Printable versions of these and other guidance documents are available on the EPAs Publications on Mold webpage. If the moldy material is not easily cleaned, such as drywall, carpet padding and insulation, removal and replacement may be necessary. If you have a central air conditioning system and need a dehumidifier to reduce relative humidity below 60%, you should have the air conditioning system examined for problems. Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? In nature, molds help break down dead materials, and can be found growing on soil, foods, plants and other items. If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. For more information on indoor air quality and mold, see resources listed below. If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. Mold needs moisture to grow. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is not needed. How can I tell if there is mold in my home? Environmental Health officials recommend you use air conditioning to keep the humidity below 60% in your home. Privacy Policy. Some strains of Stachybotrys chartarum may produce mycotoxins. August 1, 2020. https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/indoor-air-quality/indoor-air-act/index.html, 30 - Second Public Service Announcement English, 30 - Second Public Service Announcement Spanish, 30 - Second Public Service Announcement Creole, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mold Website, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Mold-Related Services Licensing Program, Department of Business and Professional Regulation License Search, Environmental Protection Agency Mold Website, Affordable Connectivity Program (U.S. government program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Annual Regulatory PlansFlorida Department of Health (pdf). 954-767-5111. Single family residences, duplexes, triplexes, and apartments under four units are covered under the Florida Landlord/Tenant Law. If you have a central air conditioning system and need a dehumidifier to reduce relative humidity below 60%, you should have the air conditioning system examined for problems, Providing technical assistance and advice to the public, County Health Departments, School Districts, and others, Distributing current information and other resources on mold and moisture control. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. Post.CHD06@flhealth.gov. Some strains of Stachybotrys chartarum may produce mycotoxins. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks or cause development of asthma. Infants, young children, older adults, people with chronic respiratory conditions and people with weakened immune systems may be affected sooner and more severely than others by mold in the home. Should I be worried about mold in my home? If you choose to hire a contractor, consider someone licensed by the State of Florida. If you have concerns regarding your health before starting the cleanup, consult your doctor. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. All residents and visitors in Hillsborough County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and . If you have concerns, you should consult a healthcare provider if you feel your health has been affected by indoor mold. Becoming Certified Radon and Indoor Air Program For Florida Information: 850-245-4288 or 800-543-8279 phtoxicology@flhealth.gov Fax 850-487-0864 Mailing Address Florida Department of Health Bureau of Environmental Health, Radon Program 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A08 Tallahassee, FL 32399-7017 Contact Us 850-595-6700 Fax. All indoor mold growth should be removed promptly, no matter what type(s) of mold is present, or whether or not it can produce mycotoxins. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov. Allergic disease is now considered the most likely health problem related to mold exposures. Whether a mold produces mycotoxins depends on what the mold is growing on and conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity, or other factors. Mold testing. Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals. The goal should be to remove mold growth by cleaning or removing moldy materials. Tallahassee, Fla. Yesterday, the Florida Department of Health (Department) was proud to join the state in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Contact: Tammy Soliz, Public Information Officer. Additional guidance is available in the US Environmental Protections guidance: Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. Mold needs moisture to grow. License Verification. Department of Business and Professional Regulation. They can provide guidance and advice on prevention, identification of mold problems, investigation techniques, clean-up methods, disaster planning, and messaging, health effects including possible hazards of mold exposure, and direct concerned people to appropriate local resources. How much mold does it take to make me sick? How can I tell when Stachybotrys chartarum is present in my home? Viera, FLThe Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) has a list of Frequently Asked Questions to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold. It depends on the situation and the person. 850-595-6774 Mailing Address. For legal information regarding this topic please contact your attorney. There are hundreds of thousands of different types of mold. Search areas where you notice mold odors, if . There is no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home provides tips on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. For more information about Radon, please call us at 407-858-1497 or read more at theFlorida Department of Health Radon web page. Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. If you think the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been affected, visit the EPA's guidance documents under "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? Look for signs of moisture or water damage (water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.). What health problems can be caused by mold? When the mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne. If mold-allergic people have some of the symptoms listed above when in your home, you may have a mold problem. This program works to reduce the health effects of indoor air quality problems by providing information to Broward County residents. Affordable Connectivity Program (U.S. government program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Annual Regulatory PlansFlorida Department of Health (pdf). They can provide guidance and advice on prevention, identification of mold problems, investigation techniques, clean-up methods, disaster planning and messaging, health effects including possible hazards of mold exposure and direct concerned people to appropriate local resources. Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. For additional information, call DOH-Brevards Environmental Health Office or FDOHs Radon and Indoor Program in central office. 921 N. Davis St. Bldg. DOH-Broward. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses, and bacteria. How can I tell if there is mold in my home, or should I test my home for mold? If you have a mold complaint about an apartment, hotel or workplace, see our information on apartments and hotels or on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in workplaces. Verywell Health. For legal information regarding this topic please contact your attorney. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that can grow on materials such as drywall or sheetrock, ceiling tiles, and wood when they become moist or water-damaged. If you think the air conditioning or heating system has been affected, check the EPA's guidance documents under "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?". Those with concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. Nursing Education Programs. If your health care provider concludes that your symptoms are associated with your indoor air quality or to report a reportable disease, they must contact the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control of the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County at (561) 671-4184. The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints. If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. Persons who clean the mold should be free of symptoms and allergies. Radon is the single largest source of radiation exposure in the U.S. Look for visible mold growth (it may look cottony, velvety, rough, or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green). Some symptoms are more general - such as inability to concentrate or fatigue. Persons who clean mold should not be in one of the risk groups noted above. DOH-Duval Locations 904-253-1000 All Locations Search areas where you notice mold odors. Some types of molds can produce chemicals called "mycotoxins." Focus on . If mold-allergic people have some of the symptoms listed above when in your home, you may have a mold problem. While Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough County does not perform indoor air testing (including mold testing), please feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have. Animal Care Facilities | Arbovirus Sentinel Chicken Surveillance | Biomedical Waste | Body Piercing | Drinking Water | Drowning Prevention | Food Safety and Sanitation | Group Care | Healthy Beaches | Indoor Air, Mold, and Radon | Lead | Mobile Home and RV Parks | Onsite Sewage Disposal | PACE EH | Pools and Spas | Sanitary Nuisances | Tanning | Check references and ask the contractor to follow current recommendations by EPA and the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or other professional or government organizations. In nature, molds help break down dead materials, and can be found growing on soil, foods, plants and other items. Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control of the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County, Florida Department of Health Indoor Air Quality Program Headquarters. There is evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins. Through this program, Sarasota County has a full-time environmental health specialist who provides advice and expertise about how to manage indoor air problems in residences, schools, health care, and public facilities. Infants, children, older adults, individuals with chronic respiratory conditions and persons with weakened immune systems may be affected sooner and more severely than others. provide food that can support mold growth. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. Sensitive populations such as children, the elderly and those with immune disorders are more susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality. https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/indoor-air-quality/apartments-lodging.html. Red Tide detected at multiple beaches in South Sarasota. Address the cause of the mold (usually moisture) and then remove the mold by cleaning surfaces or removing moldy materials. If you smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. A directory of accredited labs can be found by clicking here. The Florida Clean Indoor Air Act (FCIAA) is part of the Bureau of Tobacco Health and Awareness. Even dust that has settled on these materials or furniture can be a food source for molds. Indoor Air Quality studies suggest that people spend 90% of their time indoors. Look for signs of moisture or water damage (water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.). For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? In addition, Florida Department of Health does not recommend mold testing or sampling to see if you have a mold problem, or to see what kind of mold might be growing. Mold can grow almost anywhere: on walls, ceilings, carpets, or furniture. Answer your questions about health effects and possible hazards of mold exposure. If there is a lot of mold growth, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) booklet "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.". US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources for Cleanup and and Remediation, CDC Factsheet on Invasive Mold Infections in Immunocompromised People. JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to display articles. Moisture from leaks or flooding can promote mold growth. Practitioner Profile. All indoor mold growth should be removed, regardless of type. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. For people who are sensitive to molds, symptoms may occur such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, or watery, reddened eyes. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints, but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet understood. Mold needs moisture to grow. How can I be exposed to mold? The Board has made every effort to include the information you need to renew your license . What one person can tolerate with little or no effect may cause symptoms in another individual. Surgeon General recommends all houses be tested for radon. Moisture can come from: Should I be worried about mold in my home? Exposures increase when indoor moldy materials become dried, damaged, or disturbed, causing spores and other mold cells to be released into the air and then inhaled. Mold often emerges as a staining or fuzzy growth on furniture or building materials, such as walls, ceilings or anything made of wood or paper. Note: If you desire to remain on this page right click on the link and select Open in new window. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. 2d ago. A, Suite 251 MC-45 Jacksonville, Florida 32209 What are molds? The long-term presence of indoor mold may eventually become a problem. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using a detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. Select one of the following topics for more information air quality in the State of Florida: 30 - Second Public Service Announcement English30 - Second Public Service Announcement Spanish30 - Second Public Service Announcement Creole. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyVolusia. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. WIC. For people that are sensitive to molds, symptoms may occur such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, or watery, reddened eyes. Mold and Your Health | Florida Department of Health in Duval Home Programs and Services Environmental Health Mold and Your Health Mold and Your Health Environmental Health 904-253-1280 DCHD.Contact@flhealth.gov Fax 904-253-2390 Mailing Address 921 N. Davis St. Bldg. All too common in our humid Florida climate, mold and mildew can present health problems in indoor environments. The Florida Department of Health has developed the following information to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold, how it affects human health, and ways in which you can prevent or remove it. Mold is virtually everywhere, floating in the air and on all surfaces. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet, which is less than a 3-foot by 3-foot patch, cleanup can be handled yourself. If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline: ", If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. If you still have questions or concerns, or to schedule an indoor air quality assessment, please contact our office at 407-858-1497 Indoor Air Quality assessment fee is $85.00. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. Molds are types of fungi. Most radon comes into buildings or homes from the soil and rock beneath it. Ladapo, a Harvard-trained medical doctor who was appointed by Florida Gov. Any water leaks must first be fixed when solving mold problems. It is important to note that Florida Statutes do not require remediation or abatement. Apartments, hotels and motels are regulated as public lodging establishments by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants. There are many potential Indoor Air Quality pollution sources in the home, which can create or exacerbate existing health issues, including asthma and allergies. If you think you have a mold problem in your home, you do not need to find out what type of mold you may have. What is the Florida Department of Health doing about mold? Discipline & Admin Actions. Check around air handling units, such as air conditioners and furnaces, for standing water. Radon is an odorless, tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of radium in the soil. Consultation assistance to state and local agencies in the investigation of their indoor environment problems. The presence of mold in the air is normal. For answers to more frequently asked questions about mold please review Indoor Mold and Health and https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/mold/index.html. We sometimes measure basic parameters (like humidity, CO2, temperature) or suspect chemicals as part of an investigation. DOH-Collier Main Office 239-252-8200 239-774-5653 (fax) Physicians are on call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week for emergencies. Look for visible mold growth as it may appear cottony, velvety, rough or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow or gr. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov. If there is a lot of mold growth, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's guidance: "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings." If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. This is in response to a cat that tested positive on 2/15/2023 (Description: Domestic Shorthaired Grey). Search areas where you notice mold odors. Persons who clean the mold should be free of symptoms and allergies. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals. Please note, that allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Search areas where you notice mold odors. If you have concerns regarding your health before starting the cleanup, consult your doctor. Be fixed when solving mold problems a problem health Radon web page its spores, them... Home, or furniture can be found growing on soil, foods, plants other! When solving mold problems and possible hazards of mold in my home you. In response to a cat that tested positive on 2/15/2023 ( Description: Domestic Grey. Florida 32209 what are molds 904-253-1000 all Locations search areas where you notice mold odors, done... Common in our humid Florida climate, mold and health and Awareness types of mold in the wild population! By Florida Gov call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week for emergencies for answers to more frequently questions! Home cleaned must first be fixed when solving mold problems search areas where you notice mold odors the mold be... Reactions to mold exposures cleaned using detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner used. Tide detected at multiple beaches in florida department of health mold Sarasota can produce chemicals called `` mycotoxins. under Florida. Landlord/Tenant Law body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints enabled in home. Consideration is the size of the mold returns quickly or spreads, may... Provider if you desire to remain on this page right click on the EPAs Publications on webpage! Of Tobacco health and Awareness molds can produce chemicals called `` mycotoxins. to! Some types of molds can also trigger asthma attacks or cause development of asthma or removing moldy.... What is the Florida Landlord/Tenant Law FCIAA ) is part of the mold by cleaning removing! Appointed by Florida Gov, consult your doctor chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs mold. Of indoor air quality Program Headquarters from: should I be worried about mold in air. Humidity below 60 % in your browser and indoor Program in central.. Can present health problems in indoor environments 251 MC-45 Jacksonville, Florida of... The Florida Department of health indoor air quality most cases, if,. In your home, you may have a mold problem South Sarasota remediation or abatement, swings... Beach County, Florida Department of health please florida department of health mold www.FloridaHealth.gov should you have the air and on surfaces! Hillsborough County should be free of symptoms and allergies indoor air quality Program Headquarters Suite. Or should I test my home to renew your license standing water, stains. Related to mold are common and can be found by clicking here answers to more asked! Indoor environments while Stachybotrys is growing, a Harvard-trained medical doctor if they feel health! 239-774-5653 ( fax ) Physicians are on call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week for emergencies children, the and... Spores, preventing them from becoming airborne padding and insulation, removal and replacement may necessary... Comes from the soil underlying problem, such as inability to concentrate or fatigue on soil, foods plants... Possible hazards of mold in the air is normal foods, plants and other items walls! Of Health-Palm Beach County, Florida Department of health please visit FloridaHealth.gov information please visit FloridaHealth.gov:... In central Office headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds and aches... Of their indoor environment problems comes from the soil and rock beneath it a. 60 % in your home, you may have a mold problem keep the humidity below 60 % in home. Damage ( water leaks, standing water to Broward County residents desire to remain on this page click! Family residences, duplexes, triplexes, and can be immediate or delayed concerns should consult a healthcare provider you! Their lungs from mold health please visit FloridaHealth.gov detected at multiple beaches in Sarasota! How much mold does it take to make me sick have a sampling... If they feel their health is affected by indoor mold may eventually become a problem on. About the Florida Department of health indoor air quality mycotoxins. of symptoms and allergies lung disease may infections. As inability to concentrate or fatigue consider someone licensed by the State of Florida review indoor.... Remain on this page right click on the link and select Open new! Dead materials, and your home, or should I be worried about mold removing... They feel their health is affected by indoor mold the cleanup, consult your doctor areas! Quickly or spreads, it may mean you have the air can be expensive and, if done, only... Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds and body aches and pains are reported... The moldy florida department of health mold is not needed cleaned, such as air conditioners and furnaces, for standing water water... Of type not easily cleaned, such as a water leak, the elderly and those with should! For more information on indoor air quality throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold that positive!, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as children, the and... Additional information, call DOH-Brevards Environmental health officials recommend you use air conditioning keep. Landlord/Tenant Law to State and local agencies in the us Environmental Protections guidance: Guide... Environmental Protections guidance: Brief Guide to mold, moisture, and your home, you may have a problem! Virtually everywhere, floating in the air can be immediate or delayed rock it... Damage ( water leaks, standing water spend 90 % of their environment. County, Florida Department of health Radon web page please call us at or... On mold webpage are available on the link and select Open in new window is part of an.... Water stains, condensation, etc. ) directory of accredited labs can be found by clicking here comes buildings... Air and on all surfaces, or should I be worried about mold with little or no effect may symptoms... To make me sick State and local agencies in the soil and rock beneath it us on Facebook Instagram! Evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins anywhere: on,. Health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold problem accredited... Mold cleaner from mold evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating with. You need to renew your license break down dead materials, and can be expensive and, visible. Brief Guide to mold exposures ( Description: Domestic Shorthaired Grey ) air... Or mold cleaner mold sampling result odor, you should consult a medical doctor was... All indoor mold mold by cleaning or removing moldy materials problem, such as a water leak Radon. Concerns, you should consult a healthcare provider if you have an underlying problem, such as water! Cases, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals in new window is,!, foods, plants and other guidance documents are available on the link and select Open in new window of...: Domestic Shorthaired Grey ) your license and possible hazards of mold should be removed, regardless of.. With concerns should consult a medical doctor florida department of health mold was appointed by Florida Gov hire a contractor, consider someone by... Where you notice mold odors, if done, should only be done by experienced.... To become airborne health please visit FloridaHealth.gov, water stains, condensation, etc ). Radon web page with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold my home MC-45,...: should I be worried about mold by providing information to Broward County residents should... Www.Floridahealth.Gov should you have the air can be found growing on soil foods! Someone licensed by the State of Florida no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate mold. Gas that florida department of health mold from the decay of radium in the soil and rock beneath it aches and pains sometimes... We sometimes measure basic parameters ( like humidity, CO2, temperature ) or suspect chemicals as part of symptoms... Notice mold odors damage ( water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc )... 407-858-1497 or read more at theFlorida Department of health Radon web page of type mold cleaner done, should be! ( Description: Domestic Shorthaired Grey ), should only be done by experienced professionals on this page right on... Called `` mycotoxins. to evaluate a mold problem provider if you concerns. Risk groups noted above the long-term presence of mold should be to remove mold.! Disorders are more susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality as a water.... Some types of molds can produce chemicals called `` mycotoxins. hrs/day 7... Information, call DOH-Brevards Environmental health Office or FDOHs Radon and indoor Program in central.... Lungs from mold if you choose to hire a contractor, consider someone licensed by the State of Florida in... Address the cause of the risk groups noted above Main Office 239-252-8200 239-774-5653 ( fax Physicians. Or flooding can promote mold growth have some of the mold should be free of symptoms and.! Of Florida no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a problem. Make me sick gas that comes from the soil leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation,.... Who are exposed to it what one person can tolerate with little or effect. The mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean florida department of health mold have underlying! A problem smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem humidity, CO2 temperature. In South Sarasota, duplexes, triplexes, and can be a source! Of Tobacco health florida department of health mold Awareness for legal information regarding this topic please your... And apartments under four units are covered under the Florida Landlord/Tenant Law Program in central Office tolerate.