There are methods and costs to controlling mold and fungus organisms in your home and even commercial establishments.
It is important to follow safe procedures to make sure you do not inhale any of the fungi spores, especially if you might have an adverse reaction; however, as I mentioned in last weeks, part 1, no one dies from mold.
Fungi (mold) are present almost everywhere.
In an indoor environment hundreds of different kinds of mold are able to grow wherever there is moisture and an organic substrate (food source).
They can grow on building and other materials, including: the paper on gypsum wallboard (drywall); ceiling tiles; wood products; paint; wallpaper; carpeting; some furnishings; books/papers; clothes; and other fabrics. Mold can also grow on moist, dirty surfaces such as concrete, fiberglass insulation, and ceramic tiles.
It is neither possible nor warranted to eliminate the presence of all indoor fungal spores and fragments; however, mold growth indoors can and should be prevented and removed if present.
Water accumulation in indoor environments can lead to mold growth (and other environmental problems), which has been associated with human health effects. Indoor mold growth can be prevented or minimized, however, by actively maintaining, inspecting, and correcting buildings for moisture problems and immediately drying and managing water damaged materials.
In the event that mold growth does occur, this guide is intended to assist those responsible for maintaining facilities in evaluating and correcting this problem.
Removing mold growth and correcting the underlying cause of water accumulation can help to reduce mold exposures and related health symptoms. Prompt remediation of mold-damaged materials and infrastructure repair should be the primary response to mold growth in buildings.
The simplest, most expedient remediation that properly and safely removes mold growth from buildings should be used.
Extensive mold growth poses more difficult problems that should be addressed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with an appropriate building or environmental health professional. In all situations, the source of water must be identified and corrected or the mold growth will recur.
It is neither possible nor warranted to eliminate the presence of all indoor fungal spores and fragments; however, mold growth indoors can and should be prevented and removed if present.
Water accumulation in indoor environments can lead to mold growth (and other environmental problems), which has been associated with human health effects. Indoor mold growth can be prevented or minimized, however, by actively maintaining, inspecting, and correcting buildings for moisture problems and immediately drying and managing water damaged materials.
In the event that mold growth does occur, this guide is intended to assist those responsible for maintaining facilities in evaluating and correcting this problem.
Several tools can be utilized to detect mold and water issues.
A moisture meter or infrared camera can be extremely efficient most of the times zero in on problems. A borescope, to view inside ductwork or behind walls will also be an asset in locating detectable issues.
Again one should be wearing protective rubber gloves, as well as respiratory protection (N-95 disposable respirators).
Proceeding with environmental sampling is generally, not necessary, although there are situations that may need closer inspection, sampling and studying.
But generally remediation of visually identified mold growth or water damaged materials is sufficient. Eliminating and minimizing water penetration and humidity will be the main concerns to eradicate mold, so a simple tool is a de-humidifier, which many, many North Shore homes use or are in need of to prevent that musty smell, also causing mold to grow.
Mold grows extremely well above 65 percent relative humidity, so you need to keep it at or below that figure to inhibit its growth.
The old saying “Put your baby to bed dry” holds true with basements too!
Non-porous materials (e.g. metals, glass, and hard plastics) can almost always be cleaned.
Semiporous and porous structural materials, such as wood and concrete can be cleaned if they are structurally sound. Porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and insulation, and wallboards (with more than a small area of mold growth) should be removed and discarded.
Wallboard should be cleaned or removed at least six inches beyond visually assessed mold growth (including hidden areas, see Visual Inspection) or wet or water-damaged areas. A professional restoration consultant should be contacted to restore valuable items that have been damaged. Cleaning should be done using a soap or detergent solution. Use the gentlest cleaning method that effectively removes the mold to limit dust generation.
All materials to be reused should be dry and visibly free from mold.
Consideration should also be given to cleaning surfaces and materials adjacent to areas of mold growth for settled spores and fungal fragments.
A vacuum equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter could also be used to clean these adjacent areas.
Disinfectants are seldom needed to perform an effective remediation because removal of fungal growth remains the most effective way to prevent exposure.
Disinfectant use is recommended when addressing certain specific concerns such as mold growth resulting from sewage waters.
If disinfectants are considered necessary, additional measures to protect workers and occupants may also be required.
Disinfectants must be registered for use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Any antimicrobial products used in a HVAC system must be EPA-registered specifically for that use.
I will continue to discuss mold in next weeks column part 3.
Bonus Information for our Readers:
Phil Racies is the owner of Turn Key Real Estate at 7 Bond St. in Great Neck. He can be reached by email: Phil@TurnkeyRealEstate.Com or by cell (516) 647-4289 to answer any of your questions.
