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Learn the Guidelines of Correctly Performing Mold Removal
Mold is a fungus that is found naturally in our environment. While it is found everywhere, it becomes a problem when its spores reproduce inside your home or building. Once it is determined that you have a problem, your next step is to get it removed as quickly as possible.
Any Contractor can offer mold remediation, the challenge is finding one who can perform the removal services without the mold coming back or spreading throughout the home or commercial property. The following are the various guidelines that all mold removal contractors should be following.
The guidelines discussed will be by the New York Health Department, the EPA, and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. As with all guidelines, you must remember that these are not rules or laws but suggestions that have had success and are used as bench marks for successful mold removal.
The New York Health Department (NYHD) version of Mold Damage Restoration Guidelines, were actually the first (one of the first) produced for the public nationwide for mold removal. These guidelines, once the norm for mold damage cleanup, are almost never used because the EPA and the IICRC guidelines are more popular. However, the NYHD Guidelines are very similar to the EPA Guidelines. You can read these in full by going to the New York Health Department's website and searching for their Mold Damage Restoration Guidelines.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed their own set of rules to assist homeowners and property owners on removal. The EPA established their guidelines based upon the size and amount of visible mold you have. The guidelines are for (1) less than 10 square feet, (2)10-100 square feet and (3) over 100 square feet. These guidelines advise whether you should use containment and negative air pressure, special disposal suits, face masks, etc.
For example, if your area is less than 10 square feet, you can do the removal yourself being sure to use a face mask with an N-95 respirator, goggles and gloves - no containment is necessary. However, for anything over 10 square feet, the EPA suggests that you hire a professional with mold remediation experience and that you have a containment built immediately. As well as industry approved Disposable Protective Suits and Personal Protection Equipment should be used. You can view the full guidelines by visiting the EPA's website.
Mold testing after you have completed your remediation project is also important. Unfortunately, the EPA guidelines do not completely answer how to test for mildew when the removal is done. They do advise that professionals who have mold experience should be used and that they should follow the methods recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) or other professional organizations. Be certain that if someone claims to be a mold testing expert that their credentials are equal to the ACGIH credentials or are a Certified Industrial Hygienist. There is no school or training facility whose credentials are as extensive or accepted.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Mold Remediation S502 Guidelines are an extremely comprehensive source. They describe mold issues, and detail how to perform the removal. While the New York Health Department and the EPA Guidelines are available free on-line, they come up short in their specifics on all questions and topics related to mold remediation. The IICRC's Guidelines are so well regarded, that most, if not all Certified Industrial Hygienists use these guidelines for their recommendations on mold damage clean up.
If a residential or commercial property has possible signs of mold growth, here are some suggestions. First, it is advisable to follow the IICRC S502 Guidelines due to the fact that Certified Industrial Hygienists use these guidelines in their reports. Second, although there are companies who claim to be mold testers, Certified Industrial Hygienist are the only "mold testing" professionals whose reports will pass in most federal and local court systems. (Certified Industrial Hygienists are Scientists with scientific degrees versus someone who has a certificate from a mold testing school or certified lab.) Third, be sure to hire a company that has experience with mold remediation and preferably is certified by the IICRC. These suggestions are so important because of the health risks and legal liability that you could be confronted with!
Mold Remediation Locations Covered:
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Frederick, Maryland
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Baltimore, Maryland
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Columbia, Maryland
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District of Columbia, Washington DC
Also serving the entire states listed above with Mildew Removal, Odor Removal, and Mold Remediation services.