that exposure <br /> has occurred or will occur and does not allow conclusions as to the air <br /> concentration of material that would be associated with a given disease outcome. <br /> Surface samples(culturable fungi and bacteria swab samples,non-cultured tape samples) <br /> were collected from the premises of Indian River County Fire Stations 1 and 7 on 3/31/15, <br /> and Fire Stations 10 and 11 on 4/1/15 by Engineering Systems, Inc. and AMEC Environment <br /> &Infrastructure, Inc. <br /> The mere presence of any material does not mean that exposure has occurred or will <br /> occur.23 The finding of visible mold cannot be used to implicate mold as a substantial factor <br /> contributing to the occupants' illness or complaints. It cannot be used as an estimator of actual <br /> exposure and does not allow conclusions as to the air concentration of material that would be <br /> associated with a given disease outcome.24 Due to variability in surface sampling results and <br /> poor correlations with inhalation exposure, surface concentrations of mold cannot be used to <br /> indicate unhealthy conditions 25 Results of surface mold sampling(such as swab samples and <br /> tape lifts)may indicate the presence of mold,but do not help to characterize the exposure of <br /> the building occupants. There is no way to predict what, if any, airborne concentration will <br /> result from surfaces found to have mold growth or settled mold spores(out of the air)on <br /> them.26 <br /> AIHA.(2004).Assessment,Remediation,and Post-Remediation Verification of Mold in Buildings.American <br /> Industrial Hygiene Association,Fairfax,VA. <br /> 24 Macher,J.et al. (1999).Bioaerosols:Assessment and Control.ACGIH,Cincinnati,OH. <br /> 25 Martyny,J.W.et al. (1999). Source sampling.In(Macher,J.),American Conference of Governmental <br /> Industrial Hygienists,Cincinnati,OH. <br /> 26 Macher,J.et al. (1999).loc. cit. <br /> 60 <br />