Suggested Guidance for Volunteers Working in Rockaway

Suggested guidance for Volunteers working in Rockaway:

Indeed, hand washing frequently, not touching their eye, nose our mouth and wearing a dust mask are essential steps out of doors.   Working in an area with high level of mold is particularly dangerous and requires a higher level of respiration protection than just a simple dust mask.   Also, clothing worn inside a home contaminated with significant mold should be doffed (taken off) outside of their homes and not brought inside unless rolled up, bagged and sealed until they can be placed directly into a washing machine to avoid introducing mold spores into their own homes. Respiration protection should not be removed until thee clothes are doffed and secured.     Ideally, those working inside of mold contaminated homes should wear disposable TYVEK outer wear or overalls or something similar, gloves and eye protection that can be doffed outside and put directly into trash bags for disposal.   Then they should shower thoroughly. 

John T. Hoffman

Senior Research Fellow

National Center for Food Protection and Defense

University of Minnesota