By Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Contact:Environmental Health (321) 633-2100. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier to reduce the indoor humidity levels below 60%. Mold is virtually everywhere, floating in the air and on all surfaces. Address the cause of the mold (usually moisture) and then remove the mold by cleaning surfaces or removing moldy materials. 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. Where can I obtain additional information? Single family residences, duplexes, triplexes, and apartments under four units are covered under the Florida Landlord/Tenant Law. Infants, children, older adults, individuals with chronic respiratory conditions and persons with weakened immune systems may be affected sooner and more severely than others. For legal information regarding this topic please contact your attorney. Where can I obtain additional information? 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. If using a portable generator to power air conditioners, dehumidifiers or other equipment, appliances or tools. 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 green. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. If you still interested in personal testing for mold, it is recommended you use an AIHA/EMLAP-accredited lab. Box 429 Naples, FL 34106 Email Address Info.DOHCollier@flhealth.gov HOURS OF OPERATION General Business Hours: 8am - 5pm Dry out or remove wet building materials and carpets within 24 hours. It is important to note that Florida Statutes do not require mold cleanup and/or removal. 954-767-5111. Protective gloves and safety goggles should be worn during cleaning Small areas of mold should be cleaned using detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. More information on mold can be found through U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the University of Central Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, or the Florida Department of Health Indoor Air webpages. Where can I obtain additional information on the Internet? . Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser. How Should Mold Be Cleaned? When this happens, your level of exposure can increase, thereby increasing the risk of potential health problems. All indoor mold growth should be removed, regardless of type.How can I prevent mold growth? The toxic effects of certain molds are not well understood, and are currently a controversial topic in the medical and scientific community. Dust mites reduce allergen production at these lower humidity levels. Viera, FL The 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.. How can I tell if there is mold in my home? Mold can have serious health concerns, in addition to the damage it can cause to a unit and to a building. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. Mold can grow almost anywhere: on walls, ceilings, carpets, or furniture. Do not mix bleach with ammonia cleaners or acids, because a dangerous chlorine gas may be formed.Should I use an ozone generator to address an existing mold problem? Environmental Health officials recommend you use air conditioning to keep the humidity below 60% in your home. No. For more information on mold assessors and mold remediators, please visit the DBPR Mold-Related Services Licensing Program website. Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Environmental Public Health CHD50contactus@flhealth.gov 561-837-5900 Mailing Location 800 Clematis St. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Indoor Air Quality studies suggest that people spend 90% of their time indoors. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @HealthyFla. What is the Florida Department of Health doing about mold? 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 visible mold growth (it may look cottony, velvety, rough, or leathery and have different colors like white, gray, brown, black, yellow, or green). You may also verify a mold assessor or mold remediator license by selecting "Mold-Related Services" from the License Category dropdown on the DBPR License Search website. For legal information regarding this topic please contact your attorney. Medical Marijuana Qualified Physician. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using a detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. 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. The agency employs more than 17,000 persons. Tiny particles of molds are found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air. By using this site, you agree to the
Stachybotrys can be identified only by specially trained professionals through a microscopic exam or by cultures. 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. 921 N. Davis St. Bldg. Mold Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (305) 293-7500 Mailing Address 1100 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040 Due to the damp conditions fostered by a tropical environment in Florida, mold growth may become an issue in some homes or apartments. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. 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. How can I tell if there is mold in my home? Indoor Air Quality studies suggest that people spend 90% of their time indoors. A statement on "Building Dampness, Mold, and Health"(PDF, 682 KB) from the California Department of Public Health details our concerns and hopefully will increase your awareness of the adverse health effects of this hazardous condition. On the other hand, one should not let mold grow and multiply indoors. 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. Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Practitioner Profile. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay fever-like symptoms. Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. If the moldy material is not easily cleanable, such as drywall, carpet padding, and insulation, then removal and replacement may be necessary. On the other hand, one should not let mold grow and multiply indoors. Those with special health concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. It is important to note that Florida Statutes do not require remediation or abatement. How can I tell if there is mold in my home, or should I test my home for mold? 954-467-4700. Dust mites are microscopic animals related to spiders, ticks, and other mites. Mold needs moisture to grow. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. We sometimes measure basic parameters (like humidity, CO2, temperature) or suspect chemicals as part of an investigation. There is evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins. It depends on the situation and the person. By using this site, you agree to the
https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/indoor-air-quality/apartments-lodging.html. When the mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne. What is the Florida Department of Health doing about mold? Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Privacy Policy. Note: If you desire to remain on this page right click on the link and select Open in new window. Unfortunately, it is thought that most, if not all, heating and air conditioning systems in Florida will support mold growth at some point. Yes and no. The Division of Environmental Public Health is the focal point of the Palm Beach County Health Department's effort to protect you and your family from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals, wastes, disease vectors, safety hazards, natural disasters, and contaminated air, food, and water. For their size, children breathe up to twice as much air as adults, and are therefore at higher risk for health problems. 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. "Although written about schools and commercial buildings, this document also helps address mold in other building types. Where can I obtain additional information on the Internet? Ideally, yes. 850-595-6774 Mailing Address. There are no health- or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's ", If you think the heating or air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, read the EPA's guide ". 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, please visit the Florida Department of Health's website on mold. If you have a problem or complaint regarding any issue including sanitation and safety with these types of establishments, contact DBPR. It depends on the situation and the person. All indoor mold growth should be removed, regardless of type. Advice on the health effects of common indoor air pollutants. Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control of the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County, Florida Department of Health Indoor Air Quality Program Headquarters. Radium is a decay product of uranium, which is present in almost all rocks and soil. Providing information and other resources on mold and moisture control. There is evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins. As with other types of mold, at higher levels adverse health effects may occur. Provide mold prevention advice into public message and disaster response plans. Some types of molds can produce chemicals called "mycotoxins." Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. The Radon and Indoor Air Program is part of the Public Health Toxicology Section, Bureau of Environmental Health, and the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov. Water is the key. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of radon can cause lung cancer. New Licensed Health Care Practitioners and Facilities. Persons who clean the mold should be free of symptoms and allergies. 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). How can I tell if there is mold in my home? Molds can grow almost anywhere there is enough moisture or high humidity. Who should do the cleanup? Tallahassee, Fla. Yesterday, the Florida Department of Health (Department) was proud to join the state in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Dry out wet building materials and carpets within 24 hours. Ozone generators do not need be used. 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. However, if there has been a lot of water damage and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA booklet referenced above. Air duct cleaners are required to hold an air conditioning contractor or mechanical contractor's license through the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board. All too common in our humid Florida climate, mold and mildew can present health problems in indoor environments. Refugee Health Services have relocated to 1743 Park Center Drive, 4th floor, Orlando, FL 32835. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth, because all molds require water to grow. The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County provides consultative-type services to the community regarding indoor air and mold problems. There are no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. website. How much mold does it take to make me sick? People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. Look for signs of moisture or water damage, such as water leaks, standing water, water stains and condensation. Check around air handling units (air conditioners, furnaces) for standing water. What is the Florida Department of Health doing about mold? Check around air handling units (air conditioners, furnaces) for standing water. Water is the key. Keep your home clean and dry. 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. How can I be exposed to mold? If the moldy material is not easily cleanable, such as drywall, carpet padding and insulation, then removal and replacement may be necessary.Should bleach or other biocides (disinfectants, sanitizers, or fungicides) be used to kill mold? Persons who clean the mold should be free of symptoms and allergies. 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. You may also contact The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association online or call themat 407-841-8310. Gloves and safety goggles should be worn during cleaning. If you choose to hire a contractor, consider someone licensed by the State of Florida. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County Indoor Air Program is here to assist you by: If you suspect that you have a mold problem or would like more information, please call us at: 407-858-1497. 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