Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM[|]After a flood, dampness in homes can lead to mold growth on building surfaces and behind the walls. These molds can produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may cause symptoms of sick building syndrome and other building-related illnesses among occupants. This study aimed to measure the levels of total mold-specific VOCs (TMVOC) in residential buildings affected by Hurricane Ian in relation to visible molds on different surfaces.[¤]METHOD[|]Air samples from 13 flooded homes were collected using sorbent tubes following US EPA TO-17 and ISO 16000-6 methods. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify and quantify mold-specific organic compounds. Visible molds in buildings were assessed using the {Dampness and Mold Assessment Screening Tool} developed by the CDC/NIOSH.[¤]RESULTS[|]Initial flood water levels in homes ranged from 3 to 10 ft. The mean (±SD) TMVOC and total VOC (TVOC) values were 11.84 (±6.57) ng/L of air and 2,131.53 (±1,365.33) ng/L of air, respectively. The most common types of mold-specific VOC compounds were methyl ethyl ketone, 1-pentanol, 2-heptanone, 2-pentyl furan, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. While molds could be observed in damp areas in a few homes, most homes were free from visible mold growths on walls, floors, and ceilings.[¤]CONCLUSIONS[|]Data collected with the CDC/NIOSH survey tool showed that visible molds and dampness were not evident in most homes, probably because they had been renovated and painted. In a previous large-scale indoor air quality study, the TMVOC values in over 45,000 air samples had ranged from <LOD to 55 ng/L of air. In the current study, 61% of sampled homes had moderate levels of TMVOC, with concentrations of >10 ng/L of air. This finding indicates that 61% of tested homes had actively growing molds – possibly hidden behind walls or under the floors – and individuals sensitive to molds could likely be affected.