| When someone mentions mold it brings to mind | | | | remediation plan to identify and correct the |
| visions of green bread or cheese that has been | | | | conditions that have allowed the mold growth. The |
| left in the refrigerator too long - things you just | | | | plan will also include steps to remove or clean any |
| throw into the trash without much thought. | | | | mold damaged materials. However, the first step |
| However, molds are an essential part of our | | | | is to clean up the current mold problem and then |
| environment. They break down trees, leaves and | | | | work with a specialist to decide how to correct |
| other types of organic matter; and mold is | | | | and prevent the problem from reoccurring. |
| responsible for some of the foods and medicines | | | | When cleaning up the mold it is important to |
| that we have today. But inside buildings mold can | | | | remember that killing the mold is not enough. The |
| be unsightly, smell, and cause health problems to | | | | mold itself must be removed. There are chemicals |
| the buildings occupants. Cleaning staff may be | | | | that exist even in dead mold spores that can |
| responsible to either remediate mold that already | | | | cause a reaction in humans. There are several |
| exists or to prevent mold from growing inside | | | | cleanup methods available. The specific method or |
| buildings. Knowing the basics about mold can help | | | | combination of methods to use depends on the |
| to put preventive measures into place. | | | | material that has the mold damage: |
| Molds can grow almost anywhere as long as | | | | Wet Vacuum or ShopVac. These are vacuum |
| moisture (water), an organic food source and | | | | cleaners that collect water. These vacuums work |
| oxygen is present. There are roughly 1,000 | | | | on floors, carpets, and other hard surfaces where |
| species of mold spores in the United States and | | | | water has collected. Do not use a wet vac to |
| more than 100,000 species worldwide. Mold is | | | | remove water from porous materials, such as |
| generally not a problem unless the spores land on | | | | insulation or gypsum board. Only use wet |
| a damp spot and begin growing. There are | | | | vacuums on wet materials. Mold spores may be |
| varieties of mold that grow on wood, paper, | | | | released into the building if there is not enough |
| carpet, insulation and even everyday dust and dirt. | | | | liquid present. Thoroughly clean and the equipment, |
| There is no way to remove all the mold spores | | | | tanks, hoses, and attachments after use to |
| that are inside buildings. However, mold is usually | | | | prevent the mold from growing in the vacuum. |
| not a problem unless the spores land on a damp | | | | Damp Wipe. Clean nonporous surfaces by damp |
| spot and begin growing and multiplying. If left | | | | wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. Dry |
| unchecked, mold can grow on furniture, carpet, | | | | the surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage |
| building materials, and in extreme cases have | | | | further mold growth. Remember to read and |
| even caused structural damage. | | | | follow any specific instructions for special surfaces. |
| Mold thrives in buildings that have excessive | | | | HEPA Vacuum. A high-efficiency particulate air |
| moisture. The tightly sealed buildings of today | | | | vacuum is recommended for the final cleanup in |
| have resulted in decreased ventilation, which can | | | | any mold infested areas. Make sure that all |
| lead to increased moisture levels inside buildings. In | | | | materials are thoroughly dried and remove any |
| addition, moisture problems can result from | | | | contaminated items. You should also use a HEPA |
| leaking roofs, over-watering plants, gutters that | | | | vacuum to cleanup any nearby areas where dust |
| direct water inside a building and improperly | | | | may have settled. When it is time to change the |
| maintained appliances. | | | | filter, employees should wear a respirator and |
| Controlling moisture is the key to keeping mold | | | | suitable personal protective equipment to prevent |
| from growing and thriving in buildings. Quickly clean | | | | exposure to any of the captured mold. Place the |
| up any water leaks and dry thoroughly. Following | | | | filter and any collected material in impermeable |
| are additional mold prevent tips: | | | | bags and then dispose of the bags appropriately. |
| * Look for any condensation areas and wet spots | | | | Disposing of Mold Damaged Materials. Dispose of |
| in buildings. Pinpoint and fix the source of the | | | | damaged materials like construction waste. Place |
| moisture. | | | | the materials in impermeable bags or closed |
| * Fix any plumbing leaks as soon as possible. | | | | containers or cover large materials with |
| * Prevent moisture from condensing on to | | | | polyethylene sheeting and seal them with duct |
| surfaces by increasing the air temperature, | | | | tape. |
| increasing air circulation and reducing the moisture | | | | Use of Biocides. Using biocides like bleach, is not a |
| level in the building. Reduce the moisture level by | | | | recommended practice for removing mold. If a |
| repairing any leaks and use a dehumidifier if | | | | remediation expert does recommend using a |
| necessary. | | | | biocide, only use the chemical in a well ventilated |
| * Keep the HVAC system properly maintained. | | | | area. Bleaches and other biocides are toxic to |
| Change filters regularly and keep drip pans clean. | | | | people and animals and should only be used |
| * Appliances that produce moisture (such as | | | | according to the label's directions. |
| dryers) should be vented to the outside. | | | | Clean the affected area when the room or |
| * Cooking and bathroom areas should be properly | | | | building is not occupied. Any contaminated |
| vented. | | | | materials that cannot be cleaned should be |
| * Quickly pinpoint areas where any leaks have | | | | removed first. Workers should wear the proper |
| occurred. Then identify what has caused the leak | | | | personal protective equipment -- respirators, |
| and take the right preventive measures to | | | | gloves and goggles. Once cleaned, dry the areas |
| prevent the leak from reoccurring. | | | | quickly and thoroughly. |
| If a building has a mold problem one of the | | | | After cleanup, make sure the underlying cause of |
| following reasons may be noticeable: | | | | the mold has been addressed or mold growth will |
| * Furniture, carpeting or other building materials | | | | reoccur. Building owners must place emphasis on |
| may have water damage | | | | preventing contamination by making sure that any |
| * Musty or moldy type odors | | | | water leaks or excessive moisture problems are |
| * Building occupants may be experiencing health | | | | fixed. Keeping mold at bay is essential for a |
| problems that they feel are related to mold: | | | | healthy indoor environment. Remember, mold |
| sneezing, headaches, nausea | | | | spores will always be present, but removing the |
| * Existing moisture problems or standing water in | | | | standing or excessive water that molds need to |
| areas of the building | | | | grow, will prevent the spores from becoming an |
| Buildings that have a mold problem will need a | | | | unsightly and unhealthy problem. |