CHICAGO — Restoration workers face a unique combination of indoor air quality hazards — including mold spores, asbestos fibers, lead dust, crystalline silica, volatile organic compounds, and combustion products — that require a systematic approach to exposure assessment and control to protect worker health.
Mold spore exposure is one of the most common hazards in restoration work. Workers performing mold remediation can be exposed to concentrations of mold spores that are orders of magnitude higher than normal background levels. The IICRC S520 standard requires that workers performing mold remediation wear at minimum a half-face respirator with P100 filters, and that full containment with negative air pressure be established for large remediation projects.
Asbestos is present in many building materials manufactured before 1980, including floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, and textured coatings. Restoration work that disturbs these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Workers must be trained to recognize potential asbestos-containing materials and to follow OSHA's asbestos standard when working with them.
Lead paint is present in most pre-1978 housing. Restoration work that disturbs lead-painted surfaces generates lead dust that can be inhaled or ingested. Workers must follow EPA's RRP Rule requirements and OSHA's lead standard when working with lead-painted surfaces.
Chemical vapors from cleaning products, adhesives, coatings, and fire-damaged materials are also significant hazards in restoration work. Workers should review the Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals they use and ensure that adequate ventilation is provided to maintain chemical vapor concentrations below OSHA's permissible exposure limits.
