Mold Remediation

Once the extent of mold infestation, damage and possible health risk has been assessed through a diligent mold assessment, one can now begin the process of cleaning up the contaminated area, and securing it against future mold growth.  This procedure is known as mold remediation.  It involves not just killing the mold, but removing it completely, as even dead mold releases the chemical particles that cause adverse reactions in people.  Once this is achieved, any concerns with moisture can be resolved, either by repairing the damage found or by discarding the damaged material.  Remediation is best done during off-hours, or scheduled during periods where the occupants will not be around, to minimize the personal inconvenience to them from the remediation work, and also to keep them from being exposed further to dangerous mold fragments. 

There are several methods that are used, usually in conjunction with each other, to effectively eradicate mold from a location:

Wet vacuum cleaners take care of the worst dampness and moisture problems, siphoning water away from places where it has collected.  Some mold fragments may remain in the material, but are unlikely to cause trouble once the material has dried completely.  These vacuums are specially suited for wet surfaces, so they should not be used on dry areas, as the lack of liquid may cause mold particles to be accidentally spewed into the air.  This equipment should be cleaned and dried out thoroughly afterwards, as the mold spores may end up sticking to the hose and tank.

Damp wiping is good for most surfaces, such as glass or metal.  It must be noted that only commercial detergents specially formulated to remove mold should be used for scrubbing, after which the surface should be dried quickly and thoroughly, so that the mold does not return.  When damp wiping wood, make sure to use an anti-mold detergent that is suitable for wood cleaning.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums are typically used after surfaces have been cleaned and dried, and contaminated materials removed, to collect any remaining trace particles in the area of remediation, and in the surrounding areas, as well.  One must make sure that the filter in the vacuum is properly fitted so that nothing escapes into the atmosphere.  When changing the filter, one is expected to wear the appropriate protective equipment to avoid inadvertently breathing in the collected mold spore and grain dust.  The contents of the HEPA vacuum should be disposed of in sealed airtight bags.

Disposal of damaged materials is another essential step in remediation, as there will be instances where the mold infestation is simply too extensive, and the surfaces or objects on which the mold has grown have deteriorated or been destroyed.  Since they cannot be salvaged anymore, they should be removed, and placed in closed bags or containers during the remediation process.  Afterwards, one can dispose of them normally, unless the mold growth is very heavy, in which case the material must be covered with polyethelene sheets and wrapped with duct tape, as a further precaution against the spreading of mold particles.

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