Mold Remediation Revenue Centers

Mold Remediation
The highest priority in a remediation is to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and the remediation workers. Remediation plans vary according to the size and complexity of the job. They may require updating if circumstances change or more extensive contamination is discovered.

Remediation Plan
The remediation plan should include:

Whether containment will be required.

What level of PPE will be used.

How the water or moisture problem will be fixed so the mold problem does not recur.

How the moldy building materials will be removed to avoid spreading mold.

Remediation plans should only be written by an industrial hygienist (also known as an “environment consultant” or “indoor environment professional (IEP)”) who has the knowledge of water damage restoration procedures and the science of drying. This individual should also have field experience, knowledge of sampling protocol (why, when, and how), knowledge of critical barriers, containment and negative air pressure, and work with an AIHA accredited laboratory that specializes in mycology (the field and study of fungi).

Remediation plans are based on one or more of the following documents: EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference for Professional Mold Remediation, and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments.

Remediation Process
A variety of methods is available to remediate damage to buildings and furnishings caused by moisture-control problems and mold. The procedures selected depend on the size of the moldy area and the type of contaminated materials. Budget may also be a concern. The methods presented in EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, for example, outlines one approach; some professionals may prefer to use other methods. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours, when building occupants are less likely to be affected.

Basic remediation activities may include:

Pre-remediation Clean-out – includes everything that may have to be removed before remediation activities are to begin.

Shut down all sources of combustion if containment and negative air is to be employed.

Setting up containment and/or barriers to prevent cross contamination with other non-mold affected areas. (See following “Recommended EPA Containment Guidelines.”)

Monitor negative air to ensure no cross contamination is taking place.

Demolition and disposal of any materials as specified by the remediation plan.

Abrasion of any surfaces to remove mold residue which may include on of the following: sanding, soda blasting, dry ice blasting or wire brushing.

HEPA vacuuming (99.97% efficient) to remove debris left from demolition and abrasion operations in addition to airborne mold spores on surfaces.

Bio-washing of surfaces to complete cleaning surfaces of any remaining mold spores.

Encapsulation of structural surfaces with EPA registered product for this specific application.

Duct cleaning to remove any mold and/or mold spore presence.

Post-remediation verification conducted by the industrial hygienist who created the remediation plan to ensure that the site has met his/her specifications.

Recommended EPA Containment Guidelines
Full containment is recommended for the clean up of mold-contaminated surface areas of more than 100 square feet and when intense or long-term exposures are expected. It is also recommended if it appears likely that the occupant's space would be further contaminated if full containment were not used because high levels of airborne dust or mold spores are likely. Full containment requires double layers of polyethylene sheeting to create a barrier between the moldy area and other parts of the building. A decontamination chamber or airlock -- an area with doors between the contaminated area and the clean area -- should be built for entry into and exit out of the remediation area. The entryways from the outside into the airlock and from the airlock into the containment area should be slits covered by flaps on the outside surface. The chamber should be large enough to hold a waste container and allow a worker to put on and remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All contaminated PPE, except respirators, should be placed in a sealed bag while in this chamber. Respirators should be worn until remediation workers are outside the decontamination chamber.