Search areas where you notice mold odors, if you smell an earthy or musty odor, you may have a mold problem. 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. Stachybotrys can be identified only by specially trained professionals through a microscopic exam or by cultures. Mold | Florida Department of Health in Indian River Home Programs and Services Environmental Health Indoor Air Mold Mold Environmental Health 772-794-7440 zzzzFB_CHD31EH@flhealth.gov Fax 772-794-7447 Mailing Address 1900 27th Street Vero Beach, FL 32960 Can mold make me sick? Privacy Policy. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for licensing mold assessors and remediators. Using bleach or other disinfectants on surfaces after mold removal may be needed where people are thought to be susceptible to fungal infections (such as a person with immune system problems). 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 If you choose to hire a contractor, consider someone licensed by the State of Florida. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2022 Contact: Tammy Soliz, Public Information OfficerLee-PIO@FLHealth.gov (239) 896-8035. Please note, that allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. The 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. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov. Mold can cause many health effects. The presence of mold in the air is normal. Any water leaks must first be fixed when solving mold problems. Direct concerned people to the appropriate local resources or to the Florida Department of Health's Indoor Air Program staff. 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. 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. Typically, indoor air levels of Stachybotrys are low. 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. JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to display articles, Florida Department of Business and Professional, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? Many molds are black but are not Stachybotrys. For their size, children breathe up to twice as much air as adults, and are therefore at higher risk for health problems. Who can I call if I suspect that I have a mold problem, or if I want more information on mold? Those with special health concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. This program was established to reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants including mold and mildew. Ladapo, a Harvard-trained medical doctor who was appointed by Florida Gov. Sampling for mold in the air can be expensive and, if done, should only be done by experienced professionals. We sometimes measure basic parameters (like humidity, CO2, temperature) or suspect chemicals as part of an investigation. Providing information and other resources on mold and moisture control. Whom can I call if I suspect that I have a mold problem, or if I want more information on mold? Mold can have serious health concerns, in addition to the damage it can cause to a unit and to a building. The 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 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. Unfortunately, it is thought that most, if not all, heating and air conditioning systems in Florida will support mold growth at some point. Any water leaks must first be fixed when solving mold problems. Building materials, household goods, and furnishings may also be damaged. The mold assessor or mold remediator license can be checked by using the VERIFY A LICENSE link at the Florida Department of Business and Professional web page at myFloridaLicense.com. From mold in barracks to updating jump logs, here are some of the issues that soldiers want to fix. There are no health or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. Molds produce microscopic cells called spores that are spread easily through the air. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses, and bacteria. Mold assessors and mold remediators are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Professions. Most unresolved landlord-tenant issues related to indoor air quality or mold are best handled using the local court system. For additional information, call DOH-Brevards Environmental Health Office or FDOHs Radon and Indoor Program in central office. For additional technical support, contact the Florida Department of Health Indoor Air Quality Program Headquarters in Tallahassee at (800) 543-8279. website. For additional information, call DOH-Lees Environmental Health Office at 239-690-2100 or the Florida Department of Healths (DOHs) Radon and Indoor Air Program at 800-543-8279. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay fever-like symptoms. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. The only way of knowing the concentration of Radon in your home is by testing. What is the Florida Department of Health doing about mold? Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. This is in response to a cat that tested positive on 2/15/2023 (Description: Domestic Shorthaired Grey). People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. Throw away any sponges or rags used to clean mold. A, Suite 251 MC-45 Jacksonville, Florida 32209 What are molds? The Florida Department of Health does not recommend that people sample mold growth in their home. The cleaned area should then be thoroughly dried. Environmental Health officials recommend you use air conditioning to keep the humidity below 60% in your home. There are no health- or exposure-based standards that you can use to evaluate a mold sampling result. 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. Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Where can I obtain additional information? Consultation assistance to state and local agencies in the investigation of their indoor environment problems. Due to the damp conditions fostered by a tropical environment in Florida, mold growth may become an issue in some homes or apartments. If after reviewing the above information you still have questions regarding indoor air or mold, feel free to contact us by phone at 321-633-2100 x52315 or by e-mail. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov and www.brevardeh.com. When mycotoxins are present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores, and may be present in materials that have become contaminated with molds. The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is not needed. Look for signs of moisture or water damage, such as water leaks, standing water, water stains and condensation. Box 429 Naples, FL 34106 Email Address Info.DOHCollier@flhealth.gov HOURS OF OPERATION General Business Hours: 8am - 5pm Allergic disease is now considered the most likely health problem related to mold exposures. Water is the key. "Consult a licensed air-conditioning or mechanical contractor for additional information. 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. All indoor mold growth should be removed, regardless of type.How can I prevent mold growth? For example, the black mold often found between bathroom tiles is not Stachybotrys. Persons who clean mold should not be in one of the risk groups noted above. Note: If you desire to remain on this page right click on the link and select Open in new window. The Florida Department of Health does not recommend that people sample mold growth in their home. Check around air handling units (air conditioners, furnaces) for standing water. Mold needs moisture to grow. Radon is an odorless, tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of radium in the soil. Indoor Air, Mold, and Radon | Florida Department of Health in Brevard Home Programs and Services Environmental Health Indoor Air, Mold, and Radon Indoor Air, Mold, and Radon Environmental Health Services 321-633-2100 Brevard.EHS@flhealth.gov Fax 321-633-2151 Mailing Address 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Suite A116 Viera, FL 32940-6605 Refugee Health Services have relocated to 1743 Park Center Drive, 4th floor, Orlando, FL 32835. The following types of people may be affected sooner and more severely than others: Some types of molds can produce chemicals called 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. Did you know 1 in 5 homes in Florida has an elevated radon level? 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. 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?". A, Suite 251 MC-45 Jacksonville, Florida 32209 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. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth, because all molds require water to grow. Not all greenish-black molds are Stachybotrys chartarum. Where can I obtain additional information? 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. The following types of people may be affected sooner and more severely than others: Are some molds more hazardous than others? Consult a licensed air-conditioning or mechanical contractor for additional information. 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 ". By using this site, you agree to the Indoor air quality specialists are available to speak at your next business or civic function. To determine if you should have your ducts cleaned, you may want to review the EPA Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? Search areas where you notice mold odors. The Board has made every effort to include the information you need to renew your license . Tiny particles of molds are found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air. For additional information, call DOH-Brevards Environmental Health Office or FDOHs Radon and Indoor Program in central office. If you are no longer in the state of Florida, a request to release your immunization records is required. The air in your home can be unhealthy if it contains too many pollutants without proper ventilation or outdoor air exchange. The easiest way to prevent the mold from gaining a foothold is to control dampness. Molds are also very common in buildings and homes. JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to display articles, Florida Department of Healths Indoor Air, Lee County Pocket Guide to Emergency Assistance, Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida, SalusCare -Southwest Florida Addiction Services, ACCESS Florida (Public Assistance Benefits), Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement, CDC - Centers fo Disease Control and Prevention, Annual Regulatory PlansFlorida Department of Health (pdf). This question is difficult to answer in the same way it's hard to say how much sun causes a sunburn: the amount varies from person to person. Our highest priority is given to helping solve health problems when a physician suspects that indoor air quality may be a contributing factor. Small areas of mold should be cleaned using detergent/soapy water or a commercial mildew or mold cleaner. Look for signs of moisture or water damage (water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.). 904-253-2390 Mailing Address. Those with concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. Advice on the health effects of common indoor air pollutants. Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. 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. Radon is the single largest source of radiation exposure in the U.S. When water stands for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold. Indoor mold growth can usually be seen or smelled. If the mold returns quickly or spreads, it may mean you have an underlying problem, such as a water leak. Not all greenish-black molds are Stachybotrys chartarum. 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