Mold in the workplace
July 24, 2016
Mold exposure can have serious health consequences. “Research studies have shown that exposures to building dampness and mold have been associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rhinosinusitis, bronchitis and respiratory infections,” states an alert from NIOSH.
If your workplace is located in an area with high humidity levels, is susceptible to water leaks or dampness, or has recently been flooded, pay attention for signs of mold.
Supervisors and managers should always respond to employees who report health concerns, and a response system for reports of moldy odors, dampness and leaks, and building-related respiratory symptoms or diseases should be in place.
For building owners, managers and supervisors, NIOSH offers a number of tips, including:
- Regularly inspect your building’s HVAC systems for problems. If problems are detected, make sure to fix them immediately.
- Clean or replace any building material that shows signs of water damage or mold growth.
- Encourage workers who suspect they may be experiencing respiratory symptoms due to mold exposure to see their health care provider.
- Create an Indoor Environmental Quality Team and program. NIOSH notes that the team should include a “coordinator and representatives of the building employees, employers and building management.”
- For workers, notify your supervisor immediately if you detect any signs of flooding, dampness, musty odors or ventilation problems in your work area.
- If you believe your workplace is causing you to experience respiratory issues, visit your health care provider. Let your employer know if your doctor recommends you relocate to another work area.
- Familiarize yourself with your company’s Indoor Environmental Quality program.
- If your workplace doesn’t have one, NIOSH is clear: “Strive for one to be established.”
For more detailed recommendations from NIOSH on how to keep your workplace free from mold, go to http://sh-m.ag/29HkLt0.
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Molds are fungi that are found everywhere – both indoors and outdoors all year round. The terms fungi and mold are often used interchangeably, but mold is actually a type of fungi. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of adverse health effects. There are many thousands of species of mold and most if not all of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. It seems likely to grow and become a problem only when there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness.
Molds produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne. They can also produce toxic agents known as mycotoxins. Spores and mycotoxins can have negative effects on human health. For those people who are affected by mold exposures there can be a wide variation in how they react. People at greatest risk of health effects are individuals with allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other respiratory conditions, as well as infants and children, elderly people, and pregnant women. In addition, individuals with a weakened immune system are at risk.
Mold is addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, and the construction industry.
How do I find out about employer responsibilities and workers' rights?
Workers have a right to a safe workplace. The law requires employers to provide their employees with safe and healthful workplaces. The OSHA law also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under the law (including the right to raise a health and safety concern or report an injury). For more information see www.whistleblowers.gov or Workers' rights under the OSH Act.
OSHA can help answer questions or concerns from employers and workers. To reach your regional or area OSHA office, go to the OSHA Offices by State webpage or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
Small businesses may contact OSHA's free On-site Consultation services funded by OSHA to help determine whether there are hazards at their worksites. To contact free consultation services, go to OSHA's On-site Consultation webpage or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) and press number 4.
Workers may file a complaint to have OSHA inspect their workplace if they believe that their employer is not following OSHA standards or that there are serious hazards. Workers can file a complaint with OSHA by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), online via eComplaint Form, or by printing the complaint form and mailing or faxing it to the local OSHA area office. Complaints that are signed by a worker are more likely to result in an inspection.
If you think your job is unsafe or if you have questions, contact OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Your contact will be kept confidential. We can help. For other valuable worker protection information, such as Workers' Rights, Employer Responsibilities, and other services OSHA offers, visit OSHA's Workers' page.