A common occurrence in a surprisingly high number of attics, particularly in the warmer northern climates, is the growth of mold. A common cause of the problem is inadequate ventilation into the attic and with warm moist air rising through the ceiling and into the roof it can get trapped providing the perfect conditions for mold growth.
You may become aware that you have a problem with attic mold if you have noticed a musty smell throughout the house and could never pinpoint where it came from. It is unlikely that there will be any visual evidence to alert you from the fact. Similarly if you have a constant problem with your air conditioning not seeming to do the job adequately, it could mean that there are problems in the attic.
Attic mold can spread completely through the entire length and breadth of the attic. If the mold that is growing in the attic is black mold then there is a health risk involved in the attic mold removal and it would be best to call in the mold remediation experts. Living under an attic full of mold poses a relatively minor health risk because air flow generally travels up and out rather than down and in.
That being said, it is still advisable to initiate some kind of attic mold treatment to remove it from the rafters, insulation or other parts of the attic affected.
Before attacking the mold in an effort to remove it, it is best to take a sample of it to get it tested so you know exactly what kind of mold you are dealing with. The kind that you want absolutely nothing to do with is black mold which can cause some serious respiratory illnesses. Stachybotrys is the black mold type that you are likely to find on wet or damp cellulose material such as the kind you would find in insulation.
If the mold in the attic is not terribly heavy you may simply choose to leave it alone and simply install attic ventilation instead. Attic ventilation fans or soffit vents will ensure that sufficient air is getting into the attic to dry the area out so that any mold will be killed.
You may be concerned that by installing attic ventilation fans and vents you will be compromising the effectiveness of your insulation. In fact, the fans and vents are a necessary part of the cooling and warming process of keeping the temperature in your house controlled. Attic fans will cool hot attics by drawing cooler outside air into the attic through the vents and will also push the hot air out.
Heavy mold infestation should be cleaned completely and the safest way to do this is by calling in mold remediation specialists. It is unlikely that you will find someone who only specializes in attic mold remediation and the best place to look for someone to do the job is to find a fire and water damage restoration professional.
For further reading on mold damage and remediation :
Cleaning Mold From The Ceiling
Mold Detection and Treatment of Clothes
Prevent Mold From Taking Hold In the Home
Restoring the Home From Mold Damage
Repair Mold Damage In Books
Showing posts with label mold damage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mold damage. Show all posts
Black Mold Removal
A mold damage restoration can be a major undertaking. Apart from the fact that it is very frustrating to find water leaking or flooding into your house every time it rains, there is a more insidious problem that can make its presence felt if there is no immediate water cleanup soon after. Mold will quickly take hold in any damp environment, quickly establishing itself from airborne spores that will grow on any cellulose-based material.
For the most part, and for most people, molds are not a big health problem. However, they do produce allergens that can cause allergic reactions. Either touching or inhaling mold or mold spores is enough to get have an allergic reaction. Black mold is a particularly serious problem because it produces a toxic substance called mycotoxin which can be a potential health hazard.
Mold spores are ubiquitous, so basically, getting rid of all of them is not really an option. If you are going to conduct a thorough job of black mold removal, the best you can do is to kill the existing black mold and then ensure that the conditions in which black mold spores grow are not available.
Essentially, black mold removal involves 4 important steps and can be summed up by the following actions: Contain, Kill, Remove, Protect. In other words, contain the mold to as small an area as possible, kill existing mold that is visible, remove the mold that has been killed and protect the surfaces that have been cleaned as well as creating conditions to prevent more mold growth.
Black Mold Removal Tips
For the most part, and for most people, molds are not a big health problem. However, they do produce allergens that can cause allergic reactions. Either touching or inhaling mold or mold spores is enough to get have an allergic reaction. Black mold is a particularly serious problem because it produces a toxic substance called mycotoxin which can be a potential health hazard.
Mold spores are ubiquitous, so basically, getting rid of all of them is not really an option. If you are going to conduct a thorough job of black mold removal, the best you can do is to kill the existing black mold and then ensure that the conditions in which black mold spores grow are not available.
Essentially, black mold removal involves 4 important steps and can be summed up by the following actions: Contain, Kill, Remove, Protect. In other words, contain the mold to as small an area as possible, kill existing mold that is visible, remove the mold that has been killed and protect the surfaces that have been cleaned as well as creating conditions to prevent more mold growth.
Black Mold Removal Tips
- Do not simply paint over the black mold. This will not kill the mold, it will continue to grow and will become an even bigger problem.
- Do not attempt to kill black mold be using bleach. Bleach is ineffective against black mold. It may initially remove the mold but it is not a long lasting solution.
- Wear a complete protective covering when carrying out your black mold removal.
- Keep the area that is being cleaned well ventilated at all times. When you disturb the black mold there will be mold spores dispersed into the air. A well ventilated room will allow the mold spores to be carried away.
- Once the mold is killed and removed ensure that the conditions that allowed the mold to grow in the first place are changed. In other words, remove any sources of dampness.
The Safest Method of Black Mold Removal
Call in a mold remediation specialist. Professional mold removal specialists are equipped to remove large infestations of toxic black mold from homes. They are people who do this kind of thing for a living and if you feel that you will be out of your depth and will be needlessly risking your health by attempting the job yourself, then the best idea would be to call in an expert.
Mold removal also involves a complete inspection of the area to ensure that all affected areas have been identified. Black mold growth doesn't only take place in places that are easy to see. There are plenty of hidden surfaces that may be covered with mold. Professional mold remediation guys know what to look for and where to look to confirm that all black mold has been successfully removed.
However, there are many people who prefer to do the mold removal themselves, but there are some basics that should be taken care of.
Do It Youself Black Mold Removal
When carrying out your own black mold removal, it is a good idea to wear protective clothing that includes a Tyvek suit, gloves and a face mask. While working in a room that has been infested with black mold, try to get as much fresh air into the room as you can. The whole idea is that you want to come with as little contact as possible with the mold spores.
To remove black mold, use a fungicide spray directly on the black mold to kill the mold growth completely. Wipe the affected surface down completely with the fungicide solution until the entire area is free of growth. Once the black mold has been killed and removed, the room and the surfaces must be completely dried to ensure there will be little chance of re-infestation.
More information about mold detection and treating mold damage:
Cleaning Mold From the Ceiling
Mold Detection and Treatment of Clothes
Mold Damage in Books
Prevent Mold Damage
Cleaning Mold From the Ceiling
Mold thrives in any moist, warm environment with rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens a perfect place for it to grow and spread quickly. It is not only unsightly but can become a health risk as it spreads by releasing spores and these spores can affect breathing. Mold will grow on any organic material and, given the right conditions will do just as well on non-organic material.
A danger for your home when you’ve got mold growing in one or many rooms is that it actually consumes the object that it is living on and can release an acid that will permanently mark the wall or ceiling. Whether your ceiling is made from ceiling tiles, sheet rock or wood, mold is just as likely to begin growing with rooms that are often moist, such as the bathroom, the most susceptible.
Black mold is the most common type of mold that will grow on the ceiling and it can be identified as black spots of varying sizes dotting the ceiling in clusters.
Cleaning a Mold Damaged Ceiling
It is important to appreciate the danger mold poses to your health, so before you start cleaning the mold from the ceiling, ensure you have taken necessary safety precautions and have put on gloves, goggles and a face mask.
In the room you will be cleaning, close off any accesses to other parts of the house such as doors or vents. Open the window to allow the room to dry out.
An initial wash of the ceiling with a mild detergent and warm water will start the cleaning process. A quarter of a cup of bleach mixed with a quart of water can be used to follow the clean up and, if necessary, can be repeated after allowing the first application has dried. After the second application the ceiling should be allowed to dry out completely.
There are alternative products available to the bleach solution mentioned above that will remove the topical mold and also kill the remaining spores. It might be worth seeking out one of these products to be comfortable that you have thoroughly cleaned the room.
To safeguard against the return of mold in the room, all water leaks should be repaired so the environment isn’t constantly moist. If there are no leaks, it might simply be necessary to introduce more ventilation into the room. Finally, a regular clean of the bathroom to remove or kill and stray mold spores should be carried out regularly.
Make sure that if you are going to be painting the ceiling you have completely removed the mold. Painting over mold will not solve the problem and the mold will simply return in full force. It is possible to buy paint with mold prevention chemicals already mixed into it. I have actually painted such a product on the ceiling of my bathroom and have never had a problem with mold in that room.
This mold damage clean up advice assumes that the mold damage is not too extensive and that you can tackle the job yourself. If, however, the mold damage has become completely out of control, it may be necessary to call in a professional who specializes in this kind of damage clean up.
Other mold damage articles:
Prevent Mold From Taking Hold In the Home
Restoring the Home From Mold Damage
Repair Mold Damage In Books
Mold Detection and Treatment of Clothes
A danger for your home when you’ve got mold growing in one or many rooms is that it actually consumes the object that it is living on and can release an acid that will permanently mark the wall or ceiling. Whether your ceiling is made from ceiling tiles, sheet rock or wood, mold is just as likely to begin growing with rooms that are often moist, such as the bathroom, the most susceptible.
Black mold is the most common type of mold that will grow on the ceiling and it can be identified as black spots of varying sizes dotting the ceiling in clusters.
Cleaning a Mold Damaged Ceiling
It is important to appreciate the danger mold poses to your health, so before you start cleaning the mold from the ceiling, ensure you have taken necessary safety precautions and have put on gloves, goggles and a face mask.
In the room you will be cleaning, close off any accesses to other parts of the house such as doors or vents. Open the window to allow the room to dry out.
An initial wash of the ceiling with a mild detergent and warm water will start the cleaning process. A quarter of a cup of bleach mixed with a quart of water can be used to follow the clean up and, if necessary, can be repeated after allowing the first application has dried. After the second application the ceiling should be allowed to dry out completely.
There are alternative products available to the bleach solution mentioned above that will remove the topical mold and also kill the remaining spores. It might be worth seeking out one of these products to be comfortable that you have thoroughly cleaned the room.
To safeguard against the return of mold in the room, all water leaks should be repaired so the environment isn’t constantly moist. If there are no leaks, it might simply be necessary to introduce more ventilation into the room. Finally, a regular clean of the bathroom to remove or kill and stray mold spores should be carried out regularly.
Make sure that if you are going to be painting the ceiling you have completely removed the mold. Painting over mold will not solve the problem and the mold will simply return in full force. It is possible to buy paint with mold prevention chemicals already mixed into it. I have actually painted such a product on the ceiling of my bathroom and have never had a problem with mold in that room.
This mold damage clean up advice assumes that the mold damage is not too extensive and that you can tackle the job yourself. If, however, the mold damage has become completely out of control, it may be necessary to call in a professional who specializes in this kind of damage clean up.
Other mold damage articles:
Prevent Mold From Taking Hold In the Home
Restoring the Home From Mold Damage
Repair Mold Damage In Books
Mold Detection and Treatment of Clothes
Mold Detection and Treatment of Clothes
Mold is the common term used to describe a downy or furry growth on the surface or organic matter, caused by fungi, especially in the presence of dampness and decay. These microorganisms feed on living organisms or dead organic matter.
In order to prevent the growth or spread of mold growth you have to deny the spores the moisture content they need to germinate.
The mold microorganisms need organic materials for the nutrients to grow and so, any material that was once living, including wood, paper, clothes such as cotton, linen and leather are susceptible. It doesn’t really stop there, either. Inorganic materials such as some plastics can also come under attack from fungal growth.
You need to get rid of mold because it will permanently damage the materials upon which it is growing. It will stain textiles as well as structurally weaken them, paper will be stained with spots known in the industry as “foxing” and leather will be permanently marked. Inorganic materials can be etched by organic acids produced by the fungus as a by-product of their presence.
Removing Mold From Your Clothes
The ideal scenario is that you catch the onset of mold growth early on in its life. As soon as that moldy smell becomes noticeable from the cupboard it is essential to pull all the clothes out and closely examine them for signs of mold. Remember, mold will cause deterioration in the material that it is growing on so the longer you leave it, the more chance your clothes will not be salvageable.
When the mold has been identified there are some steps you can take to remove both the mold and the mold smell.
Firstly, when you deal with mold you should use gloves and a protective mask or goggles. Take the clothes outside and then brush the loose mold growth off each item. When transporting the affected clothes you should be careful not to disturb the mold because you don’t want to spread mold spores through the house.
After the clothes have been brushed off, leave them in the sun to dry so that the heat from the sun will kill any remaining mold that is still in the clothes.
It may be necessary to wash the affected areas in a weak bleach solution although if you’re dealing with colored clothing you may want to substitute the bleach for a lemon juice and salt combination. After the clothes have been given a thorough clean with these disinfectants, they should be laundered as you would normally do and then put out to dry in the sun. Ensure that the drying process is completed to avoid a regrowth of mold.
A fungicide spray can be used on the clothes to remove any trace mold odor that may persist. Care must be taken with respect to the different materials that you are trying to remove the mold from. Materials such as silk, nylon and wool can be damaged when applied with chlorine bleach.
A product such as Moldergent, which is a 100% organic mold cleaning detergent, can be used in the laundering process. This type of product has been specially formulated to remove mold and mildew from clothes.
As mentioned earlier in the article, at the first sign that the clothes in your wardrobe have been affected start the mold restoration process immediately. The process is not too burdensome and the longer you delay cleaning and drying your clothes the more chance that they will be ruined beyond repair.
In order to prevent the growth or spread of mold growth you have to deny the spores the moisture content they need to germinate.
The mold microorganisms need organic materials for the nutrients to grow and so, any material that was once living, including wood, paper, clothes such as cotton, linen and leather are susceptible. It doesn’t really stop there, either. Inorganic materials such as some plastics can also come under attack from fungal growth.
You need to get rid of mold because it will permanently damage the materials upon which it is growing. It will stain textiles as well as structurally weaken them, paper will be stained with spots known in the industry as “foxing” and leather will be permanently marked. Inorganic materials can be etched by organic acids produced by the fungus as a by-product of their presence.
Removing Mold From Your Clothes
The ideal scenario is that you catch the onset of mold growth early on in its life. As soon as that moldy smell becomes noticeable from the cupboard it is essential to pull all the clothes out and closely examine them for signs of mold. Remember, mold will cause deterioration in the material that it is growing on so the longer you leave it, the more chance your clothes will not be salvageable.
When the mold has been identified there are some steps you can take to remove both the mold and the mold smell.
Firstly, when you deal with mold you should use gloves and a protective mask or goggles. Take the clothes outside and then brush the loose mold growth off each item. When transporting the affected clothes you should be careful not to disturb the mold because you don’t want to spread mold spores through the house.
After the clothes have been brushed off, leave them in the sun to dry so that the heat from the sun will kill any remaining mold that is still in the clothes.
It may be necessary to wash the affected areas in a weak bleach solution although if you’re dealing with colored clothing you may want to substitute the bleach for a lemon juice and salt combination. After the clothes have been given a thorough clean with these disinfectants, they should be laundered as you would normally do and then put out to dry in the sun. Ensure that the drying process is completed to avoid a regrowth of mold.
A fungicide spray can be used on the clothes to remove any trace mold odor that may persist. Care must be taken with respect to the different materials that you are trying to remove the mold from. Materials such as silk, nylon and wool can be damaged when applied with chlorine bleach.
A product such as Moldergent, which is a 100% organic mold cleaning detergent, can be used in the laundering process. This type of product has been specially formulated to remove mold and mildew from clothes.
As mentioned earlier in the article, at the first sign that the clothes in your wardrobe have been affected start the mold restoration process immediately. The process is not too burdensome and the longer you delay cleaning and drying your clothes the more chance that they will be ruined beyond repair.
Repair Mold Damage In Books
If you’ve suffered water damage and one of the items are your books, there are some necessary steps that you will have to take if you want to prevent mold from growing on them.
You first have to work out which books have suffered little enough damage to be saved. For those books that are completely ruined by water, or which are not valuable enough to save, discard them immediately. For those books that contain valuable information that you think you will want at a later date, photocopy the pages and then discard the originals. For those books that you will want to save, freeze the books. Mold cannot grow when it has been frozen.
Air-drying the books may be an option, but do so following these stops:
Repair Mold Damaged Books
If you have not moved quickly enough to prevent mold damage in the first place, or if the books have been stored in a damp environment and have become mold damaged over time, there are some steps available to you to perform mold damage restoration.
Mold damage on the cover or spine of the book can be addressed by removing the cover of the book and retaining the pages within. If the mold is heavy but has only affected the dustjacket then your restoration may simply be a matter of removing the jacket and discarding it. You will have to do a thorough inspection of the inner pages of the book to ensure that the pages have not also become mold damaged. If you hate the thought of coverless books in your bookshelves, you may have to decide on getting the books professionally rebound.
If the mold damage on the cover is only light, you will have to remove the mold by first brushing the mold from the cover. You will then be required to sponge the cover down with a water, bleach and detergent mix. The idea is to destroy the mold spores that may be left behind, so after washing down the cover, leave the book out in the sun to completely dry.
The more difficult mold restoration of books comes when dealing with mold on the inside pages of the book. It is very likely that books with mold damage on the pages will not be salvageable but there are some steps to take to try.
Firstly, brush off any visible mold. Follow this up with a light sponge with the water, bleach and detergent mixture over the contaminated area remaining very careful not to wet the pages too much. Leave the washed books out in the sun, pages open, so that they might dry out completely. This process should be completed page by page as necessary.
Whether or not you want to tackle this kind of mold damage restoration will depend on how valuable the books that are damaged are and how badly you need the content contained within.
As with all mold repair work you should be aware of the safety issues involved and make sure you have equipped yourself with the proper personal protection equipment.
You first have to work out which books have suffered little enough damage to be saved. For those books that are completely ruined by water, or which are not valuable enough to save, discard them immediately. For those books that contain valuable information that you think you will want at a later date, photocopy the pages and then discard the originals. For those books that you will want to save, freeze the books. Mold cannot grow when it has been frozen.
Air-drying the books may be an option, but do so following these stops:
- Fan books open and stand on top or bottom edge; never stand them on the front edge.
- Stand books on driest edge first to provide support. As the book dries turn it upside-down to the opposite edge every few hours.
Place a sheet of waxed paper larger than the pages between the front and back cover and adjacent page before standing on edges. Replace the interleaving as it becomes saturated.
When the book is no longer wet, but still cool to the touch, close and place on a solid surface with a slight weight to keep distortion to a minimum. Check frequently to ensure that no mold is growing.
Repair Mold Damaged Books
If you have not moved quickly enough to prevent mold damage in the first place, or if the books have been stored in a damp environment and have become mold damaged over time, there are some steps available to you to perform mold damage restoration.Mold damage on the cover or spine of the book can be addressed by removing the cover of the book and retaining the pages within. If the mold is heavy but has only affected the dustjacket then your restoration may simply be a matter of removing the jacket and discarding it. You will have to do a thorough inspection of the inner pages of the book to ensure that the pages have not also become mold damaged. If you hate the thought of coverless books in your bookshelves, you may have to decide on getting the books professionally rebound.
If the mold damage on the cover is only light, you will have to remove the mold by first brushing the mold from the cover. You will then be required to sponge the cover down with a water, bleach and detergent mix. The idea is to destroy the mold spores that may be left behind, so after washing down the cover, leave the book out in the sun to completely dry.
The more difficult mold restoration of books comes when dealing with mold on the inside pages of the book. It is very likely that books with mold damage on the pages will not be salvageable but there are some steps to take to try.
Firstly, brush off any visible mold. Follow this up with a light sponge with the water, bleach and detergent mixture over the contaminated area remaining very careful not to wet the pages too much. Leave the washed books out in the sun, pages open, so that they might dry out completely. This process should be completed page by page as necessary.
Whether or not you want to tackle this kind of mold damage restoration will depend on how valuable the books that are damaged are and how badly you need the content contained within.
As with all mold repair work you should be aware of the safety issues involved and make sure you have equipped yourself with the proper personal protection equipment.
Restoring the Home From Mold Damage
When performing a water restoration one of the biggest dangers is preventing mold. However, sometimes one of the first indicators that you've even got a water damage problem is the appearance of mold growth. This leaves you with the problem of attempting to clean up the mold. Here are some safety tips with suggestions on the personal protective equipment you should wear. The primary function of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to limit mold exposure.
If a remediation job disturbs mold, and mold spores then become airborne, there will be an increase in the risk of respiratory exposure. Actions likely to stir up mold include breaking moldy porous materials such as wallboard, using invasive procedures to examine or remediate mold growth in wall cavities, stripping or peeling wallpaper to remove it, and using fans to dry items.
Gloves
Gloves protect the skin from contact with mold. They also protect the skin from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended.
The material from which gloves are made should be suited to the type of materials being handled. If you choose to use a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, gloves should be made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or polyvinylchloride (PVC). If a mild detergent is being used, ordinary household rubber gloves are suitable. The routine use of biocides is not recommended.
Goggles
Properly fitted goggles or full-face respirators provide eye protection. Goggles must be designed to keep out dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles that have open vent holes are not suitable and won't provide you with complete protection for the job.
Respirators
Respirators protect remediation workers from inhaling airborne mold, mold spores, and dust. Three types of respiratory protection are described: minimum, limited, and full. Only respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be worn during mold remediation. These respirators must be used according to any applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
You only really need to wear minimal personal protective equipment when cleaning up a small area affected by mold (less than 10 square feet total). Minimum PPE includes gloves, goggles/eye protection and an N-95 respirator. An N-95 respirator covers the nose and mouth, filters out 95 percent of airborne particulates, and is available in most hardware stores. It does not provide eye protection.
Limited PPE includes the use of half-face or full-face air purifying respirators (APRs) equipped with P100 filter cartridges. These respirators have inhalation and exhalation valves that filter the air and ensure it is free of mold particles. The P100 filters do not remove vapors or gases, and the half-face APRs do not protect the wearer's eyes. Limited PPE may be warranted when the total surface area affected by mold is between 10 and 100 square feet. Professional judgment should be used to make the final determination about whether to wear limited PPE.
Full PPE includes a full-face, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). It is recommended when more than 100 square feet of mold is found, which means that there is very likely going to be high levels of airborne dust or mold spores present, or when intense or long-term exposures are expected. A powered air purifying respirator uses a blower to force air through a P100 filter. The filtered air is supplied to a mask that covers the wearer's face or a hood that covers the entire head. Positive pressure within the hood prevents unfiltered air from entering through penetrations or gaps. Individuals must be trained to use their respirators before they begin remediation.
Disposable clothing is recommended for medium and large remediation projects. It prevents the transfer and spread of mold to clothing and eliminates skin contact with mold. When limited protection is warranted, disposable paper coveralls can be used. When full protection is required, a body suit of breathable material, such as TYVEK, and mold-impervious disposable head and foot coverings should be used. All gaps, such as those around ankles and wrists, should be sealed. (Many remediators use duct tape to seal clothing.)
If some of the measures specified above appear too daunting a task to tackle yourself, it would be advisable to get in touch with professional water damage contractors who will be well trained in cleaning up this kind of mold damage. Sometimes the most wise course of action is to stand aside and allow those who are best equipped to deal with the problem, especially when your personal safety is at stake.
If a remediation job disturbs mold, and mold spores then become airborne, there will be an increase in the risk of respiratory exposure. Actions likely to stir up mold include breaking moldy porous materials such as wallboard, using invasive procedures to examine or remediate mold growth in wall cavities, stripping or peeling wallpaper to remove it, and using fans to dry items.
Gloves
Gloves protect the skin from contact with mold. They also protect the skin from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended.
The material from which gloves are made should be suited to the type of materials being handled. If you choose to use a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, gloves should be made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or polyvinylchloride (PVC). If a mild detergent is being used, ordinary household rubber gloves are suitable. The routine use of biocides is not recommended.
Goggles
Properly fitted goggles or full-face respirators provide eye protection. Goggles must be designed to keep out dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles that have open vent holes are not suitable and won't provide you with complete protection for the job.
Respirators
Respirators protect remediation workers from inhaling airborne mold, mold spores, and dust. Three types of respiratory protection are described: minimum, limited, and full. Only respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be worn during mold remediation. These respirators must be used according to any applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
You only really need to wear minimal personal protective equipment when cleaning up a small area affected by mold (less than 10 square feet total). Minimum PPE includes gloves, goggles/eye protection and an N-95 respirator. An N-95 respirator covers the nose and mouth, filters out 95 percent of airborne particulates, and is available in most hardware stores. It does not provide eye protection.
Limited PPE includes the use of half-face or full-face air purifying respirators (APRs) equipped with P100 filter cartridges. These respirators have inhalation and exhalation valves that filter the air and ensure it is free of mold particles. The P100 filters do not remove vapors or gases, and the half-face APRs do not protect the wearer's eyes. Limited PPE may be warranted when the total surface area affected by mold is between 10 and 100 square feet. Professional judgment should be used to make the final determination about whether to wear limited PPE.
Full PPE includes a full-face, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). It is recommended when more than 100 square feet of mold is found, which means that there is very likely going to be high levels of airborne dust or mold spores present, or when intense or long-term exposures are expected. A powered air purifying respirator uses a blower to force air through a P100 filter. The filtered air is supplied to a mask that covers the wearer's face or a hood that covers the entire head. Positive pressure within the hood prevents unfiltered air from entering through penetrations or gaps. Individuals must be trained to use their respirators before they begin remediation.
Disposable clothing is recommended for medium and large remediation projects. It prevents the transfer and spread of mold to clothing and eliminates skin contact with mold. When limited protection is warranted, disposable paper coveralls can be used. When full protection is required, a body suit of breathable material, such as TYVEK, and mold-impervious disposable head and foot coverings should be used. All gaps, such as those around ankles and wrists, should be sealed. (Many remediators use duct tape to seal clothing.)
If some of the measures specified above appear too daunting a task to tackle yourself, it would be advisable to get in touch with professional water damage contractors who will be well trained in cleaning up this kind of mold damage. Sometimes the most wise course of action is to stand aside and allow those who are best equipped to deal with the problem, especially when your personal safety is at stake.
Prevent Mold From Taking Hold In the Home
Molds will grow just about anywhere and will grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Species of molds grow on wood, paper, foods, carpet and insulation. When there has been excessive moisture allowed to accumulate in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.
Active mold digests the organic materials upon which it grows and can also create permanent stains. It can be hazardous to people with respiratory problems and can cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin.
After flood damage occurs in your home, it is critical to begin the process of taking water restoration steps to prevent any further damage that might be caused by mold growth.
Steps To Take To Prevent Mold From Growing
Begin the process of drying out the room as quickly as possible. Given the ideal conditions, mold will spread and can grow quickly.
Mold prefers high humidity and temperature so lower both the humidity and the temperature. This can be done by opening the windows if the outside humidity is lower than inside. Alternatively turn on the air conditioning and set up dehumidifiers and empty them often.
Remove any objects that are moldy sealing the moldy trash in plastic bags first. Objects you can save should be dried or frozen as soon as possible. Freezing will inactivate mold.
Mold can remain on shelves and in cupboards where valuables were kept so clean these surfaces with a disinfectant such as Lysol. After cleaning, increase the air circulation in the room. Use fans only after moldy objects are removed and all display and storage areas are clean.
These are basic early water damage restoration steps that should be taken as a start to repairing water damage in the home. These early actions can save a lot more ongoing damage down the track. When removing mold from the home you should also consider you own safety and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Active mold digests the organic materials upon which it grows and can also create permanent stains. It can be hazardous to people with respiratory problems and can cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin.
After flood damage occurs in your home, it is critical to begin the process of taking water restoration steps to prevent any further damage that might be caused by mold growth.
Steps To Take To Prevent Mold From Growing
Begin the process of drying out the room as quickly as possible. Given the ideal conditions, mold will spread and can grow quickly.
Mold prefers high humidity and temperature so lower both the humidity and the temperature. This can be done by opening the windows if the outside humidity is lower than inside. Alternatively turn on the air conditioning and set up dehumidifiers and empty them often.
Remove any objects that are moldy sealing the moldy trash in plastic bags first. Objects you can save should be dried or frozen as soon as possible. Freezing will inactivate mold.
Mold can remain on shelves and in cupboards where valuables were kept so clean these surfaces with a disinfectant such as Lysol. After cleaning, increase the air circulation in the room. Use fans only after moldy objects are removed and all display and storage areas are clean.
These are basic early water damage restoration steps that should be taken as a start to repairing water damage in the home. These early actions can save a lot more ongoing damage down the track. When removing mold from the home you should also consider you own safety and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
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