Document G6jp1RYajaOw6bZyD46bo024v

Message From: Sent: To: Subject: Lynn, Tricia [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=D8747BA49CDE485EA4AC58DBF09C3DCD-TRICIA SLUSSER] 10/12/2017 6:28:30 PM ____________________ Maria Masters i.__________ Ex_6^_______ ,...] RE: Media inquiry - story about indoor mold Hi Maria-- Thank you so much for your patience. Please attribute to Laureen Burton, Staff Chemist/Toxicologist. Best, Tricia From: Maria Masters [i Ex. 6 I Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 2:22 PM To: Lynn, Tricia <lynn.tricia@epa.gov> Subject: Re: Media inquiry - story about indoor mold Hi Tricia, Maria Masters again--is it possible to get the name of a spokesperson by 5:00 pm today? My editor needs this information. Thank you, Maria On Tue, Oct 10, 2017 at 2:11 PM, Lynn, Tricia <lynn.tricia@epa.gov> wrote: Hi Maria. My apologies...the agency was closed yesterday for the holiday. I'm checking now and will be in touch as soon as I have something for you. Thanks! -Tricia From: Maria Masters i Ex. 6 i_____________________________________________________________________ Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 2:01 PM To: Lynn, Tricia <lynn.tricia@epa.gov> Subject: Re: Media inquiry - story about indoor mold Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00001 Hi Trida, Maria Masters again--would I be able to cite a specific person for this information provided? I worry I won't be able to use it unless it comes from a person. I understand some of the material came from the website, but if you could point out what I might be able to attribute to a named spokesperson, that would be a big help. Thanks, Maria On Mon, Oct 9, 2017 at 1:13 PM, Maria Masters <1 Hi Trida, Ex. 6 wrote: So sorry to bother you again--you've been a great help!--but I was wondering, is there a specific person that I could cite for (even parts of) the information provided? Thank you! On Fri, Oct 6, 2017 at 3:02 PM, Maria Masters Hi Trida, Ex. 6 iwrote: Wonderful! This is all so great! Quick question: Is there a specific person I could mention for the "EPA spokesperson"? Or, did it come from more than one person? On Fri, Oct 6, 2017 at 2:19 PM, Lynn, Tricia <lynn.tricia@epa.gov> wrote: Hi Maria-- If attributing, for attribution to "an EPA spokesperson:" Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00002 1. What does mold smell like? (Online, this answer tends to be a bit circular-i.e., mold smells like mildew, or mold smells damp.) Is there another way to describe its smelIPCan it smell sweet, or does it smell sour? Is there any example of what mold smells like? I.e., faintly of beerPAnd does black mold give off the same scent? In general, smell is not a good way to determine if there is a mold problem. The key to mold control indoors is moisture control. The smell of mold indoors can differ depending on several factors including the individual's sense of smell or sensitivity to smells, the source of the moisture that lead to the mold growth, the substrate that the mold is growing on, the type of mold, the tightness of the room, etc. The smell when mold is present has been described by some people with terms like earthy, musty, damp, stale, mildew or moldy. However, there are several situations where there has been mold found in the environment with no smell was described by people in the environment 2. Is the smell of mold coming from the production of mVOCs? What causes the production of these mVOCs? (Does it come after/as the mold is breaking down organic matter, or is it just a natural byproduct--i.e., an odor that molds give off during their lifetime?) Some compounds produced by some molds during portions of their growth cycle have strong smells and are volatile and quickly released into the air. These compounds are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). mVOCs can have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the "moldy odor" or musty smell frequently associated with mold growth. The health effects of inhaling mVOCs are largely unknown, although exposure to some mVOCs have been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. More research is needed to determine whether there are any human health effects from non-occupational indoor exposures to mVOCs. 3. What does mold look like? (Do different species or genus have different colors, or is it hard to distinguish the type without a microscope?) In addition, is it true that molds can range in appearance, and if so, what are their colors and textures? There are thousands of types of mold. The colors and textures of molds vary and how molds appear visually can depend on several factors including the type of mold, the substrate it is growing on and location. 4. The CDC and EPA says that mold testing isn't usually necessary. Is this correct, and if so, why is it unnecessary to do anything other than visually examine signs of mold? Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00003  Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, most likely, the mold problem will come back. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards and it may be of limited use in helping to understand the problem. Mold assessment is mainly done through visual inspection of areas where there have been moisture problems or water damage. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. If sampling for mold is necessary it should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations. 5. What if you believe that you have hidden sources of mold? What might cause a person to suspect hidden mold, and if so, what type of professional should you call, if you should call anyone? Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. The key to mold growth is moisture so part of assessing mold problems is looking for existing or potential moisture problems. People may suspect they have hidden mold if you know there has been water damage behind walls or beneath surfaces, or there are unexplained odors in certain areas which have been damp or we but you cannot find the source, or ifbuilding occupants are reporting health problems.If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional. EPA does not have a certification program for mold inspectors or mold remediation firms. EPA does not maintain a list of mold inspectors or mold remediation firms, though some states might. Some states and organizations may require certification, trainings, or examinations for practitioners in the indoor air quality industry. Companies that provide water damage inspection services may help look for moisture and some may be familiar with mold problems as well. Sometimes companies that provide radon, lead or asbestos inspection services provide mold assessment services as another part of their business. Ask about qualifications, training and experience and check references for professionals you are considering. 6. If a wall or floor is covered in mold, how would a person go about either cleaning that of finding a progressional who could do so? Are there any organizations that are certified to perform this work? Key remediation steps for mold cleanup include: o Assess size of mold problem and note type of mold-damaged materials. Depending on the size of the area involved, professional assistance may be needed to dry an area quickly and Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00004 thoroughly. See: Table 1 and 2 Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings at www.epa.gov/moid/rnoid remediation.htmi Opens a New Window. [ERA 402-K-01-001, March 2001] for more specific information o o Communicate with building occupants throughout process as appropriate to situation o Identify source or cause of water or moisture problem o Fix water or moisture problem o Clean, dry or discard moldy materials as appropriate Additional resources: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" at www.epa.gov/mold/moidguide.hfml Opens a New Window. [ERA 402-K-02-003] Una Breve Guia para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar esta disponible en el formato PDF www.ep3.gov/mold/pdfs/moidguide sp.pdf Opens a New Window. Documento de la agencia EPA numero 402K-03-008. Read the publication "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings at www.epa.gov/niold/mold remediation.html Opens a New Window. [EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001] Mold Resources are available at www.ep3.goy/mold/moidresoufces-html Best, On Tue, Oct 3, 2017 at 3:33 PM, Maria Masters i Ex. 6 jwrote: i____________________________________________________________ : Hi Tricia, Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00005 Here are some questions that I was hoping an expert could answer, below. If an expert from the EPA isn't available, and you had another recommendation as to who I could go to, that would be great. Some of this information is hard to find--especially regarding the mold testing. Thanks so much again. Best, Maria 1. What does mold smell like? (Online, this answer tends to be a bit circular--i.e., mold smells like mildew, or mold smells damp.) Is there another way to describe its smell? Can it smell sweet, or does it smell sour? Is there any example of what mold smells like? I.e., faintly of beer? And does black mold give off the same scent? 2. Is the smell of mold coming from the production of mVOCs? What causes the production of these mVOCs? (Does it come after/as the mold is breaking down organic matter, or is it ju st a natural byproduct--i.e., an odor that molds give off during their lifetime?) 3. What does mold look like? (Do different species or genus have different colors, or is it hard to distinguish the type without a microscope?) In addition, is it true that molds can range in appearance, and if so, what are their colors and textures? 4. The CDC and EPA says that mold testing isn't usually necessary. Is this correct, and if so, why is it unnecessary to do anything other than visually examine signs of mold? 5. What if you believe that you have hidden sources of mold? What might cause a person to suspect hidden mold, and if so, what type of professional should you call, if you should call anyone? 6. If a wall or floor is covered in mold, how would a person go about either cleaning that of finding a progressional who could do so? Are there any organizations that are certified to perform this work? On Tue, Oct 3, 2017 at 11:50 AM, Maria Masters <j Hi Trida, Ex. 6 wrote: Thanks so much--an e-mail interview would also work for me, if that's possible. I'll send over a list of questions soon, though. Thank you again! Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00006 Maria On Tue, Oct 3, 2017 at 11:49 AM, Lynn, Tri eia <lynn.tricia@epa. gov> wrote: Hi Maria-- Thanks so much for your inquiry. While I'm happy to check into the possibility of an interview, please note that they're not always available. In either case, to begin I'll need a list of your specific questions. Can you please supply those at your earliest convenience? Thanks so much, Tricia Tricia Lynn Office of Public Affairs U.S. EPA Office: 202.564.2615 From: Maria Masters |j Ex. 6 Sent: Tuesday, OctobeT'03; 201711:32 AM To: Press <Press@epa.gov> Subject: Media inquiry - story about indoor mold Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00007 To the EPA Press Office, My name is Maria Masters, and I'm a health journalist in the NYC area. I'm working on a story for Health.com about mold growth--specifically, what it looks like, smells like, how to test for it, etc. I was hoping to speak to an expert from the EPA for more specific questions about mold that grows indoors and how to get rid of it, and how it might impact a person's health. My deadline is Friday, October 6th, at 5:00 pm. If someone is available, I can call them directly or they can call me on my cell pho[ Ex. 6 jl can work around their schedule to the best of my ability. Thanks, Maria Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00010034-00008