| Indoor air quality has become an important factor in our day to day lives. The type of toxins that we breathe and ingest in our homes and in our work environment should be of concern to everyone.
Mold is actually a naturally occurring biological contaminant. Mold is an organism classified as a fungus. Unlike plants, molds lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials, utilizing plant and other non-living organic materials as a nutrient source for growth and reproduction. Mold has the ability to break down leaves, wood and other plant debris. Without mold, our outdoor environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter.
Most types of mold that we frequently encounter are not hazardous to normally healthy individuals. However, too much continual exposure to mold may cause or worsen conditions such as allergic reactions, asthma, hay fever, headaches, fatigue and other respiratory complaints. Some mold fungi can produce mycotoxins (although scientific proof is incomplete) which can cause much more severe adverse health effects. While there is over 100,000 species of mold universally, respectively there is approximately 1,000 species of known mold in the United States. Research has implicated many toxin-producing fungi, such as Stachybotrys Chartarum, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Fusarium species to indoor air quality problems, in the United States
Mold reproduces spores, by the time you visually see mold fungi or even become aware of its presence it can be a significant problem. In order for mold to grow, moisture must be present. The necessary moisture can simply come from prolonged excessive humidity (mold can grow at a minimum of 60% Relative Humidity) condensation lines, pipe breaks, and chronic conditions such as plumbing and roof leaks. After any moisture intrusion there is a great possibility that within 24 hours mold will begin to germinate and begin to grow on surfaces that provide a nutrient source.
WARNING!! Mold must be removed in a controlled manner!! Mold can create serious health issues and comprise the structural integrity of your home or office.
Simply cleaning and/or wiping off an area of visible mold can spread the spores throughout the indoor environment, if not done properly. In some cases, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an area equal to or smaller then 10 square feet can be contained by plastic, cut out and removed to an outside trash receptacle for disposal. However, larger areas or areas of unknown origin should be removed by a certified professional (DTS Restorative Services, Inc. 1-888-472-7500) in a controlled manner to ensure that mold is removed correctly & thoroughly and occupants are protected throughout the process.
Analyze
The first step is to thoroughly analyze the extent of the problem and identify
· A visual inspection of the affected area will be conducted to identify the extent of the problem and document the type of mold damaged materials.
· If an active leak is present, the original source of the water damage must be located and repaired, prior to the continuation of any remediation processes. With our IR camera we are able to locate the source in a non-destructive manner.
· Because mold is not limited to areas directly affected by water damage, (i.e. mold spores often invade the HVAC systems and can be carried throughout a home or building via the air ducts) it may be necessary to take air, surface and/or bulk sampling, to identify specific fungal contaminants and to establish the appropriate remediation protocol.
Containment
· The purpose of containment during the remediation process is to prevent cross-contamination.
Negative Pressure
· Negative pressure is created to prevent mold from spreading during the remediation process
Removal
· Successful mold remediation requires the removal of all visibly contaminated materials as well as thoroughly cleaning the ambient air inside of the affected area. Following a written remediation protocol and utilizing special professional equipment contaminated materials will be removed in a controlled manner, sealed and safely contained and disposed of without causing further contamination to the indoor environment.
· Air scrubbing and detailed high performance HEPA vacuuming with high efficiency filters throughout the remediation areas will complete the remediation process.
**Because of growing concerns about the ramifications of mold, we recommend indoor air quality testing for mold in those areas indicated as having anomalies.
Control and remediation should be left to experts who understand the potential hazards and practice the best and most current standardized procedures.
The experts at DTS Restorative Services, Inc. can help!!
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