Mold Investigations
Commercial and Residential Mold Investigations are conducted by a Certified Mold Remediator, and in some cases, by a Certified Indoor Environmentalist.
The investigation includes attempting to locate an internal moisture source that would aid in the proliferation of microbial growth.
Temperature and relative humidity will be determined by the use of moisture metering equipment. Outdoor temperature and humidity readings will also be taken and logged against the indoor conditions.
Dated digital photographs will be taken to document any findings of moisture, water, or conditions that would promote microbial growth inside the unit.
Mold testing can be performed upon request. These tests range from nonviable air samples to swab samples.
The Air-O-Cell test will identify fungi present in both the indoor and outdoor environments, giving a measurable count of spore activity. One test will be taken outside to gather a base line of spores present in the outdoor environment at the time of testing. At least one sample should be taken inside to determine if the spore count is higher in the indoor environment in relationship to the outdoor environment. This test also identifies any fungi present indoors that is not present outdoors. In some cases, more than one indoor sample should be taken in order to obtain an accurate reading.
The fees and costs associated with the evaluation (excluding testing fees) will be refunded in the event that AdvantaClean is hired to do remediation.
Mold Remediation
Mold Remediation refers to the safe removal of mold spores and mold colony growth from contaminated buildings and homes.
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) defines five principals used in the remediation of mold contaminated materials.
Principle 1 - Occupant Health and Safety
The first principal of Mold Remediation deals with the health and safety of the building's workers and occupants.
Mold-contaminated structures and contents can be associated with an array of health problems. The Remediation process can potentially expose workers, as well as occupants to health and safety hazards. Therefore, strict and specialized measures are taken before, during, and after the process.
Safety measures include controlled demolition, source containment, control of air movement, and personal protection equipment, including respiratory protection. AdvantaClean® personnel are trained and certified in their discipline, and strictly adhere to the current standards as defined by OSHA, the EPA, NADCA, IAQA, and the IICRC.
Principle 2 - Documentation
To ensure that remediation work is being performed appropriately, strict documentation is kept by project management personnel.
In concert with a Hygienist or other qualified party, a remediation protocol can be developed prior to starting the project. The appropriate testing, inspection, and clearance procedures should be documented throughout the duration of the project.
Principle 3 - Source and Containment Control
It is extremely important to control the mold contamination as close to the source as possible. As mold spores become airborne, they become more difficult to contain, therefore, it is important to prevent them from becoming airborne. This is accomplished through proper work practices and engineering controls.
Principle 4 - Source Removal
In order to eliminate mold from a structure, it is important to physcially remove the contamination. Attempts to simply kill the mold are not effective, as spores can regenerate at the onset of moisture. It can also be noted that dead or inactive mold spores still have the potential to cause health problems.
Principle 5 - Moisture Elimination
Moisture elimination is imperitive if recontamination is to be prevented. Mold growth is virtually inevitable if moisture is not controlled. AdvantaClean® will identify and correct (or control) all moisture problems, resulting in a successful remediation. If reconstruction is necessary, it typically does not begin until moisture levels are controlled and the structure and it's contents are completely dry.
AdvantaClean Mold Remediation Guidelines
Cleanup Methods
These are general guidelines that AdvantaClean follows during a mold remediation project. A variety of mold cleanup methods are available for the remediation of damage to building materials and contents caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected and the property specific conditions. Please note that as a professional remediation company with many years of experience, we may use some methods not covered in these guidelines based upon the unique situation and key variables.
Molds Can Damage Building Materials and Furnishings
Mold growth can eventually cause structural damage if a mold/moisture problem remains unaddressed for an extended period of time. In the case of a long-term roof leak, for example, molds can weaken floors and walls as the molds feed on wet wood. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, you may want to consult a structural engineer or other professional with expertise in this area.
Containment
The purpose of containment during remediation activities is to control, contain, and limit release of mold into surrounding areas to reduce the opportunity for exposure. Mold and moldy debris should be properly secured and contained when they are exposed to areas in the building beyond the containment site.
The larger the affected area of moldy material, the greater the possibility of human exposure and the greater the need for containment. In general, the size of the affected area will determine the level of containment required. However, a heavy growth of mold in a relatively small area could release more spores than a lighter growth of mold in a relatively large area. Choice of containment should be based on professional recommendations and applicable guidelines. Containments generally use pressure differentials to arrest the release of contaminants into unaffected areas.
Demolition of Damaged Materials
Building materials and personal contents that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable will be bagged. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.
Damp Wipe
Whether dead or alive, mold is allergenic, and some molds may be toxic. Mold can generally be removed from nonporous (hard) surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water, or water and detergent. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded. Since molds will infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices, the mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
HEPA Vacuum
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are used for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. HEPA vacuums are also used for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. Care is taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air must pass through the filter. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in well-sealed plastic bags.
Mold Remediation and Biocides
The purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold to prevent human exposure and damage to building materials and personal contents. It is necessary to clean up mold contamination, not just to kill the mold. Dead (non-viable) mold spores can still be allergenic, and some dead mold spores are potentially toxic. The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not generally recommended by professional hygienists as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain in the air (roughly equivalent to or lower than the level in outside air). Elevated Mold spores counts will generally not return if the moisture problem in the building has been resolved.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If the remediation job disturbs mold and mold spores become airborne, then the risk of respiratory exposure goes up. Actions that are likely to stir up mold include: breakup of moldy porous materials such as wallboard; invasive procedures used to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; actively stripping or peeling wallpaper to remove it; and using fans to dry items.
The primary function of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to avoid inhaling mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes. The following sections discuss the different types of PPE that will be used during remediation activities.
* Skin and Eye Protection - Gloves are used to protect the skin from contact with mold allergens (and in some cases mold toxins) and from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. The glove material should be selected based on the type of materials being handled. To protect our eyes, we use a full-face respirator with a HEPA filter.
* Respiratory Protection - Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, mold spores, and dust and includes use of a half-face or full-face equipped with a HEPA filter cartridge. These respirators contain both inhalation and exhalation valves that filter the air and ensure that it is free of mold particles.
* Disposable Protective Clothing - Disposable clothing is used during the remediation project to prevent the transfer and spread of mold to personal clothing and to eliminate skin contact with mold. Mold-impervious disposable head and foot coverings, and a body suit made of a breathable material, such as TYVEK®, are used.
Certifications
A Certified Mold Remediator is extensively trained in identifying fungal growth and is trained in remediation procedures such as containment, removal, and prevention.
The Certified Indoor Environmentalist designation is one of the most prestigious certifications available in the indoor environmental arena. They are trained in air contaminants, human pathogens, environmental factors, investigation of problematic HVAC systems, and ventilation issues.
A Building Scientist studies the interrelationships of buildings, their occupants, the indoor and exterior environment in which they are constructed along with the interaction of the materials and subsystems of which they are constructed.
Indoor Air Quality Assessment
Since the early 1970's the public has become increasingly aware of IAQ problems and their relationship to the cleanliness of HVAC systems.
The HVAC system is without a doubt a major source of contaminants that are introduced into occupied spaces. Many factors can result in a severely contaminated system, including the presence of mold.
Proper maintenance of HVAC equipment is an important part of attaining better Indoor Air Quality. When a system is maintained poorly, the spread of contamination can increase as mold spores are dispersed throughout a building.
NADCA, (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) in conjunction with the EPA has created recommended procedures and standards for air duct cleaning, assessment, and remediation. The resulting document, ACR 2002, is now the industry standard.
AdvantaClean® is a proud member of NADCA and we abide by their standards for the remediation of air ducts and ventilation systems.
|
