Mold Remediation

For specific questions about mold remediation, please call our office toll-free at 1.800.528.5535.

You may wonder why mold remediation has become necessary in recent years. There are actually several factors. Awareness has increased, and health conditions that were not understood have now been attributed to mold exposure. Also, building techniques have changed. So buildings that were constructed "loose" in years past have now become energy efficient, "tight" buildings today. Therefore the building cannot "breathe" mold away as older structures allowed. Building materials have also changed, allowing for more cellulosic materials in the building. All this has contributed to increased mold contamination in buildings.

Mold is a natural part of our environment. It is in every breath of air we inhale. It is normal! What isn't normal is having it grow in the indoor environment. Since mold Is a naturally occurring living organism, it is virtually impossible to remove it entirely from the indoor environment. Therefore, when remediating mold from the indoor environment, the goal is to restore the natural balance in the air and remove physical growth of the mold. Mold has two basic requirements for growth:  food and water. Since just about anything organic will serve as a food source for mold, the one thing we have the most control over is water. By maintaining a relative humidity level between 30-50 percent, you can be reasonably sure that there will not be any mold growth indoors. When there is a water leak or some other moisture event the environment changes, and mold can start growing. If mold is laying dormant, then it can immediately grow. However, It usually takes at least 48 hours under ideal growth conditions for mold to grow enough to be visible to the naked eye.

One misnomer of mold remediation that unfortunately lived a long life is that you can kill mold and clean it up with bleach. In fact, that used to be the most common recommendation for mold. To this day, many people think that you should use bleach to remove mold.  The EPA clearly states:

"the use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation…" (Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, EPA, 2001)

There are certain steps that should be followed regardless of the size or nature of the mold growth. First and foremost is to find the source of moisture, and remove the moisture. Then, based upon the amount of mold growth and other factors such as building materials, building occupants, etc. the remediation scope can be determined. The EPA has put together the following:

Questions to Consider Before Remediating

  • Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
  • Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?
  • Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity to high (high enough to cause condensation)?
  • Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
  • Are building occupants reporting health problems?
  • Are building materials or furnishings visibly damages?
  • Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?
  • Has the building been recently remodeled or has the building use changed?
  • Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?