Mould removal Mould removal and
decontamination
Mould is a recognised health hazard and must be removed to avoid health impact (see Health Hazards)Mould removal should follow a three point plan:
Identify and remediate the moisture issue which is always present in mould growth issues Remove surface mould Remove airborne contamination The first issue is to identify the why mould has grown and in
all circumstances it will be because a moisture source is available. The following
protocols should be followed.
Moisture investigation
The first action is to eliminate the water source.
Usually its a straightforward process of identifying leaks by staining. Sometimes it can be a little more difficult than looking for a leak and may include
professional and competent investigation using a range of procedures which may
include any or all of the following:
Visual inspection
Damp meters Infra red thermography Ventilation assessments and air flow Construction and design defects Heating regimes Insulation Salt analysis to assess water leak (Chlorine) or Nitrates (soil) Home improvement issues Drying
Once the moisture source has been resolved you need to dry or control the moisture to prevent future mould growth
Mould removal
Using care small areas less than 10 square feet can be removed by anyone using soap and water and wearing protective gloves mask and goggles. Areas larger than 10 square feet should be considered to
require work area isolation and suitable personal protection worn. These larger areas of
contamination should be removed following internationally recognised
decontamination procedures which may include negative pressure within critical
barriers such as seen in asbestos removal. More information on this can be found on "Centre of Disease" web site http://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm and Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/index.html
Decontamination
The requirement for critical barriers is recognised because
of the risk of spores being released to contaminate previously unaffected parts
of the property or contents.
Unfortunately visible mould removal only, may not remove the airborne sub micron particulates or chemical allergens or toxins present in the air and this is where mould busters may be able to assist. See "What we do". We will scrub the air to remove the spores and bacteria live and dead because both can cause serious health threats. Our process takes a few hours and will leave the air crystal clean