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Four Critical Aspects of a Mould Remediation
The Remediation Process
Remediation is...
The effective removal of mould growth and settled spores to a level that is less than or equal to typical background or outside levels.
The ultimate goal of remediation is to insure that a structure can be reoccupied by it’s occupants without adverse reactions.
Scope of Work
The scope of remediation can not be adequately established without an appropriate initial investigation that includes sampling by a qualified third party environmental consultant. Sampling prior to commencing work will determine if there is a spread of spores to adjacent areas.
Moisture is an essential condition for mould growth. A primary objective in all mould remediation is to identify the sources or causes of moisture and eliminate or control them. Evidence suggests that flooding for periods as brief as 48 hours can lead to mould problems. Other possible sources of moisture are condensation and building envelope leaks. Once the source has been identified it should be possible to track where the moisture has migrated to, which will make it possible to determine areas of potential contamination.
First Principle of Remediation
All contaminants have a source.
Contaminants are most effectively controlled at their source.
Once a contaminant is in the environment, it is harder to capture.
Removal of Contamination
Follow the 3 C’s
- Contained
- Controlled
- Careful
NO BASH &TRASH
It is critical to establish an environment where air enters the containment but does not exit except through the negative air machine. This prevents any cross contamination outside of the contained area.
Inspect structure in the contaminated area that to this point has not been visible.
- Penetration of mould into structurally sound dimensional lumber is only 3 microns (thickness of a piece of paper).
- If wood rot is present the mould will grow right through it.
Structure can be cleaned by damp wiping, abrading, sanding, or media blasting.
MOTTO When in doubt ... cut it out!
In limited circumstances, air sampling for mould in indoor environments before and after remediation can be used as an indicator of remediation effectiveness. To be used in this manner, the mould makeup of the outdoor air should also be determined so that a side-by-side comparison can be made in terms of mould types present and their relative numbers indoors versus outdoors. Post-remediation air sampling should be conducted using a non-culturable sampling method as the mould may have been killed during the cleaning process. Remember, dead mould can still have allergenic or toxic properties!
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