Mold

MOLD

Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. When excessive moisture accumulates on building materials (particularly wood, paper, carpet and insulation) mold growth will likely occur – especially if the moisture remains unaddressed.

Common sources of moisture intrusion include:

Plumbing leaks
Localized flooding from heavy rains
Poor drainage
Deteriorating caulking around doors and windows
Condensation associated with high humidity

Prior to starting any mold remediation activities, the source of moisture must be identified and eliminated.

It is impossible to eliminate all molds in the indoor environment. Molds reproduce by releasing tiny spores that will waft through the air continually. When the mold spores land on a damp spot, they begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive – gradually destroying the host surface.

HEALTH EFFECTS

Many types of mold exist –all having the potential to cause adverse health effects including:

Headaches
Breathing difficulties
Skin irritation
Allergic reactions (sneezing, runny nose, skin rash)
Aggravation of asthma symptoms

The types and severity of symptoms depend on the individual’s exposure, age and sensitivities, as well as the type of mold present. The exposure pathway can include a combination of inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.

Mold species that are most commonly associated with indoor building materials are:

Aspergillus
Stachybotrys
Cryptococcus Neoformans
Penicillium
Chadosporium
Cladosporium
Alternaria
Epicoccum
Fusarium
Tricoderma

MOLD REMEDIATION

Eliminating mold hazards from indoor environments will include a combination of protocols:

Removing porous material (ceiling tiles, drywall, carpet, upholstered furniture) showing extensive mold growth
Removing surface mold growth from non-porous surfaces (metal, glass, vinyl floor covering, intact wood studs)
Washing surfaces with a biocide solution
Vacuuming contents with HEPA-filtered vacuums
Sealing treated surfaces with primer paint
Air purification with a HEPA-filtered air exhaust system
Drying and dehumidifying the moist environment.

Where possible, the work area should be unoccupied, isolated and contained inside a negative-pressure enclosure. Critical barriers are created by sealing all doors, windows and air conditioning vents with plastic sheeting.

Personal protective equipment (respirator, disposable clothing) is utilized throughout the process.

Upon completion of clean-up activities, testing should be conducted to verify that the hazard has been eliminated. Air sampling will demonstrate that airborne concentrations of fungal spores in the containment zone are similar to ambient outdoor air.