Mold Remediation – What You Need to Know

Mold remediation is a process that involves cleaning and drying the affected areas. It also includes fixing any underlying issues that could be contributing to the problem.

To start with, the contaminated area should be inspected. It is vital to turn off the power and fix any plumbing leaks.

Preparation

When remediation experts encounter extensive microbial growth, they will need to dismantle and replace any porous materials that are contaminated. This includes drywall, insulation, and carpeting. This is a messy process and must be done with care, so that the surrounding areas are protected from any mold spores that might blow in.

Once the impacted structures are removed, the professionals spray the area with biocide, an EPA-approved substance that kills mold spores and renders them sterile. Then, they use HEPA-approved vacuums to clean all surfaces. This step removes moisture, microbial residues, and fragments from the microbial spray. It also prepares the surfaces for application of whitewash or other protective coatings.

During this phase, the restoration company will remove saveable contents from the affected rooms and take them off site for restoration. This could include electronics, hard goods, textiles, photos and more. Then, the professionals will perform final visual inspections and odor detection and conduct environmental sampling. Once this is complete, clearance testing will indicate whether the space is safe for occupancy and reconstruction.

Removal

Inhaling mycotoxin spores that come from black mold can lead to serious health problems such as headaches, sneezing, itchy skin and even death by blood poisoning. These spores are lightweight and can easily travel through the air and are produced when the mold grows, absorbing moisture.

The remediation process starts with a company removing saveable contents like furniture, hard goods, textiles and photos from the contaminated space. This is done before the company puts on protective clothing and seals the area with 6 mil polyethylene sheeting for Level 1 remediation or a plastic containment wall for Level 2 remediation.

Then they use equipment to bring the humidity levels back down, such as air movers and dehumidifiers. They may also use a mold resistant encapsulant to prevent mold from returning once they’re finished cleaning. Finally, the mold remediation company does a visual inspection and odor detection before clearing the space for occupants to return. They will also perform a post-remediation test with environmental samples to ensure that the space is at a normal fungal ecology or Condition 1. This is when they can say the space is safe to go.

Cleaning

After a mold remediation process, it is essential to clean the areas that have been contaminated. This can be done with a variety of cleaning and disinfecting materials including fogging, UV light, ozone, or blasting. All of these methods must be used with proper PPE and the area must be properly contained.

It is recommended that full containment be used for any areas that are larger than 100 ft 2 in size and when there are concerns about the occupant space becoming contaminated by the cleaning work. This can be accomplished by using plastic or polyurethane sheeting to isolate the problem area. Airlocks may also be built with slit entries and covering flaps on each one to allow entry into the decontamination area without mixing spores from other parts of the building.

During the cleaning process, structural materials that have been contaminated with mold are cleaned using liquid-based cleaners. These can include green products that are environmentally safe, biocides designed to kill all biological spores, fungicides and even some household liquids such as hydrogen peroxide.

Disposal

Moisture control is key to prevent mold growth. This step includes fixing water leaks and spills promptly and cleaning all water-damaged materials, including drywall and carpeting. It is also important to clean non-porous surfaces using a wire brush and disposable wipes and to scrub wood surfaces with a detergent solution. Drying all cleaned surfaces with fans and dehumidifiers is critical to ensure that the moisture level is normal for that area.

If a large wall surface is heavily contaminated and has the potential to distribute mold spores during cleanup, it may require full containment. An airlock is a good option for this purpose. Remediators must wear protective clothing during this step, such as mold-impervious disposable paper overalls and a body suit made of breathable material like TYVEK. This is to prevent transfer of spores to other areas of the home or building during the remediation process.

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