Over the last 4 years, H&L Environmental Services Ltd have conducted several, successful mold remediation projects. During this tenure, we have also come across a number of companies conducting such works, however exacerbating the issue, increasing mold counts and causing more harm to occupants.
This presentation is to highlight what is NOT mold remediation.
Firstly, it is not the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials, coatings, sealants, powders and or cleaning chemicals. It is also not the use of Gas/Vapour antimicrobials, where the EPA has noted that these have not shown to effectively and safely remediate affected buildings due to delivery, efficacy, toxicity, and lack of physical removal.
Another idea is the use of UVGI (ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation). CDC’s Guideline for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities, update July 2019, States that as a supplemental air-cleaning measure, UVGI is effective in reducing the transmission of airborne bacterial and viral infections but it has only a minimal inactivating effect on fungal spores.
We move onto Air purifiers and Air scrubbers, which plays an integral role in the mold remediation process. However, these have been proven to be ineffective, when the source of the mold problem as not been identified and removed. These devices, once installed in an affected area, tend to encourage the spread of mold even more.
Our team has frequently seen a trend of scraping and painting being undertaken as well. It is imperative that the source of the problem be dealt with before undergoing such measures. Also, these must be handled with engineering controls, to prevent cross contamination.
The internet has many ‘solutions’ for dealing with mold. One thing is for certain, is that you will not find the mold remediation procedures online. What you will find is home remedies to dealing with mold for example, use of vinegar, bleach and peroxide. However, it must be noted that mold can be easily aerosolized, and not handling it effectively can encourage the spread of mold.
Therefore, we urge persons requiring mold remediation to ensure that your mold remediation contractor is IICRC Certified, understands and implements the IICRC S520 standards for professional mold remediation, the classifications of mold conditions, and the theory of containment.