EPA Information on Disposal of Moldy Furniture 3-12-2024.docx

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· About EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mold CONTACT US Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide: Chapter 4 | US EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide: Chapter 4 Table 1 The content on this web page is based on the publication Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings[EPA 402-K-01-001, Reprinted September 2008]. Updates have been made to some resources and links.

In This Guide:

· Guidance Introduction

· Mold Prevention

· Investigating, Evaluating & Remediating Moisture & Mold Problems

· Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention

· Table 2: Mold Remediation Guidelines

· Checklist for Mold Remediation

· Resources List

· Appendix A: Glossary, References, Acknowledgements

· Appendix B: Introduction to Molds

· Appendix C: Communicating with Building Occupants Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention Table 1 presents strategies to respond to water damage within 24-48 hours. These guidelines are designed to help avoid the need for remediation of mold growth by taking quick action before growth starts. If mold growth is found on the materials listed in Table 1, refer to Table 2 for guidance on remediation. Depending on the size of the area involved and resources available, professional assistance may be needed to dry an area quickly and thoroughly.

PDF Version of this Table

· Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals.

· Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.

· Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier.

· Accelerate drying process with fans.

· Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.

· Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry underflooring if necessary.

· Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.

· May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage professional who specializes in furniture.

· Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible.

· Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to dry.

· Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying.

* If mold growth has occurred or materials have been wet for more than 48 hours, consult Table 2 guidelines. Even if materials are dried within 48 hours, mold growth may have occurred. Items may be tested by professionals if there is doubt. Note that mold growth will not always occur after 48 hours; this is only a guideline.

These guidelines are for damage caused by clean water. If you know or suspect that the water source is contaminated with sewage, or chemical or biological pollutants, then Personal Protective Equipment and containment are required by OSHA. An experienced professional should be consulted if you and/or your remediators do not have expertise remediating in contaminated water situations. Do not use fans before determining that the water is clean or sanitary.

† If a particular item(s) has high monetary or sentimental value, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage specialist.

§ The subfloor under the carpet or other flooring material must also be cleaned and dried. See the appropriate section of this table for recommended actions depending on the composition of the subfloor.