The growth of mold in any premise is highly toxic. Mold growth not only degrades the indoor environment but is also dangerous for humanity. Mold releases harmful mycotoxins which again pose a serious threat to the inhabitants of that premise. Pure airways mold Remidiation Plano TX provides the best solution to mold growth. When it comes to mold remediation and removal, you can totally rely on us.

Pure Airways is the leading cleaning company in the industry. We are in this industry for more than a decade now. We have got not only huge experience but also an enormous stretch of more than 250 locations all over united states of America.

Yes, of course, growth of mold is an issue to worry on. You love your property may it be a house or an office, it is an asset for you, and we are very sure you will not like seeing fungi growing all over your place. The growth of mold not only makes the premise look ugly and dirty but also degrades the indoor quality. Mold growth can also be the cause of many serious health issues.

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MOLD REMEDIATION PLANO TX - Pure Airways

Water Damage Repair

Standing water can have a severe impact on your homes structure and foundation. Always attend to flooding immediately to avoid any lasting damage to your property. When you need complete water removal and full service structural drying, you can rely on us. We will remove any water that is present on your property while using advanced methods and techniques to fully dry the area.

Using the latest and most effective mold removal services, Arizona Mold is able to clear all mold spores from your property. We use techniques that are effective at removing the mold spores for good so that you and your family are always fully protected.

After a fire, your home can retain a smoky odor that seeps into the furniture. We have experience removing the smell of smoke from fire damaged properties as well as restoring any damaged structures. Once we have finished, your property will look its best once again.

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We will focus, in the rest of this publication, on mold clean-up and removal. However, the Virginia Cooperative Extension MOLD PREVENTION Fact Sheet has helpful information on solving and preventing water and moisture problems that can lead to mold problems.

Another key part of a mold remediation plan is to consider the extent of the mold contamination. This is critical to several decisions that must be made about cleaning and removing the mold. We are going to follow the protocol of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which considers small, medium, and large areas of mold contamination. Lets define what is meant by the different size areas, and then we can discuss more about how the size or extent of mold contamination determines mold clean-up and removal.

As you evaluate the amount of mold you have to clean and remove, do not forget to consider the possibility of hidden mold. This mold problem can greatly increase the amount or extent of a mold problem.

If you can see mold or smell the distinctive musty odor of mold, you have mold. If you have water problems in your home that have caused building materials to become wet for extended periods of time, you probably have mold. Testing for mold will most likely not tell you anything you do not already know you have mold, and it needs to be remediated.

Mold testing may document the type of mold, but this usually is not an issue in remediation. Mold testing can confirm mold growth, but that typically is known before testing is requested. Mold testing cannot tell you where the mold is growing. Mold testing takes time and this can interfere with getting the mold cleaned and removed.

There are no governmental standards for mold levels. Therefore, mold testing cannot be used to tell whether a building is in compliance with any standards for mold control.

Occasionally, mold testing may be advised. In some situations, a health concern suggests that the mold species needs to be identified. Litigation may require testing, especially to document reduction in mold levels with cleaning and removal. If you decide to test, a professional that follows a protocol from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (www.aiha.org) or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (www.acgih.org) is recommended.

Small Areas of Mold (Less than About 10 Square Feet)

These recommendations assume that mold has not penetrated the surface of the materials. If the mold has grown into the materials, or the materials are water damaged, remove, seal in plastic bags, and discard as normal waste.

The following is the recommended method for mold cleaning for most household materials. The exception is gypsum wall board (dry wall). For wall board, skip steps 1 and 2.

Medium Areas of Mold (About 10 to 100 Square Feet)

As a minimum, the area of mold needs to be a limited containment area that separates it from the rest of the building to minimize the spread of mold spores. Limited containment requires:

With larger areas of mold contamination, there is likely to be materials where mold has penetrated the surface of the material. This is particularly true of cellulosic or porous materials like carpet, carpet backing, upholstery, wall board, insulation, and wood. These materials will need to be removed and discarded. Remove all moldy material plus material extending about 12 inches around the contaminated area. Seal the moldy materials in plastic bags while in the containment area and discard as normal waste.

Once the mold contaminated area has been isolated as a limited containment area and contaminated materials are discarded, the cleaning protocol is the same as for smaller areas of mold.

Large Area of Mold Contamination (Over 100 Square Feet)

As recommended above, mold contamination this extensive should be handled by a trained professional who will fully contain the mold contaminated area.

Chlorine bleach is a biocide, which means that it is a disinfectant chemical that will kill germs to control infections. Bleach may kill the mold spores, but it does not remove the mold hyphae. Using bleach to clean mold may not be adequate to stop mold growth or prevent health effects from mold byproducts. In addition, bleach evaporates easily and can affect indoor air quality. Therefore, in most situations, using a biocide to clean mold is not recommended.

Cleaning mold from flood waters or sewer back-up is a unique situation where biocides may be used. In these situations, the water leading to mold growth was contaminated and the biocide is part of the decontamination process. It would be very important that any detergents or cleaning products used to clean and remove mold are non-ammonia, in case they mix with bleach. Bleach and ammonia will form poisonous gas.

Personal protection is very important when working in mold contaminated areas or cleaning and/or removing mold. Anyone in the mold contaminated area should have the same personal protection equipment. A long sleeve shirt and long pants are suggested to protect arms and legs. In addition, the minimum safety protection is:

If working in a limited containment area, such as for a medium area of mold contamination, a half-face respirator with a HEPA filter is recommended.

Plus, the following additional protection is needed:

Any clothes, shoes, or protective equipment worn in the mold contaminated area should be removed in that area and cleaned before leaving the area. Alternatively, clothes and equipment can be placed in plastic bags and taken outside of the building for cleaning. This is to prevent mold spores from being distributed all over the building.

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Mold Remediation | VCE Publications | Virginia Tech

Discolored walls and a lingering, unpleasant odor are more than a nuisance:

Mold growing in your home or business can become the source of serious health issues, so the problem must be addressed before it worsens. Contact a mold abatement company immediately and let their experienced professionals handle the problem.

As the established leader for ServiceMaster mold remediation in Chicago and the suburbs, we offer effective solutions for homes and businesses year-round.

Every breath you take thats contaminated with mold spores exposes you to a potential silent killer. We handle the dirty, risky job of mold cleanup so that you can enjoy a healthy home or business environment again.

Mold can have many sources, so we dont leave your property until weve completely taken care of all growth. We address water leaks that form the root of the problem, and we follow through with the steps necessary to make sure you dont have to deal with another mold outbreak.

When you call us, we always pick up the phone. ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba has headquarters just around the corner in both Chicago and Skokie, so we are able to provide quick, efficient service year round.

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Our professional ServiceMaster mold remediation services provide a complete solution to mold problems in any setting.

We cover inspection, removal, recovery and prevention. Because we offer a full line of restoration capabilities, we handle everything including repairs to floors, walls, ceilings and roofs as needed to get rid of all mold contamination. Our services include:

When you have a mold problem, you also have a water problem.

Without professional repair, leaky roofs and faulty plumbing create a damp environment that encourages mold growth.

Our expert teams are highly trained in the inspection process that uncovers hidden mold even behind walls and under floors. We pinpoint moisture sources that cause mold to spread and take care of all necessary repairs.

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A careful and methodical approach is essential to removing mold from your property and ensuring the elimination of airborne spores. We tackle the toughest jobs including crawl spaces, basements, ceilings, furnishings and more. By using state-of-the-art equipment and protective gear, we remove all mold and prevent further outbreaks.

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Were here to take your call seven days a week.

If the situation is serious, our IICRC-certified mold remediation technicians are dispatched to your property right away in our fully equipped fleet vans.

Our teams arrive at your doorstep with all the gear necessary to immediately tackle mold in any setting. After performing a complete property inspection and assessment, we develop an action plan and explain everything. We also outline our cost estimate.

We clean up all mold damage, restore your property to its original condition and also restore your peace of mind.

Q: Im thinking about going DIY. Do you have any advice?A. Absolutely! You can do a lot yourself, but every situation is unique. This is why every month we publish DIY blogs about mold inspection and mold removal.

Q: What do your services usually cost?A: Because every job is different, the cost varies. However, you can get an idea of what to expect by taking a look at this page. Dont miss our coupons for additional savings.

Q: Can you explain the process you use for mold remediation?A: Weve developed a detailed overview to help you understand how we work. Take a look at our process page to learn more.

Q: Can you take care of mold-damaged furnishings and personal items?A: We use an extensive array of techniques that allow us to restore most furniture and personal belongings. Read about the details of our industry-proven methods on our thispage.

Q: Do you need special equipment for mold remediation?A: We tackle mold damage with specialized techniques and the most advanced tools of the trade. Learn more about our complete cleaning capabilities and high-tech repair arsenal at our mold remediation equipment page.

Every day, we work hard earning our reputation as the very best in the business. Our specialists at your service and ready to answer your call right now.

You can always count on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for fast, industry-certified mold remediation services across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

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As mold remediation specialists in Baltimore, we have the expertise, the experience, and the high-tech training that enables our team of professionals to get your property restored in a time effective manner. Getting our customers back into their homes in a safe environment is our #1 priority.

Mold Damage scenarios are different for every case and require an individual solution but the process of mold inspection, mold treatment, and mold removal remains the same. The following steps below illustrates what our typical process looks like:

With so many stories floating around on the internet and media sources, it's easy to understand why so many people feel duped when they get ripped off by other mold remediation services claiming to do a full abatement on a mold situation that did not require it, pocketing the extra cash.

Our business is serious, and our mission is to help people and not take advantage of their unfortunate situation. We're honest and have an outstanding track record for a business that relates on a humanitarian level with our valued customers in the Baltimore area.

We work and live in the Baltimore area, and we could be neighbors. Our business is open to the public, and we serve our community to help people with serious mold problems. We offer free consultations with our mold specialists, and we are fully insured, licensed, and certified with an awesome customer support department here to assist you.

Call FDP Mold Remediation for immediate action! 410-401-8114

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Mold Remediation Baltimore MD | FDP Mold Remediation

It is important to us that our clients understand the steps involved in the mold removal procedure. We spend time educating our clients about the process and welcome any questions. We want the owner to understand why our employees are suited up in Tyvek suits, wearing respirators, carrying large machines into their buildings and building containment walls in areas that the owners will not be able to access for the duration of the mold remediation project.

Our company will inform our clients of the possible factors that caused the mold to develop, how it reproduces and how it travels within a building. It is our desire that the owner knows the facts. It is documented that certain molds cause serious health problems and for that reason a protocol for removal has been deemed essential.

Please contact us to investigate your home, school or facility if you suspect a mold problem, which may include visible growth, unexplained odors or complaints of respiratory symptoms. We will investigate promptly. Our experience includes investigations and remediation in schools, libraries, multi-family apartments, factories, commercial kitchens, residences and other facilities.

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Mold Remediation | Removal & Testing | Lancaster, PA

Can Mold Grow in Air Ducts?

Mold is often found in air ducts of Wisconsin homes and businesses. The changing weather of drastic seasons means your HVAC system is likely producing moisture you cant see, and cultivating the perfect environment for mold growth. If mold is growing in your ventilation system, spores are being circulated throughout your home and contaminating the indoor air quality. Symptoms of mold include allergic reactions (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes) and asthma or respiratory issues. Depending on the level of sensitivity, some may even experience a rash or hives.

Get your air ducts cleaned right away if you suspect mold growth or can see mold on your vents. Your ventilation system picks up all sorts of particles including dust, dander, hair, dead skin, and other debris and then pushes them right back out to be breathed in by you, your family, or employees. If your air ducts are blowing out mold spores, its creating exponential opportunity for mold to grow on other damp or moist surfaces, enlarging your overall mold problem. Choose ERS for air duct cleaning if mold is contributing to poor indoor air quality. Our experts will get their within the hour to thoroughly remediate mold from your

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Certified Mold InspectionThe water source must be discovered to control future growth. Choose Mold & Mildew Solutions to inspect for water issues in your home.

Indoor Air Quality Test identifies mold, pollen, dander, and fibers in your breathing space. Our trained staff can help you determine if you have a stable indoor air environment. We can also test for other indoor air contaminants.

Surface sampling is the most basic way of sampling mold. If there is mold visible in your house, part of it can be taken as sample for analysis to determine if it is toxic or not. A physical sample will be taken via a swab or tape lift.

Wood Protection for CrawlSpace and Basement

We protect almost any porous surface of an unconditioned space or area with high humidity issues. By applying a coating of protectant, we can retard fungi and odor causing bacteria on concrete and building materials.

We were the first company in Birmingham to remove mold from crawlspace wooden beams. Our certified and trained staff will get down and dirty under your home to make your environment safe and dry.

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Mold & Mildew Solutions LLC: Number One Mold Remediation ...

The word mold has taken on a scary meaning in recent years, mostly because of negative press and media reports on the adverse effects of mold on ones health. The truth is that the mold industry is a relatively new one and many of the claims hyped in the media about mold are yet to be scientifically proven. (Check out our MOLD FAQs to learn more about the basics of mold, including health related effects caused by mold exposure.) However, I feel that no matter what the science proves, mold is gross (yes, I said it) and doesnt belong in a healthy home. But you dont alwaysneed a mold professional to get rid of mold in your home.

Mold problems go hand in hand with water problems, so when youve got a water leak or some flooding that isnt dried up quickly, mold is usually soon to follow. But it doesnt just take a catastrophic water event to bring on mold almost every home I have been to has mold growing in the bathroom.

Now, Im no doctor, but Id stake my reputation on stating that common bathroom mold isnt going to kill you. But lets face it its gross, its unattractive, and it doesnt give you a feeling of cleanliness. The reason its so prominent in homes is because the bathroom is a high humidity environment, and most people dont take the time to properly ventilate it.

But do you need to spend a lot of money on a mold professional to get rid of bathroom mold? No! It is completely unnecessary. Any moderately handy person can buy some over the counter mold cleaner and clean their tile and grout, and replace their caulking all for the grand total price of under $10! Just make sure to ventilate your bathroom going forward, so all your hard work wont be wasted.

What about mold on drywall, you ask? Well, if its a small portion of drywall, like maybe 6-10 square feet, most moderately handy people can replace it themselves, or hire a handyman to do it. Just be cautious on how the moldy drywall is handled. The room should be closed off and ventilated to the outside (i.e. close the door and open up some windows). The affected area should be wiped down with some mold-killing solution (dampness decreases the amount of spores that will be kicked up into the air). The drywall should be carefully removed, bagged, sealed and disposed of. The underlying 24 framework should then be scrubbed with some mold killer. And finally, the drywall should be replaced and the area thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed (HEPA filters are best). We also recommend wearing mask/respirator, gloves, andgoggles as well for most mold jobs, including those that require drywall replacement.

So you see? Most mold outbreaks in homes are relatively small and can be handled without the expense of mold professional. And in todays budget conscious climate, saving a little money can go a long way.

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Do I Need a Mold Remediation Professional? Moldman

Introduction

Before the early 1990s, many people were unaware of the risks to occupant and worker health caused by mold cleanups. Therefore, cleanups were often done without adequate safety precautions. In 1993, a major milestone in changing attitudes came with the issuance of the New York City Department of Health (NYC DOH) Guidelines on the Assessment and Remediation of Stachybotrys chartarum in Indoor Environments. These guidelines were developed by an expert panel that had been convened by the NYC DOH to address health concerns related to mold exposure. Health problems reported by staff of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City had fueled a landmark legal case in mold contamination. The NYC DOH guidelines were partially based on the mold remediation specifications developed for the museum. During the same time, the specifications were adapted for two buildings in Florida with mold problems, the Martin County Courthouse complex and the Polk County Courthouse.

The NYC DOH guidelines of 1993 focused on Stachybotrys chartarum because this was the fungal species most prevalent in the New Museum case, and it was the one suspected of causing the health problems. However, the guidelines were applicable to assessment and remediation of all fungal species, because all molds are allergenic, and many more than just Stachybotrys chartarum can produce adverse health effects in humans. Unfortunately, some building owners and operators took the title literally and questioned the need to deal with mold problems that involved other species. The NYC DOH decided to revise the guidelines in 2000, encompassing all fungi and updating the guidelines with new knowledge gained since 1993. The revision is entitled Guidelines on the Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. The document includes a disclaimer clarifying that it presents recommendations, not regulations. Nevertheless, the NYC DOH and EPA guidelines have become the standard of care for mold assessment and remediation in buildings.

Figure 1. Mold Growth Behind Vinyl Wall CoveringPhoto courtesy of Dave MacPhaul, CH2M HILL

Figure 1 shows mold growth on gypsum wallboard where vinyl wall covering has been removed. Moisture trapped behind the wall covering by the impermeable wall covering provided the moisture for the mold growth.

One of the difficult challenges facing medical professionals involved with mold-related health problems is establishing a dose-response relationship. Because airborne mold is ubiquitous in indoor and outdoor environments, it is difficult to assess how much mold causes adverse health effects. Adding to this complexity is the fact that health responses and sensitivities vary in the human population and that other stresses can cause health effects similar to mold exposure.

Most data on health problems from mold come from animal ingestion studies (such as horses eating moldy hay) or from high doses of human exposure (such as farmers pitching the moldy hay or silage). Less is known about lower dose exposure over time, such as occupants in buildings where mold is contained in wall cavities. Epidemiological studies by occupational physicians in landmark cases (the Polk County Courthouse, for example) have shown links between occupant exposure to higher than normal concentrations of mold and to atypical indoor mold types and development of asthma and other immune-response diseases. However, the dose that causes these problems is not easily determined.

All molds can cause health problems, since they produce allergens and irritants that cause reactions in humans. Some molds also produce toxins (mycotoxins) as part of their defense mechanisms. What is important to know in dealing with remediation of mold is that it remains allergenic and toxigenic even in a non-viable state. Therefore, it is not enough to kill mold by, for example, applying a biocide like bleach; the mold and the materials on which it is growing need to be removed from the indoor environment. Such removal work must be contained, like asbestos removal, to minimize contamination of other parts of the building. Considering the cost and disruption of such remediation activities, it is easy to see that the best policy is preventing mold in the first place by control of moisture.

Another consideration in the control of mold growth is what it does to the building. Uncontrolled mold growth can cause aesthetic problems, such as discoloration and odors, deterioration of building materials, and, in wood frame buildings, structural failure.

The highest priority during a mold remediation should be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants, the investigation team, and the remediation crew. A moisture and mold remediation plan must be developed, which includes steps to remove the source of the moisture, use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) by investigators and remediators, and steps to contain and remove building materials contaminated by mold.

Knowing the extent of mold growth is important because it establishes the levels of remedial actions. The greater the extent of mold, the greater the need for engineering controls, such as containments under negative pressure, during remediation. Both the EPA and NYC DOH guidelines establish their remediation action guidelines based on the extent of mold contamination. However, there is no single tool that can measure extent of mold.

If the mold contamination is visible, visual assessment is the most important method of determining the extent of mold contamination in a building. Fiber-optic borescopes with a high-power light source are sometimes useful in surveying hidden spaces, such as wall cavities; however, they are often difficult to use because of visual obstructions, such as insulation, within the cavities. A visual survey can be supplemented with some direct reading measurement tools, such as moisture meters, infrared thermography, and temperature/relative humidity meters. Destructive testing such as cutting out small sections of gypsum wallboard to examine the cavity side can be important as well. However, information from these measurements should be considered as aids supporting visual assessment and professional judgment.

Along with a visual survey, interviewing occupants and maintenance personnel can aid in determining the extent of mold contamination. These eye-witnesses can provide valuable information on past water incursion events (when, where, what type, and for how long). They may also know where mold has been covered with paint or other coatings.

Sampling for mold, especially air sampling, is generally not helpful in determining the extent of mold. In fact, the possibility of false negatives (and sometimes false positives) can confound the assessment methodology. In addition, results from sampling are often misinterpreted by the lay person, and may lead to unwarranted panic by building occupants. Generally, if you can see mold, you don't need to sample it to determine the extent, and if you cannot see mold, air sampling will not reveal the extent of hidden mold.

Mold sampling, with analysis by a laboratory accredited under the American Industrial Hygiene Association Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing program, may be needed in the following cases:

When the medical professionals involved require the information to diagnose the occupants' health problems and/or to determine if a link exists between the health problems and exposure.

To establish remediation protocols, including clearance criteria. It is often useful to know the kinds of molds that are causing contamination so that those particular "marker" fungi can be looked for during clearance sampling (if clearance sampling is justified). If post-remediation clearance sampling indicates a significant reduction in the marker fungi to a predetermined goal, then one can assume the remediation has been successful (as long as other post-remediation clearance criteria are met).

When required for litigation or insurance recovery, such as to confirm that the visually observed "mold" is indeed mold or to help establish cause. The cause of mold, if not readily apparent, can sometimes be deduced from the species identified in bulk samples of materials analyzed by culture method. For example, presence of hydrophilic (water-loving) fungi (e.g., Stachybotrys chartarum) in bulk samples is indicative of liquid water incursion, such as rainwater flooding or pipe bursts. The presence of xerophilic (dry-loving) or xerotolerant (dry tolerant) species, including some Penicillium and Aspergillus species, especially if the samples were collected significantly above floor level, is more likely indicative of high relative humidity problems.

To determine if hidden mold exists. While sampling cannot determine the extent of hidden mold, dust or carpet dust sampling may be able to determine if hidden mold exists, if it is not readily apparent on visible surfaces. For example, elevated concentrations of a few species of atypical mold in carpet dust may indicate either growth in the carpet (if the carpet has been wetted) and/or mold contamination in hidden locations. In the latter case, the carpet dust can contain elevated concentrations of atypical fungal spores that have come from another source in the building and settled out from the air into the carpet. Air sampling is another methodology for determining if hidden mold exists, but it is subject to false negatives. That is, mold spores may not be present in the air, even if mold is growing on building materials. Air sampling for microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which are responsible for mold odors, is a newly developing method for determining if hidden mold exists; however, it is still being developed, and firm correlations may not yet be established. In any case, if you can detect mold odors by smell, mold is present somewhere in the building.

Critical to the success of mold sampling is first establishing a useful sampling strategy. Determine what you want to know, and decide how to deal with unexpected answers. The latter concern is important in determining whether sampling should be performed at all, especially if the information can become public record or has the potential for being used during litigation.

Mold remediation strategies have been developed from the work practices used in asbestos abatement. These practices work well for containing airborne mold that is aerosolized during demolition and for the protection of workers performing the remediation. The biggest difference between mold and asbestos abatement is that, unlike asbestos in work, water must not be used in mold work to control airborne particulate. This would like be adding fuel to the fire.

The assessment of the extent of mold and the development of mold remediation plans should generally be done by experienced professionals. The mold remediation should then be done by experienced and certified mold remediation professionals. A number of organizations offer certification programs for professionals involved in assessing and remediating mold problems, including the American Board of Industrial Hygienists (ABIH), and the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). For ventilation systems, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) provides a certification program.

The EPA and NYC DOH documents provide action levels for types of containment and worker protection based on the amount of surface area affected by mold. The EPA document sets these action levels for mold growth caused by clean water. Mold caused by polluted water, including sewage backups, may require a different set of procedures and worker protection. The three EPA action levels are set at affected areas of less than 10 square feet, between 10 and 100, and greater than 100 square feet.

In addition to the size of the affected area, the type of material to be remediated needs to be considered. Generally, materials that are highly porous, such as books, gypsum wallboard and fabric covered chairs, will need to be discarded if heavily contaminated. This is because the fungal hyphae can become entwined in the matrix of the porous material, making complete removal impossible. Nonporous metals and plastics can generally be cleaned, because the mold growth on these surfaces is usually growth on surface dust. However it's also possible for mold to grow on painted nonporous surfaces. Table 2 of Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings presents the cleaning methods for different materials. In any case, a key point is that biocides will generally not solve the mold problem, especially for porous and semiporous materials. The biocides may not reach all of the mold growth, and even if they do, mold remains allergenic and toxigenic after it dies. Complete removal of the mold-contaminated porous material is the best strategy.

In addition to the amount of mold contamination and the type of material, the population of the building must be considered when developing the remediation plan. Sensitive populations include those with health deficiencies such as people with immune deficiencies. Children in day care centers or senior citizens in nursing homes should also be considered sensitive populations. For application to such sensitive facilities, the requirements for clearance and verification of removal of mold contaminated materials must be much more stringent than typical commercial projects.

Generally, remediation strategies include the following:

Installing containments, generally using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, to separate the mold abatement work area from other uncontaminated or occupied areas of the building. Generally, containments are placed under negative pressure relative to the rest of the building using air filtration devices (AFDs) equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. The air is discharged outside the containment, usually to the outdoor atmosphere. Air handling systems must be isolated from the work area.

Equipping remediation workers with PPE. The degree of protection can vary depending on the size of affected area, but at a minimum the equipment should include a respirator, gloves, and goggles. For larger containment work, workers should have full skin, respiratory and mucous membrane protection, such as that provided by full Tyvek suits, gloves and full-face respirators with HEPA filter cartridges. Workers in containment are subject to very high concentrations of aerosolized mold spores, and other mold parts, so full protection is advised. Skin protection is important because some molds can cause dermatitis, and some mold toxins can be absorbed through the skin. Workers wearing PPE must have proper training in its use, medical clearance, and fit testing.

Providing proper tools for workers, including HEPA-filtered vacuums. Ideally, they should be able to remove mold-contaminated gypsum wallboard in large pieces to minimize aerosolizing mold spores.

Sealing removed material in doubled 6-mil polyethylene bags or wrapped in polyethylene sheeting, while in the containment, and then disposing in a landfill for composting, not for recycling.

Cleaning after removal work, usually after a dust settlement period, using HEPA vacuums and damp wiping with clean cloths moistened with clean potable water or a mixture of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach. The HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping should not be construed as methods to remove mold growth. However, they can remove the settled dust that contains loose mold spores aerosolized during demolition.

Cleaning ventilation systems contaminated with mold growth as shown in Figure 2 generally requires isolation of the portion of the system being cleaned, followed by agitation and HEPA vacuuming of the contaminated area of the system. More specific procedures for cleaning ventilation systems are presented in ACR, The NADCA Standard for Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems.

Figure 2. Mold Growth on Internal Insulation of Supply DuctworkPhoto courtesy of Dave MacPhaul, CH2M HILL

Provide the mold remediation strategy in a written work plan or specification, with all duties and responsibilities clearly noted.

Select a qualified contractor to perform the work. Generally, asbestos remediation contractors have the trained personnel and proper equipment to perform this work, although the growing concern with mold contamination has increased the numbers of experienced mold remediation contractors. Personnel performing mold remediation must have specific training/certification for mold.

Continue to communicate remediation plans and strategies to the building occupants. Vacate the building during remediation if occupant health is at risk or if remediation work will disrupt normal use.

Prepare for the possibility of hidden mold that will alter the cost and schedule of the remediation. Generally, in most mold remediation work, one can expect to find mold that was hidden by construction and revealed during demolition. It is also possible to find hidden defects and/or code violations that will need to be corrected.

Establish clearance criteria. Clearance sampling may be required for informing medical or legal consultants. In any clearance plan, visual inspection is the most important element. The clearance criteria must be in the work plan, especially if the work will be bid.

Identify and repair the source of water/moisture intrusion as soon as possible. Confirm that the moisture source has been repaired (Note: This may require water testing the building envelope, if the source was rainwater, or modifying the HVAC system if the source was HVAC related.)

Perform post-remediation inspections for the possibility of continued mold growth. A building that has suffered mold contamination can easily experience regrowth of mold because it is impossible to remove all the microscopic mold spores. Any post-remediation water incursions should be immediately controlled, dried, and cleaned up.

Prepare an operations and maintenance manual that specifically addresses post-remediation care of the building, including action plans for prompt handling of water incursions.

Currently much research on the health effects of mold in the indoor environment is being developed. However, no definitive standards on the amount or types of mold that may trigger symptoms in individuals is available at this time.

Some of the health reactions thought to be from exposure to mold, including through inhalation and direct contact, are:

There are currently no federal codes or standards relative to remediation of mold in buildings. However, the EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings currently sets the standard of care for remediation projects.

Wall Systems

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Mold Remediation Guidelines | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide