Mold growth on gypsum wallboard--a summary of three techniques.
Reducing occupant exposure to mold growing on damp gypsum wallboard and controlling mold contamination in the indoor environment was studied through 1) delineation of environmental conditions required to promote and avoid mold growth and 2) efficacy testing of antimicrobial products, specifically cleaners and paints, on gypsum wallboard (GWB) surfaces. The effects of moisture and relative humidity (RH) on mold growth and transport are important in avoiding and eliminating problems. These effects have been demonstrated on GWB and are discussed in this article for use as control guidance. The authors discuss the efficacy of antimicrobial cleaners and paints to remove, eliminate, or control mold growth on GWB. Research to control Stachybotrys chartarum growth using 13 separate antimicrobial cleaners and nine varieties of antimicrobial paint on contaminated GWB was performed in laboratory testing. GWB surfaces were subjected to high RH. GWB control measures are summarized and combined, and the antimicrobial product results are explained.
Menetrez
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MY
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA. menetrez.marc@epa.gov
Foarde
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KK
Webber
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TD
Dean
T R
TR
Betancourt
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DA
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002133:Calcium Sulfate; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000382:microbiology*; D003902:Detergents; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010150:Paint; D013191:Stachybotrys / Q000187:drug effects*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003902:Detergents; D002133:Calcium Sulfate