International Chemical Workers Union Center for Worker Health and Safety Education
Applicant Institution: International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC)
In this project, the ICWUC delivered 5,224 person-hours of training to 1,258 participants and trainers in 64 classes. Participants included AmeriCorps members, homeowners, volunteers, and nonprofit agencies. The curriculum was designed around hazards such as mold, carbon monoxide, sewage, lead, and asbestos. The training helped to ensure that Sandy recovery work was done safely and increased the participants’ capacity to respond quickly and safely to future storms.
This project was funded by the NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Fungal Exposure in NYC Homes Damaged by Hurricane Sandy and Respiratory Outcomes in Asthmatic Children
Applicant Institution: Columbia University
In this project, researchers at Columbia University tested the hypothesis that New York City (NYC) homes with Hurricane Sandy damage had different fungal species profiles than non-impacted homes and that domestic fungal concentrations are associated with asthma symptoms, airflow obstruction and airway inflammation among asthmatic children. They found that several fungal species were more common in Hurricane Sandy-damaged homes as compared with NYC homes not damaged by Sandy.
This project was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Recovery from Catastrophic Weather: Mold Exposure and Health Related Training
Applicant Institution: University of Connecticut Health Center
Researchers at the University of Connecticut held focus groups to better understand why some workers and the public hadn't prepared well enough to respond to the health risks associated with mold/bioaerosols and did not utilize protective gear and resilient building practices. From the results of these focus groups, the team developed a risk communication strategy, a website 
, and a workshop series.
This project was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
IUOE National Training Fund Safety Training for Hurricane Sandy Response and Recovery
Applicant Institution: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
The IUOE provided 622 hours of training to 311 students on the hazards associated with portable generator use. Mold awareness training was delivered to 328 students in 1,312 hours of training. During mold awareness training the National Training Fund Safety supplied mold remediation kits, and published a free, interactive Mold 101 application to help users identify mold and safely clean it up.
The Mold 101 app is available in the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store .
This project was funded by the NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Metagenomic Approach to Assess Fungi in NYC Homes Damaged by Hurricane Sandy
Applicant Institution: Columbia University and New York Medical College
This project compared molecular fungal exposure assessments in homes remediated by contractors versus homes remediated by homeowners or volunteers following Hurricane Sandy, and comprehensively examined domestic fungal populations in damaged homes and associated respiratory health outcomes among asthmatic children.
This project was funded by the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.
Participatory Curriculum Development for Mold Modules in Spanish
Applicant Institution: International Chemical Workers Union and The New England Consortium
This project provided clear curriculum in Spanish for staff and worker trainers to deliver mold awareness programs immediately following future disasters involving extensive flooding and mold contamination.
This project was funded by the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.