When approaching a mold remediation project, one of the most important considerations is the potential risk from mold exposure. Mold counts in the air can be 10 to 1,000 times higher than normal during a remediation project. Because of the potential health risks from mold exposure it is advisable, particularly for larger (greater than 30 square feet) contamination situations, to contact an experienced and qualified mold remediation contractor.

Individuals who have allergies, asthma or respiratory disease, are immunocompromised, or have other health problems should not take part in a mold remediation project or be in the general area of the project if the area is not properly contained.

To minimize exposure and/or potential health risks from conducting a mold remediation project, the following activities should be performed:

• Environmental baseline study/survey:
  • Understand specific environmental conditions that exist prior to executing a remediation project. 

• Establish project goals and objectives:
  • The environmental goals and objectives should establish safe and healthy levels of:
    • Non-viable particulates inside and outside the containment area.
    • Containment pressurization
    • NAM particulates
    • Surface molds
    • Bioaerosols
    • Temperature and relative humidity 

• Containment:
  • Perform all remediation activities in a fully contained area.  The containment area should utilize negative air machines fitted with HEPA (High Effiiciency Particulate Arresting) filters.  HEPA filters arrest 99.97% of particulates greater than .3 microns.
  • Monitor the differential pressure of the containment area relative to the non-containment area with a manometer.  The ideal differential pressure to be contiguously maintained within the containment area is >1-10 Pa.

• Personal Protective Equipment:
  • Wear respiratory (nose and mouth) protection when handling or cleaning mold contaminated materials. The minimal type of breathing mask, or respirator, that should be used for protection from mold particles is an "N-95" particulate respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  Full face respirators may be necessary.
  • Wear protective clothing that can be laundered or discarded after the project.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection.  

• Guidelines:
  • Follow recommended guidelines on assessment and remediation of fungi in indoor environments (NYCDOH). 

• Trained Personnel:
  • As per Pure Air Control Services’ specifications, “All remedial work must be completed under strict containment specifications which includes applications to address: OSHA 29 C.F.R. regulations:
    • Respiratory Protection Program:  1910.134
    • Confined Space Program:  1910.146
    • Hazard Communication Program:  1910.1200
    • Lock Out-Tag Out Program: 1910.147” 

Additional details and steps for addressing various types and sizes of mold remediation projects can be obtained from the public health specialists at Pure Air Control Services.  Please contact:

Alan L. Wozniak, CIAQP

iaq@pureaircontrols.com