Mold Remediation

Articles & Information about Mold

“What Are the Health Risks of Mold?  – VIDEOS”

“How Does Mold Grow?”

 

Mold Remediation Process

The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible, this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed, sampling for specific species of mold is unnecessary.

 

These methods, considered non-intrusive, only detect visible and odor-causing molds. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.

 

Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity), or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.

 

The basic goals of any mold investigation are always twofold: 1) find the locations of mold growth, and 2) determine the sources of the moisture. If these can be answered by simpler or more cost-effective methods, mold testing is probably not a wise use of resources.

 

Mold removal can vary greatly in the requirements to remove effectively.  Here are the different levels of Mold Remediation to determine what you could do on a DIY basis or what levels require the experience and certification of trained professionals. The following levels & remediation process for each is outlined according to EPA standards:

 

Level I – Small Isolated Areas (DIY Method…10 sq.ft or less)

· Remediation can be conducted by regular people as long as they are aware & educated on the proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential hazards.

· Respiratory protection (for example, N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended. Gloves and eye protection should also be worn.

· The work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), elderly or people with compromised immune systems.

· Clean contaminated area with soap & water.  Dispose of all rags or sponges used.

· Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed trash bag & disposed of.

·Entire work area should be cleaned up with soap & water.

·All areas should be left dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

 

Level II – Midsize Isolated Areas (Basic Remediation…10-30 sq.ft)

· Remediation can be conducted by trained individuals on the proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential hazards.

· The work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), elderly or people with compromised immune systems.

· Surfaces in the work area that could become contaminated should be covered with sheet(s) of plastic that are secured in place. This should be done prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination.

· Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface prior to remediation are recommended.

· Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed trash bag & disposed of.

· All small debris removal & cleanup should be done with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum.

· All areas should be left dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

 

Level III – Large Area (Advanced Mold Remediation…30-100 sq.ft )

· Certified Mold Remediation Technician or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience in mold remediation are needed

· The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied.

· Surfaces in the work area that could become contaminated should be covered with sheet(s) of plastic that are secured in place. This should be done prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination.

· Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface prior to remediation are recommended.

· Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed trash bag & disposed of.

· All small debris removal & cleanup should be done with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum.

· All areas should be left dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

 

Level IV – Extensive Area (Extensive & Advanced Mold Remediation..100 sq.ft+)

· Certified Mold Remediation Technician or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience in mold remediation are needed & equipped with:
- Full face respirators with HEPA cartridges.
- Disposable protective clothing covering the entire body including the head, shoes and hands.

· Containment Barrier built of the affected area:
· Complete isolation of the work area

· Extensive removal of contaminated materials & proper disposal.

· Use of negative air machines with HEPA filters to clean contaminated air within the containment barrier.