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Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: Health Effects and Investigation Methods
3. Investigation of Fungal Contamination of the Non-Industrial Workplace
Photo: Architectural Diagnostics Ltd.
3.1 Background
A safe workplace is mandated by law in Canada under various legislative frameworks. These include Section 12 of the Hazardous Products Act1, the Canada Labour Code, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, provincial occupational health and safety acts, and related regulations. It is essential to have in place an operating procedure that will protect the health and safety of occupants2, as well as the workers performing their duties in the investigation of possible fungal contamination in public buildings3 (CEOH 1995a). Analyses of the legislative framework for indoor air quality (IAG) in Canada illustrated its variable nature and described the case law that might apply (Beaudry 1999; Morton and Kassirer 2000).
Recent reviews indicated that there is no specific regulatory mention of most contaminants present in residential or office indoor air (CEOH 1989, 1995). As is the case with other indoor air contaminants, the legal framework for mold is mainly based on regulations that suggest or require the adherence to the advice of cognizant authori ties, including CEOH, the American Society of Heating Air-Conditioning & Refrigerating Engineers Standard 62, and the ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), as well as determinations or policies of provincial and territorial labour and health departments. In addition, health and safety requirements in legislation impose some obligations to industrial hygienists, professional engineers, physicians and other health professionals to act in accordance with the best interests of occupants. This should be done in accordance with the policies of the designated Medical Officer of Health or Public Health Directors for the area concerned and/or Health Canada for federal jurisdictions.
It cannot be emphasized enough that the best way to manage mold growth is to prevent it before it occurs. The essential elements of a prevention strategy are the control of moisture, the timely remediation of any water leakage, and adequate maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems (Lavoie and Lazure 1994; Flannigan and Morey 1996).
1. Which established the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
2. In section 3, "occupants" means individuals present in public buildings, including workers, students, visitors and the general public.
3. In section 3, "public building" means any building accessible to the public (e.g. office building, school, store)
