Mold & Indoor Air Quality
Recently, the issue of mold has been an extremely hot topic in both the insurance and restoration industries. Over the past few years there has also been a great deal of media attention on the subject of fungal contamination. Articles have appeared in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal as well as televised on popular shows such as 48 Hours, Primetime and even Oprah. In some cases, a homeowner is shown speaking to a reporter explaining how the mold has completely ruined their home and belongings to the point that the home had to be burned down by the local fire department because there was no other way of solving the contamination issues.
This type of media attention may help with ratings and sales of newspapers and magazines but it is certainly not realistic. It is important to understand that mold is ubiquitous and the goal of remediation is to bring the indoor environment to an acceptable level. Should moisture be reintroduced into the indoor environment, mold growth will likely reoccur. In nearly every case of fungal contamination, a home and many of its contents can be cleaned of mold growth. What is never mentioned is how this can be achieved. We can recommend and apply several proven techniques such as "HEPA sandwich" cleaning or baking soda blasting. Because the media is not educated in the field nor do they fully understand, the public is often misled and does not understand the very real dangers of fungal contamination.
Another way to look at the current mold situation is to compare it to the asbestos issues we encountered in the 1970's and 1980's. The media was undoubtedly responsible for magnifying the fears of the public. As the demand for abatement quickly increased many companies rushed to capitalize on the situation without being experienced or formally educated. This in turn leads to bad advice and overreaction. If mold remediation contractors are able to accurately educate and communicate with homeowners and insurance companies these issues could be resolved without unnecessary expense and anguish.
In closing, mold contamination and remediation may not be as bad as the media makes it out to be. Although there are definitely some health risks associated with mold exposure, in particular Stachybotrys, it is important that it is dealt with appropriately. Regardless of the level of contamination, you can rest assured that we posses the technology, education and ability to successfully complete your project in the most cost-effective way. Please do not hesitate in calling us for information or guidance on any or your mold related projects. We are here to help in any way possible.
emartin@advancedrestoration.com
Method of Remediation in Compliance with EPA, NYCDOH, IICRC S520 and OSHA:
The work methods to be used by Advanced Restoration, Corp. will surpass those as required by the New York City DOH, EPA, IICRC S520, and OSHA requirements as related to mold remediation activities.
All work to be done with employees in personal protective equipment and in compliance with Advanced Restoration, Corp. safety standards and standard operating procedures (which derive from OSHA standards).
Regulation of work area by maintaining relative humidity levels below 50%.
Seal all critical barriers in the work area including HVAC supplies and returns.
Create decontamination chamber(s) and air locks at entrance of containment area with 6-mil poly OR tunnel system leading directly to the outdoors.
Place containment under negative pressure using HEPA filtered negative air machines. The negative air machines will provide a minimum of 4 air changes per house and a maximum of 16. The machines will be set up to exhaust outside the building.
A HEPA filtered air scrubber will be placed outside the containment (if/when containment is needed) to aid in prevention of cross contamination and to keep a positive pressure on the exterior of the containment.
Remove by hand any wallboard or mold contaminated porous content that may be found within the containment area. These materials will be carefully removed as to maintain low levels of airborne dust and fungal spores.
All material removed will be placed in a 6-mil poly bag, sealed, and properly decontaminated before removal from containment area.
HEPA vacuum all surfaces within containment area
Decontaminate-disinfect hard surfaces using an EPA registered product designed for mold abatement.
HEPA vacuum all surfaces within containment area a second time.
