September 28, 2011 (Press Release) Recent reports from the BBB Better Business Bureau indicate that the number of incoming calls has spiked in northern Illinois after the recent flooding.
Mold will grow on any kind of wood, carpet, or paper as a source of food. According to the EPA E(Environmental Protection Agency) Mold Guide, many types of mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores encounter wet surfaces. Homeowners can choose to battle the mold themselves or consult with a mold inspector and expert mold remediation contractor.
The BBB advises to thoroughly research mold removal and eradicators. "In the past 12 months, the BBB received over 29,000 inquiries on mold and mildew eradicators, compared to just under 25,000 in the 12 months proceeding"," said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois. "As mold can ultimately destroy anything it lands on, it's important to act smart and fast."
Homeowners that attempt to deal with mold clean up themselves should consider the following:
- Understand the risks and side effects of clean areas with mold growth. There are associated risks a person may experience such as allergic reactions or respiratory complaints.
- If moisture intrudes your home, then be prepared to mitigate the moisture as soon as possible. This may require grabbing some towels from the linen closet or calling a professional water damage/ mold removal company.
- Choose a contractor from the BBB, Yelp, Angie's List or friend/family.
Safety - Personal Protection Equipment - Part 1
Personal protection is a very important part of mold remediation for the workers and the building occupants.
1. Mold Remediation Technicians will use the appropriate containment/enclosures before mold remediation begins. The enclosure will usually be constructed from plastic and tape.
2. Mold Remediation Technicians will suit up in protective clothing, in addition to eye protection and respirators.
3. Mold Remediation Technicians will also establish HEPA filtering and dehumidifying machines.
Mold Removal and Remediation - Part 1
Mold removal, transportation and disposal can be completed:
1.
2.
3.
Negative Air Machine - NAM - Part 1 HEPA Filteration
The pressure of a containment can be kept in a negative pressure environment when the exhaust of the negative air machine is ducted out of the enclosed areas.
In addition to a Negative Pressure Environment, negative air machines maybe allowed to re-circulate the air within the enclosed areas and effectively "scrub" the air (or filter out the small stuff). The picture below illustrates how debris, mold spores, and dust impact the filter of the negative air machine.
HEPA Vacuums and Microbial Wipe Downs - Part 1 Cleaning
The next phase after bulk removal of the contaminated items will be to HEPA vacuum the finer debris from the top of the enclosure to the bottom, paying attention to horizontal surfaces where accumulations of dust and debris may linger.
The beginning of this phase is to remove the majority of the dust and debris from the environment. With HEPA filteration and vacuuming, a microbial wipe down within the enclosure, followed by another HEPA vacuuming is a preferred method used by may mold remediation contractors.
Other procedures such as fogging, either
Final Cleaning - Part 1
Final cleaning of the machines and subsequent removal of the filters can increase the negative air machines ability to filter out particulates and ensure a cleaner environment.
Post Remediation Testing and Verifiaction of Indoor Environment
The final stage to any mold remediation should be to verify the removal of the contaminants, to attain building material moisture and compare indoor to outdoor mold spore concentrations.
The final stage of your mold remediation project may include the use of a 3rd party black
mold testing (only) company. Those environments that do not pass first inspections is often 10-25% or more.
Results of the
post remediation mold testing will be conveyed to you by the mold inspector or final clearance mold report.
1 comments:
But with the growing problem of the economy, most households of late are hardly coping with the problems of recession putting huge dents on budget. As the service may need some form of expenses, some decide to skimp on professional services without realizing that instead of remedying the problem, they are actually putting health and investment at a risk.
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