What Is Mold Remediation?

By Author: Andor Kovacs
Total Articles: 4762
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The specialized clean-up and removal of mold, especially toxic varieties, from indoor environments has come to be known as mold remediation. This work is difficult work to perform, especially in the case of toxic molds. There are a number of essential steps in the process of mold remediation, the first of which is the correction of or prevention of additional mold producing conditions.

If mold is already present, special protective equipment may be necessary for people to safely work in the area to correct the problem that has allowed the mold to grown in the first place. You should not undertake any plumbing or water clean-up projects without first determining the presence of mold, especially if that mold is one of the more toxic or dangerous varieties. A mold remediation specialist will be able to determine the presence of mold, even if not visible to the naked eye, with special equipment. Even further, the mold remediation specialist will be able to determine the type of mold and the health and safety precautions necessary to work in the area.

Steps must be taken to remove the mold and to also prevent it from ...
... reoccurring in the future. For many homeowners, mold is not the result of a flood or leak but can be the result of just built-up moisture. Mold can grow inside of building within just 24 to 48 hours of the buildup of moisture in a particular area. Dehumidifiers can be used in the short-term to lessen the moisture in a particular area but longer term solutions may include providing additional, more permanent ventilation in the area. Tackling mold removal is of no use if the problem is only going to reoccur, so a consultation with a professional regarding long-term prevention methods may be necessary.

Mold can cause a number of health concerns, some quite serious, which is one reason mold remediation is so essential. It is also the reason that anyone undertaking a mold remediation project should be knowledgeable of the dangers involved in the process. Mold remediation professionals are well trained and understand the safety hazards in dealing with molds of various types.

Personal protective equipment is essential in mold remediation, including the use of goggles, a filtered mask, and rubber gloves. Those working around mold should also ensure that no areas of skin are allowed to be exposed to mold or the air in the area where mold has been detected. It's important to remember that mold and mold spores are often not visible to the naked eye and therefore, the threat is present even if you can't see it.

Anything that has potentially been contaminated with mold should be sealed inside a plastic bag before being removed from the area. Even the workers' gloves, clothing, masks, and other materials must be properly contained and cleaned to prevent the spread of mold to other areas. These special clean-up conditions are a strong argument for employing the services of a specially trained and certified mold remediation company in your clean-up efforts, especially as some strains of toxic mold are particularly capable of spreading to other areas through even a minute transfer of spores from the original site.

Prior to remediation work beginning, the contaminated area should be sealed off to keep mold spores from traveling to other areas in the home. Once mold is disrupted, it will begin to release spores, and these spores can easily escape to other areas if the proper precautions are not taken. The use of HEPA vacuums and wet-vacs, as well as wiping down contaminated areas with damp rags moistened with disinfectant can all help prevent the spread of mold spores while removing mold. All areas should be thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry completely before protective sealing is removed, in order to prevent mold spores from getting back into the area and beginning to grow again.

Mold penetrates many surfaces and mold remediation professionals can detect the presence of, and can often remove mold, even under the surface of floors, walls and ceilings. Unfortunately, some items simply can't be cleaned after mold has taken hold, and they will need to be thrown out.

Mold remediation can be very time-consuming, difficult work; however, mold remediation specialists can often make short and safe work of a difficult task that might take you weeks to accomplish on your own.
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