Mold Remediation

Mold Remediation - Mold or mildew are fungi, they are neither plant nor animal. Mold fungi live in dark moist areas such as wet showers, humid basements and crawl spaces, it feeds on dead or decaying plants or animal.  Mold by itself is considered harmless; most humans are sensitive to the spores released by the mold and mildew during their reproduction cycle.  Some species of mold such as black mold spores can release a toxin that when inhaled, it travels to the lungs and the blood stream and nervous system causing serious illness.

Mold Cleaning

Depending on the level and extent of mold growth, mold can be cleaned by the home owner, an area of about three feet by three feet that has the presence of mold growth on sheetrock, ceiling paint, wood, cardboard or even in the heating and ventilation duct work, can be cleaned by the home owner, other materials such as fabric or carpet can be cleaned with the use of a steam cleaner or wet vacuum.  If you are not sure of what type of mold or what cleaning products to use or if the size affected is larger, it is best to consult a trained mold remediation professional.

Mold Remediation

When choosing a mold remediation company or professional, ensure that mold remediation contractor has experience cleaning mold.   Ask for contactable references and check that the contractor follows recommendations set by the EPA  for mold clean up and the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.  Your prospective mold remediation company should be certified as A Certified Mold Inspector (CMI) – a CMI is a specialist who has been professionally trained to detect and assess both the presence of microbial contamination, and the source of any underlying moisture intrusion.  Also, ensure that your mold remediation contractor is a certified mold remediation contractor.

Prevention is the best practice, as stated previously, mold exits in dark, moist and warm areas where there is a food source and reproduce by means of releasing spores. By monitoring areas that are prone to high humidity such as bathrooms, basements and heating and ventilation systems and installing measures to keep these areas dry, we can make an unwelcoming environment for mold spores to grow.

Mold Remediation Inspection Licensing

Most states have adopted laws requiring companies or firms that provide mold remediation services on residential, commercial or government properties to obtain a license to provide mold remediation services.  Check with your state or local licensing office to learn about mold inspection or remediation licensing requirements and if your prospective mold remediation technician is properly licensed.