Can I Remediate Mold Yourself?
Mold remediation is the process of removing mold from an indoor environment. Mold remediation may be necessary to protect the health of building occupants.
Identifying and fixing the source of moisture that is encouraging mold growth is the first step in mold cleanup. After the water has been located and corrected, the next stage is to eliminate the mold and its spores.
The guidelines outlined in the EPA’s “Guidelines for Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” provide a set of recommendations for how to remediate mold growth safely and effectively.
Several different methods may be used depending on the amount of mold present, the type of material or surface affected, and the relative ease of access to the work area. The safest and most effective method will vary from project to project.
The first step in mold remediation is to identify and correct the source of moisture that is causing mold growth. Once the water source has been addressed, the next step is to remove the mold and its spores.
The EPA’s “Guidelines for Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” provide a set of recommendations for how to remediate mold growth safely and effectively. The guidelines outline several different methods that may be used, depending on the amount of mold present, the type of material or surface affected, and the relative ease of access to the work area.
The safest and most effective method will vary from project to project. Some of the most common methods used in mold remediation include:
Surface cleaning involves using a detergent or other cleaning agent to remove the mold from the surface.
– HEPA vacuuming: This involves using a vacuum that has been specifically designed to filter particles that are .3 microns or greater in size.
– Enclosure: The work area is enclosed and treated with an EPA registered antimicrobial agent. The enclosure may be left in place for days to weeks, allowing the antimicrobial agents to penetrate the mold and kill it.
– Washing: In this method, a detergent or other cleaning solution is applied to remove mold from a surface. A pressure washer may be used for more complex characters to clean, such as porous materials or stucco. A media blaster can also be used in place of a pressure washer.
– Thermal remediation: This method involves heating the mold to very high temperatures, over 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes the cells to rupture and die.
– Fogging or tenting: In this situation, the work area is enclosed and treated with an EPA registered antimicrobial agent. The enclosure may be left in place for days to weeks, allowing time for the antimicrobial agent to penetrate the mold and kill it.
-Removal: In some cases, removing the contaminated material may be necessary. This may involve tearing out walls, ceilings, or floors.
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