When approaching a mold remediation project, one of the most important considerations is to understand the potential risk from mold exposure. Mold counts in the air can be 10 to 1,000 times higher than normal during a remediation project in the contaminated area. Because of the potential health risks from mold exposure it is advisable, particularly for larger (greater than 30 square feet) contamination situations, to contact an experienced and qualified mold remediation contractor.

Individuals who have perineal allergies, asthma , respiratory disease immunocompromised, or have other health problems should not take part in a mold remediation project or be in the general area of the project if the area is not properly contained.

To minimize exposure and/or potential health risks from conducting a mold remediation project, the following activities should be performed:

• Environmental baseline study/survey:
  • Understand specific environmental conditions that exist prior to executing a remediation project.  Sampling strategies will need to be developed and implimented to provide the assurity to the building owner and occupants that the IAQ difficiencies can be controlled.

• Establish project goals and objectives:
  • The environmental goals and objectives should establish safe and healthy levels of:
    • Non-viable particulates inside and outside the containment area.
    • Containment pressurization
    • NAM particulates
    • Surface molds
    • Viable bioaerosols inside and outside containment area 
    • Temperature and relative humidity 

• Remediation Containment:
  • Personnel performing environmental cleanup must be professionally trained.  A 1-day mold course with a certificate does not meet the criteria.
  • Perform all remediation activities in a fully contained area.  The containment area should utilize negative air machines fitted with HEPA (High Effiiciency Particulate Arresting) filters.  HEPA filters arrest 99.97% of particulates greater than .3 microns.
  • Monitor the differential pressure of the containment area relative to the non-containment area with a manometer.  The ideal differential pressure to be contiguously maintained within the containment area is >1-10 Pa.

• Personal Protective Equipment:
  • Wear respiratory (nose and mouth) protection when handling or cleaning mold contaminated materials. The minimal type of breathing mask, or respirator, that should be used for protection from mold particles is an "N-95" particulate respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  Full face respirators may be necessary.
  • Wear protective clothing that can be laundered or discarded after the project.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection.  

• Guidelines:
  • Follow recommended guidelines on assessment and remediation of fungi in indoor environments (NYCDOH). 

• Environmentally Trained Personnel:
  • As per Pure Air Control Services’ specifications, “All remedial work must be completed under strict containment specifications which includes applications to address: OSHA 29 C.F.R. regulations:
    • Respiratory Protection Program:  1910.134
    • Confined Space Program:  1910.146
    • Hazard Communication Program:  1910.1200
    • Lock Out-Tag Out Program: 1910.147” 

The above references are for guidelines purposes only.  Each mold remediation project should have detailed specifications as to how to mitigate the mold contamination.

Additional details and steps for addressing various types and sizes of mold remediation projects can be obtained from the public health specialists at Pure Air Control Services.  Please contact:

 

Alan L. Wozniak, CIAQP

iaq@pureaircontrols.com