Mold and marijuana grow houses

Poorly designed in home marijuana operations will turn a formerly beautiful house into a self composting structure ready for demolition.  Caoimhin P. Connell, an industrial hygienist and rural county patrol deputy, has compiled his thoughts (11 MB pdf) on the health effect risks to law enforcement personnel when they raid a building growing marijuana.  He downplays the risk of toxic mold and suggests officers concern themselves more with individuals carrying firearms.  He notes that a small number of individuals may have an allergic reaction. 

The 3M N-95 respirator with exhalation valve - Photo 3M

In my experience, it would be prudent to at least wear an N-95 respirator while inspecting these properties.  The 3M model with an exhalation valve is more comfortable than those without.  It is also important to be fitted for the respirator and make sure the person has the cardiovascular capacity to wear a negative pressure respirator.   Wearing a respirator would be prudent for asthmatics, people with mold allergies or individuals with compromised immune systems (either through illness or drug therapy).  The respirator also serves as a device to prevent accidental hand to mouth contact.   Proper hand hygiene is also important as ingestion of toxins is a more well studied route of exposure.  For example: after handling items in these houses, it would be prudent to wash hands prior to eating even if wearing gloves.

Marijuana grow house - photo: Energy Homes