Chemical Free Mold Remediation

Understanding Mold Remediation

Mold remediation involves removing mold while safeguarding unaffected areas of a home or office from unnecessary cross-contamination. It's important to note that killing mold isn't necessary; instead, mold must be removed regardless of its ability to germinate and grow into a colony. The safest way to end the life cycle of mold is to eliminate the water source that allows it to grow. Removing the water source is far safer than using biocides, and you'll still need to remove the mold regardless of its viability.

Remember: All mold remediation should be chemical-free.

Guidance from the Florida Department of Health

The goal should be to remove mold growth by cleaning or removing moldy materials. Dead mold can still pose health risks if you're exposed. Ozone irritates lungs and is not likely to be effective at addressing an indoor mold problem. No one should expose themselves or others to ozone on purpose. Address the cause of the mold (usually moisture) and then remove the mold by cleaning surfaces or removing moldy materials.

Preventing Mold Growth

We know that we'll never be able to eliminate all of the mold from within our home or office. But we can prevent it from growing within our home or office by eliminating the moisture that supports its growth. Sources of moisture that support mold growth include:

• Humidity levels above 60%

• Plumbing leaks

• Building envelope failures such as roof and window leaks

If mold is found growing in your home or office due to elevated humidity, leaks, or water loss, you need to first identify and correct the moisture source supporting the mold growth. Then, collect and remove the mold and water-damaged building materials from the indoor environment.

Conditions for Mold Growth

Mold only needs a few things to grow and multiply:

• Nutrients (food – almost anything)

• A suitable place to grow (almost anywhere)

• Moisture

Eliminating any one will prevent the mold from growing. What you're left with is the mold that can become airborne and directly affect the occupants. This mold must be collected and removed from your home or office.

The Pitfalls of "Quick Fix" Solutions

We know there's no shortage of "quick fix" ozone or chemical-using mold remediators who will chemically fog your home or office to "kill" your mold. But guess what? Your mold is still there. Without the moisture, the mold wouldn't have regrown anyway. Now you have the mold (an allergen) covered in a chemical (poisonous to both mold and humans), creating a "poisonous allergen" waiting to become airborne and potentially impact the occupants.

There is no need to expose anyone to ozone, hydroxyls, biocides, disinfectants, fungicides, antimicrobials, and encapsulants during mold remediation.

Our Chemical-Free Mold Remediation Protocols

Our mold remediation protocols are designed to protect our clients from the disturbance of mold during removal and the unnecessary use of chemicals. These protocols aim to collect and remove mold from your home or office without chemical use.

Our goal is to protect our clients from exposure to ozone, hydroxyls, biocides, disinfectants, fungicides, antimicrobials, and encapsulants during mold remediation. The unnecessary use of these products is forbidden.

All of our mold remediation protocols include the following statement:

"Ozone, hydroxyls, biocides, disinfectants, fungicides, antimicrobials, and encapsulants must not be used unless specified in this protocol. If chemical use is specified in this protocol, the chemicals can only be applied in the specific areas identified in this protocol. If chemical use is specified in this protocol, the chemicals will be used for the purpose of disinfection of the Category 3 water-damaged areas and not for the purpose of killing or removing mold. If the remediation contractor would like to apply chemicals in any way not specified in this protocol, the remediator must obtain written permission from the IAQ Solutions IEP."

Industry Standards and Guidelines

IICRC S-520

Source removal of mold contamination should always be the primary means of remediation. The indiscriminate use of antimicrobial products, coatings, sealants, and cleaning chemicals is not recommended.

New York City Department of Health (NYCDH)

"The use of gaseous, vapor-phase, or aerosolized biocides for remedial purposes is not recommended. The use of biocides in this manner can pose health concerns for people in occupied spaces of the building and for people returning to the treated space if used improperly."

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)

The goal of remediation is the removal of mold and the moisture source because:

• Biocides do not alter mycotoxins or allergens;

• It is generally not possible to get 100 percent kill with biocides; and

• With newly deposited spores, regrowth will occur after the biocides if moisture returns.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immuno-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area, as a background level of mold spores comparable to the level in outside air will persist. However, the spores in the ambient air will not cause further problems if the moisture level in the building has been corrected. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"The purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold to prevent human exposure and damage to building materials and furnishings. It is necessary to clean up mold contamination, not just to kill the mold. Dead mold is still allergenic, and some dead molds are potentially toxic. Whether dead or alive, mold is allergenic, and some molds may be toxic."

Learn More

For more information about the Indoor Air Quality Association, please visit www.IAQA.org.

To learn more about Mr. Lapotaire or Indoor Air Quality Solutions & Microshield Environmental Services, LLC, please visit www.FloridaIAQ.com, email info@FloridaIAQ.com, or call (407) 383-9459.

About Indoor Air Quality Solutions & Microshield Environmental Services, LLC

Since 2001, Florida residents have turned to the indoor environmental experts at Indoor Air Quality Solutions & Microshield Environmental Services, LLC. The family-owned and operated companies, based in the Orlando area, offer a comprehensive approach to identifying and correcting comfort and indoor air quality problems. Their expert staff utilizes the latest technologies and industry-recognized standards to identify and resolve indoor environmental issues.

John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant

Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS

Microshield Environmental Services, LLC

www.FloridaIAQ.com