Roaring Brook News
Demystifying Mold - Part II
Remediation
• Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
• Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials may need to be replaced.
• Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
• In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (for example, by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
• Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present.
Basic Mold Remediation
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard sur-faces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced. Here are some important things to keep in mind when considering mold clean-up:
• There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
• If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
• Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
• To decrease mold growth, reduce indoor humidity to 30-60% by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, or cleaning.
Indoor Air Regulations and Mold
Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLV's) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores have not been set. Currently there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. There are, however, guidelines for remediation published by the New York City Department of Health. The EPA has published EPA 402-K-01-001, which out-lines mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings.
Some of the information presented in this article was gathered from the EPA and others citing the EPA.