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Mold Abatement
What contractors need to know about MOLD and mold contamination
There is still much debate about mold and the effect that it has upon us
at home and in the workplace. Even existing scientific information about
mold can be incomplete, misleading, and may also be presented in a
controversial and emotionally charged manner.
What we do know is that there are thousands of species of mold and they are constantly around us,
even in the air we breathe. While most of us live our daily lives with no
problem, there are others that either have or develop an allergic reaction
to a toxic substance produced by mold called mycotoxins. Even this
occurrence is not well understood.
Mold can grow on any organic building material if there is enough
moisture. It grows on wood, drywall, paint, carpet and even plastic. Mold
can start to grow in just 24 to 48 hours after the moisture is added to the
organic material. Mold can destroy whatever it grows on and spreads rapidly
as the spores are carried from place to place by air currents and
ventilation systems.
Some States, i.e. California (Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001), have
attempted to define exposure limits to some of the common molds.
However, through lack of funding and the complexity of the issue no one has
been able to present a standardized solution. There is a consensus though on
these three facts:
The source of the moisture infiltration must be corrected.
The area must be cleaned.
Mold and mold spores must be removed from the area.
How to become certified mold remediator
Reputable mold remediators should posses one of two certifications:
- Certified Microbial Supervisor (CMRS) from American Institute Air Quality
Association (AMIAQ)
or
- Certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) from Indoor Air Quality Association
( IAQA).
They also should follow OSHA and other specified safety protocols to
protect the health and safety of the mold remediators and building
occupants. It is also recommended to carry multimillion dollar liability
insurance to protect the client if the liability gets out of hand.
Training of your employees to recognize mold, where to look for it and how
to remove it is absolutely essential.
Improper removal can cause spread of the mold spores through a structure very rapidly.
Creating a negative pressure containment around the work area with an
OmniAire HEPA negative air machine is the most effective way to keep microscopic
contaminants from spreading and contaminating clean and occupied parts of
the structure.
Air Quality at the Construction Site
Mold abatement and restoration projects release a combination
of dust and bio-contaminants which are irritating and potentially harmful.
The use of
HEPA
Filtration and negative air pressure containment is
an effective and proven method of capturing fine dust particles, mold spores
and asbestos fibers released during abatement and restoration projects.
Contractors dealing with renovation and reconstruction projects are
constantly dealing with airborne particles, VOC's, mold spores and odors. The
OmniAire HEPA negative air machine is an efficient way to
protect the workers and to control the air quality during these projects.
When dealing with biological contaminants during the mold removal,
restoration after floods, fires or sewer overflow, a
UV
Germicidal Irradiation Module can be attached to the OmniAire HEPA
negative air machine. Germicidal irradiation will sterilize the air from viruses and bacteria and control the odor.
Germicidal irradiation also increases the safety of workers and occupants of the
building and reduces the time required to complete the job by reducing the
amount of the airborne mold spores and bacteria.
How the
OmniAire HEPA negative air machine helps your company
Reduces potential liability - prevents spreading of contaminants
Protects your workers - improved job performance
Reduces final cleanup time – Increase the bottom line profits
For assistance in choosing the correct OmniAire HEPA
negative air machine
for your abatement project use our handy
Airflow Calculator
For more information on mold abatement and mold related subjects visit our
Mold Links Page
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