Bronx Mold testing & Removal
We work with industrial hygienists and indoor air quality environmentalists to ensure the job is done right the first time. With the proper testing and protocols every job can be a success. We use the most accurate and up to date moisture meter equipment to measure moisture in your wood floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinets. We then use infrared cameras to identify the origin and the extent of the damage.
Mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. The EPA reports that Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.
Health Effects and Symptoms Associated with Mold Exposure !!!
When moisture problems occur and mold growth results, building occupants may begin to report odors and a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms; all of these symptoms could potentially be associated with mold exposure. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may cause reactions in humans. The types and severity of symptoms depend, in part, on the types of mold present, the extent of an individual's exposure, the ages of the individuals, and their existing sensitivities or allergies.
Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs)
Some
compounds produced by molds are volatile and are released directly into
the air. These are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs).
Because these compounds often have strong and/or unpleasant odors, they
can be the source of odors associated with molds. Exposure to (MVOCs) from
molds has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation,
dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Research on MVOCs is still in the early
phase.
Glucans or Fungal Cell Wall Components (also known as ß-(1-->3)-D- Glucans)
Glucans are small pieces of the cell walls of molds which may cause inflammatory lung and airway reactions. These Glucans can affect the immune system when inhaled. Exposure to very high levels of Glucans or dust mixtures including Glucans may cause a flu-like illness known as Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS). This illness has been primarily noted in agricultural and manufacturing settings.
What needs to be done?
Some
materials will need to be disposed off, such as ceiling tiles, insulation,
wallboards, carpet, soft furnishings, clothes, papers and books.
Non-porous metals, glass and hard plastics may be cleaned and reused.
Depending on the degree of mold damage, semi porous wood may be cleaned up
by drying, sanding and treating with anti microbial solvent before
reusing.
In addition your heating, ventilation, air condition and crawl spaces will
be dried, cleaned and then treated with Hepa filtration to remove
remaining mold particles.
Our professional in house technicians follow our well planned mold
abatement process to take care of mold clean up and repair to your
satisfaction. There are certain steps we follow that insure we get your
mold clean up job done right. First the contaminated area is sealed off
using plastic sheeting, then we create negative air pressure to direct the
mold to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the house,
directing the mold away from indoor space.
Mold Remediation Project
1.
All Workers to be Properly Protected in PPE Equipment, Gloves, Tyvek
Suits, Respirators, etc.
2. Set-up critical barriers to prevent cross contamination to structure
and also achieve negative air.
3. All openings such as doorways, windows, vents, airways to be covered
with 6 mil-poly. This will insure negative air can be maintained. Full
containment.
4. Set-up Negative Air Machine to minimize airflow 4 to 8 ACH (air changes
per hour).
5. Pre-clean (HEPA vacuum) structure and remove all loose structural
debris in doubled (6-Mil) sealed plastic bags.
6. The use of electric blower inside each containment area to suspend fine
particulates so that they are captured by a HEPA filter.
7. Demolition of contaminated structure, then double bagged and removed
to dumpster daily.
8. Scrape, wire brush, orbital sanding, Media and or Dry ice blasting to
remove any visible mold growth from structural materials.
9. HEPA vacuum, biowash(wet wipe) then HEPA vacuum 2nd time (dust free
environment). Clean and encapsulate any structure members affected by
mold. (organic surfaces)
10.HEPA vacuum, double bag and remove all unsalvageable contents to
dumpster.
11.Preclean salvageable contents (HEPA vacuum)
12.HEPA vacuum, wet wipe with biowash. Then HEPA vacuum all contents
again.
13.Removal of all personal possessions as well as soft goods, i.e.
clothing, bedding, curtains etc. Clothing may be cleaned using standard
laundering products.
14.Maintain Negative Air Machine and Air Scrubbers throughout course of
job.
15.HEPA Air filtration to run for a minimum of 72 hours after abatement is
completed, and then shut down for a minimum of 24 hours before post
remediation testing.
16.Break down of containment barriers.
