Environmental Health

Mold spores need water to grow. In most instances, mold problems occur when there is excess water. Mold problems in a bathroom resulting from steam can be controlled by wiping down shower walls and using an exhaust fan when showering.

When a mold problem exists which can’t be readily traced to a leak, it is recommended that the building be inspected in order to identify the excess water source. Once the problem has been identified and corrected, proper mold remediation can be performed.

Mold can be a health concern. Unfortunately, it is not known how much mold is needed to cause health problems. However, there are factors that can be used to assess whether an increased health risk may be present. These include evaluating the individual who has been exposed and the extent and conditions of the mold growth. Some individuals who have pre‐existing health conditions may be at an increased risk. Individuals who have allergies or lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema can exhibit health effects from exposure. Very young infants and the elderly may also be at an increased risk of health issues relating to mold exposure.

Renters who have mold problems in their rental space often have difficulty getting the mold problem corrected.  Due to the lack of regulations, government offices have little authority to cite building owners regarding mold contamination. Renters should contact their local building code office regarding any unrepaired building leaks. When doing so, please be reminded that building code offices, like other government offices, most likely do not have mold regulations. Therefore, they will only be able to address structural deficiencies such as water leaks, plumbing issues, etc.  You may also want to consider seeking legal advice regarding your rights in this situation.  For more information, you can go to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Landlord-Tenant Information.

Cleaning up after a flood can be both dangerous and challenging. The resources below offer information to assist building owners:

• NJ Office of Emergency Management
• Repairing Your Flooded Home

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• Informing the Public of Hazards – Floods
• Hurricane Hazards
• Disaster Assistance Program
• Flood Smart - Flood Insurance
• Flood Smart - What's Your Flood Risk?

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• Fact Sheet: Flood Cleanup
• Flood Clean-up and the Air in Your Home 
• Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems

Mold Inspections, Testing, Remediation and Training

• Environmental Consultants 
  A list of Environmental Consultants who provide mold and other indoor air and environmental health services in residential dwellings. These companies may also perform additional environmental health testing and investigative services for contaminants such as asbestos containing materials, lead-based paint and radon. 
• Laboratories
  A list of laboratories who have expertise in microbiology for mold and bacterial analysis. These laboratories may also provide analytical services for other indoor environmental contaminants. 
• Remediation Firms 
  A list of remediation firms who perform mold remediation and clean-up services.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extensive information on their website pertaining to mold how to test for it, health effects and additional resources.