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Mold Is Dangerous Even Beyond Containment
9/28/2020 (Permalink)
Black Mold Inside Structures Can Make Air Quality Dangerous
Containment in remediation protocols is a restoration industry staple. But all too often mold specialists are missing the point and failing to be effective in their containment efforts.
Many of the traditional protocols and methods currently associated with, what may be termed as “traditional mold remediation methods”, were borne from the asbestos abatement industry. Once a problem area is identified, one of the first steps is to set up containment around the affected area.
This is entirely appropriate and necessary for asbestos work as the harmful by products of the abatement do not become airborne until after the containment is set up and the remediation has begun.
However, mold is a different beast. It is a living organism. As such, it is actively seeking to expand its environment beyond its present location. As remediators, we may conscientiously set up containment around a visible mold bloom the moment we step onto the jobsite. But long before our arrival our musty friend has been hard at work (often times with the help of we humans) sending its spores throughout the building environment, potentially starting new colonies in unseen locations and most assuredly compromising the quality of the building’s breathable air supply. Therefore our true containment in an effective mold remediation is the entire building envelope, not just the immediate area or room where we have visible growth.
Keep in mind that many contractors would have been content in merely treating the area within containment, and no doubt would have passed any Industrial Hygienist written protocol or post remediation testing. But the real culprit, the air borne spores that had already spread throughout the building envelope, would have been left behind to create further havoc. One additional step to remediate the problem is to have those air ducts clean and deodorized.
Please give us a call for any mold or asbestos needs at 262-542-0900. SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County has certified technicians in both areas so don't hesitate to get in contact with us.
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