Effective Mold Remediation Techniques Used In Document Drying
http://www.homesaaz.net/articles/6510/1/Effective-Mold-Remediation-Techniques-Used-In-Document-Drying/Page1.html
Jacklyn Hartfield
Jacklyn Hartfield tells about the perils of homeowner water issues for Centre Island, NY Water Damage Restoration and East Meadow, NY Water Damage Restoration By Jacklyn Hartfield
Published on 10/26/2008
People nowadays are feeling the effects of climate change to our environment. Noticeable shifts in weather patterns have caused a variety of problems for communities and even those in the corporate world. Tropical countries are affected with prolonged rainy seasons, causing considerable water damage to homes, buildings and properties. An end result to water damage is mold infestation.
People nowadays are feeling the effects of climate change to our environment. Noticeable shifts in weather patterns have caused a variety of problems for communities and even those in the corporate world. Tropical countries are affected with prolonged rainy seasons, causing considerable water damage to homes, buildings and properties. An end result to water damage is mold infestation. The EPA (Environment Protection Agency) has classified molds to be health hazard and advised control through effective mold remediation.
Mold infestations usually occur after a certain property has been exposed to water damage caused by natural disasters or leaks in the water and drainage system. Before any activity for mold remediation could take place, one must have a clear understanding of how mold operates and how it can be a threat to people and property.
Molds are naturally occurring fungi, which produce mycotoxins as part of these organisms' basic chemical structure. These toxins can be harmful to humans and can result to a variety of symptoms from headaches, runny nose, eye and skin irritations, cough, difficulty in breathing, nausea and even fatigue. Such toxins could also prove fatal to people with severe allergies and a weak immune system. Mold remediation is required to prevent such risk of infection to occur.
Mother nature included molds as her agents in the natural process of decomposition as these microscopic fungi produce enzymes that digest dead organic matter. These organisms reproduce through spores that are proliferated through the air and settle on wet or damp surfaces. In a matter of 24 to 48 hours, the digestive process starts to take effect and mold infestation begins to wreak havoc on affected surfaces. Since molds are microscopic in nature, it can be difficult to detect this visibly or would affect surfaces that are not exposed. This creates a false impression that no infestation is taking place, thus delaying the mold remediation process further.
With this clear understanding of the workings of mold infestation, the process of an effective mold remediation program can take place. The basic activities can be broken down into two major components: removal and prevention. It should be noted that although these procedures can be part of a do-it-yourself program, serious infestations should be properly checked by qualified professionals, and if necessary, proper mold remediation performed by certified subcontractors.
The first step in mold remediation is the removal of existing infestation from affected areas. Before starting, protective gear should be worn including gloves, coveralls, goggles and OSHA-approved masks (OSHA stands for Occupational Safety & Health Administration which certifies and approves protective clothing). Using a strong detergent dissolved in warm water, brush the affected surface with this solution, making sure that every spot and layer is physically removed. It would be necessary to check surfaces that are hidden from view to ensure no residues are left out.
After physical traces of mold are removed, rinse the affected surface with bleach or chlorine solution, making sure that all affected areas are treated with this mixture. Bleach, however, is not a totally effective chemical to exterminate molds. Most commercial brands available are diluted making it ineffective in killing these organisms. If available, use an industrial-grade bleach instead. To achieve maximum effect, use a fungicide capable of killing most variety of molds. As a final step, spray a layer of solution made from a mixture of borate-based detergent and bleach on the affected areas. Do not rinse to achieve maximum effect and prevent molds from returning.
The second part in the mold remediation process is prevention. Part of the preventive process is to remove the source of the moisture. If the cause was water damage, remove affected materials or perform proper restoration and drying. Check for leaks, cracks and other openings that water can pass or seep through and have this properly sealed or repaired. Do not place cardboard boxes, paper, documents and other organic materials on the floor as these would accumulate moisture and be susceptible to mold infestation.
Mold infestation is a serious problem that should be treated with the utmost care and responded with an immediate plan of action. Delaying mold remediation could put your house, property and even your family at risk. So, at the first sign of infestation, take the necessary steps and get rid of these molds.
Mold infestations usually occur after a certain property has been exposed to water damage caused by natural disasters or leaks in the water and drainage system. Before any activity for mold remediation could take place, one must have a clear understanding of how mold operates and how it can be a threat to people and property.
Molds are naturally occurring fungi, which produce mycotoxins as part of these organisms' basic chemical structure. These toxins can be harmful to humans and can result to a variety of symptoms from headaches, runny nose, eye and skin irritations, cough, difficulty in breathing, nausea and even fatigue. Such toxins could also prove fatal to people with severe allergies and a weak immune system. Mold remediation is required to prevent such risk of infection to occur.
Mother nature included molds as her agents in the natural process of decomposition as these microscopic fungi produce enzymes that digest dead organic matter. These organisms reproduce through spores that are proliferated through the air and settle on wet or damp surfaces. In a matter of 24 to 48 hours, the digestive process starts to take effect and mold infestation begins to wreak havoc on affected surfaces. Since molds are microscopic in nature, it can be difficult to detect this visibly or would affect surfaces that are not exposed. This creates a false impression that no infestation is taking place, thus delaying the mold remediation process further.
With this clear understanding of the workings of mold infestation, the process of an effective mold remediation program can take place. The basic activities can be broken down into two major components: removal and prevention. It should be noted that although these procedures can be part of a do-it-yourself program, serious infestations should be properly checked by qualified professionals, and if necessary, proper mold remediation performed by certified subcontractors.
The first step in mold remediation is the removal of existing infestation from affected areas. Before starting, protective gear should be worn including gloves, coveralls, goggles and OSHA-approved masks (OSHA stands for Occupational Safety & Health Administration which certifies and approves protective clothing). Using a strong detergent dissolved in warm water, brush the affected surface with this solution, making sure that every spot and layer is physically removed. It would be necessary to check surfaces that are hidden from view to ensure no residues are left out.
After physical traces of mold are removed, rinse the affected surface with bleach or chlorine solution, making sure that all affected areas are treated with this mixture. Bleach, however, is not a totally effective chemical to exterminate molds. Most commercial brands available are diluted making it ineffective in killing these organisms. If available, use an industrial-grade bleach instead. To achieve maximum effect, use a fungicide capable of killing most variety of molds. As a final step, spray a layer of solution made from a mixture of borate-based detergent and bleach on the affected areas. Do not rinse to achieve maximum effect and prevent molds from returning.
The second part in the mold remediation process is prevention. Part of the preventive process is to remove the source of the moisture. If the cause was water damage, remove affected materials or perform proper restoration and drying. Check for leaks, cracks and other openings that water can pass or seep through and have this properly sealed or repaired. Do not place cardboard boxes, paper, documents and other organic materials on the floor as these would accumulate moisture and be susceptible to mold infestation.
Mold infestation is a serious problem that should be treated with the utmost care and responded with an immediate plan of action. Delaying mold remediation could put your house, property and even your family at risk. So, at the first sign of infestation, take the necessary steps and get rid of these molds.