Many people may wonder what mold remediation means, and what it involves. Mold remediation is the cleanup of mold in homes and buildings. This cleanup must be done in a specific way, following certain standards and safety protocols, to protect the health of the workers doing the cleanup as well as the health of any nearby occupants, residents, and other people. Mold can be harmless or toxic, or any hazard level in between and cleaning up and removing mold must be done with caution and extreme care, especially if the type of mold is unknown or harmful. Some companies may advertise mold remediation services, but make sure you choose one who uses the proper precautions and safety procedures to keep the mold from spreading to other areas.
Some improper methods used for mold remediation include using heat and dry air, because this just dries out the mold and allows more spores to be released, which can pose an allergy or health risk. Sunlight, UV rays, and ozone should not be used as a method of mold remediation either, because they are not completely effective. All of the methods mentioned may kill the mold, but it will not stop the spores from being released. The purpose of mold remediation is to clean or remove any items and materials that are contaminated with mold, and to remove these items and materials with methods that prevent fungi spores or dust from getting into other areas; all the while using any necessary safety equipment for the health and safety of the workers doing the mold abatement.
There are several acceptable methods that can be used in mold remediation, and the methods used will depend in part on how large the contaminated area is. There are four levels of protection equipment and processes that can be used, depending on the size and the location of the contamination. These levels reflect the amount of contamination and the personal protection equipment that will be needed to safely clean up and remove the mold during the mold remediation process. A level 1 containment classification means that homeowners or other individuals can conduct remediation as long as they have been trained on the potential risks and dangers, what protection equipment they should use, and the proper way to remove and clean the mold contamination. A level 1 classification means that the mold covers ten feet or less, and is in an area that is isolated and does not have high traffic going through. Anyone doing mold remediation on a level 1 contamination site should use a N95 respirators, gloves, and goggles, to protect themselves. The area being cleaned should be empty, with no people except for the cleanup crew in the area. Contaminated items and materials should be placed in plastic bags that are completely sealed before being taken out of the building.
A level 2 mold remediation project covers areas between ten and thirty square feet, and are in an isolated area as well. All level one precautions should be taken, as well as the additional step of covering surfaces in the area with plastic sheeting to keep them from being contaminated. The areas should be vacuumed using a HEPA vacuum and filter. Anyone with proper training can perform a level 2 mold remediation project.
A level 3 mold remediation job must have an industrial hygienist or other mold remediation expert that is in the environmental health and safety profession, and who has experience and training performing microbial investigations mold remediation, or both and who is available to at least supervise the mold remediation efforts. Anyone involved in a level 3 mold remediation project should have training in the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. All personal protection equipment used for a level 1 or 2 containment areas must also be used with level 3. The environmental health and safety expert will guide the workers on the exact steps that must be taken to minimize the contamination and transfer of mold and spores. Level 3 refers to areas that cover between thirty and one hundred feet, but are still in locations that are considered isolated. If the mold contamination is a level 4, call the professionals and the bank, because this mold remediation job is going to get expensive. Workers on this job must be trained in handling of hazardous materials, and must be equipped with much more personal protection equipment, including disposable protective clothing covering the entire body including the head, shoes, and hands, as well as full face respirators that are equipped with HEPA cartridges.
Mold testing and home mold inspections are the best way to determine whether you need mold remediation done. Olympian offers both of these services at very reasonable and competitive prices, with results that you can trust are accurate and complete.
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