What Are the Three Levels of Mold Remediation?
Three Levels of Mold Remediation
When it comes to mold remediation, there are different levels of contamination that determine what type of work needs to be done. Some of the most important aspects of the work include avoiding exposure to home occupants, addressing the source of moisture, and following proper cleaning procedures. It is always recommended to have a professional do the work in order to avoid potential health issues, however there are times when the contamination can be contained to small areas that can be handled by the homeowner.
Level 1 mold remediation is typically used for isolated spots or stains of mildew within a 10 square foot area. This is often the case in areas of the home like baseboards and ceiling corners that are exposed to high humidity. These areas do not require any specialized cleaning equipment or training to clean, as long as proper safety guidelines are followed. Minimum personal protective equipment for this level of contamination includes a respirator with a HEPA filter, goggles that do not have vents and rubber gloves that extend to the mid-forearm.
It is also recommended to have a professional do this level of work if you are working in an area that contains porous materials such as wood or fabrics that absorb and hold moisture. This can cause mold spores to become airborne and could spread the contamination. The professional can scrub the infected materials with detergent and water to remove the mildew, and then apply a fungicide to kill any remaining mold spores.
What Are the Three Levels of Mold Remediation?
In this scenario, the area can be sealed off with plastic sheets and no one should enter the work area until the job is complete. This is to prevent the spreading of mold spores from the work site to other areas of the home. It is also advised to double wrap any contents that are in the affected area with plastic sheets to prevent contaminating other items. The contents should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before re-introducing them to the area.
Level 2 mold remediation involves contaminated areas that are between 10 and 30 square feet. This level of mold damage may be a result of structural or HVAC problems. It is important to note that mold growth is likely to occur in a wider area than just the wall board panels, so it is important to inspect the entire house for signs of mold. The most common signs of level 2 contamination are a musty or stale smell, discoloration of the walls and floor, a softer or spongy feel to the floors and walls and inexplicable allergic reactions among occupants.
When this level of contamination is found it is critical to hire a qualified professional immediately. The most important aspect of this level of work is to find and fix the cause of the moisture problem. Then the affected areas can be treated with a biocide and encapsulated to prevent future mold growth. This can involve tearing out parts of the building such as drywall, spraying a chemical and then applying a mold resistant coating.