Individuals whose health is being affected by their indoor environment are being referred to as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome caused by Exposure to the Interior Environment of Water-Damaged buildings (CIRS-WDB).  According to the World Health Organization and the Government Accountability Office, there are many compounds, both toxigens and inflammagens, present in the indoor air of Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB).  The contaminants include fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and mycobacteria and their toxins; as well as inflammagens from fragments of fungal structures; and beta glucans, mannans, hemolysins, proteinases, spirocyclic drimanes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  Given the health implications that can occur in a WDB, it is imperative that any water damage is immediately addressed by the most professionally trained and experienced personnel in order to prevent the amplification of mold, other toxins and inflammagens.

Removal of fungi, mold, bacteria and other potential toxins and inflammagens require trained, experienced personnel and many times the services of industrial hygienists (IH) in order to determine the magnitude of the indoor air problem. 

Resource list for reading include:

• An Office Building Occupant’s Guide to IAQ: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html
• Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings: www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html
• IAQ in Large Buildings/Commercial Buildings: www.epa.gov/iaq/base/index.html

• Mold Contamination Assessment
• Environmental Engineering Controls
• Restorative Drying
• Microbial Remediation
• Packout & Storage

American Indoor Air Quality Council promotes awareness, education and certification in th efield of indoor air quality. Their mission is to establish credible certifications and to serve public interest with integrity as an independent certifying body. Chris Coffin is a Council-certified Residential Microbial Remediator™, Board-awarded by the American Indoor Air Quality Council™.

Environmental Protection Agency on Mold The EPA is a large government agency leading the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts. Their mission is to protect human health and the environment. In 2002 they developed a booklet for homeowners about mold, entitled "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" which is available by clicking here. They also came out with a guide for commercial buildings, entitled, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" which is available by clicking here.

Indoor Air Quality Association, Inc. (IAQA) is a nonprofit, multi-disciplined organization, dedicated to promoting the exchange of indoor environmental information, through education and research, for the safety and well being of the general public. ServiceMaster of Alexandria is a corporate member of the IAQA.