Mold | EE&G

February 18, 2020by Olga Loreto Olga Loreto No Comments

How to be Mold-Free?

Whether it is a cold, damp winter or a warm, humid summer, activities at home can result in moisture indoors and the appearance of mold.
Mold can grow on walls, clothes, books, toys, and even CDs. It can turn prized possessions into musty relics that only look fit for the garbage. But is it also a health hazard? What effects can mold have on a person’s body? This article looks at what mold is, why it grows, its impact on a person’s health, and how to stop it.

Molds are a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors.

Molds produce spores, which spread by floating around in the air. Mold spores are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow. Mold spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow.

Molds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on. Read the following recommendations:

Always ask for mold testing first. Professional mold removal and prevention services offer laboratory analysis of samples taken from air ducts. At times, the collection of dust and cobwebs can look like mold. The only way to confirm an infestation is to run a conclusive test.
Get to know your HVAC system. Find out the primary material of your ductwork. It can be fiberglass, flex duct or metal sheet. The cleaning methods and the charges usually vary depending on the duct material type.
The air duct cleaning services should always follow the National Air Duct Cleaning Association’s standards for the procedure. They should use EPA registered/approved products and processes for the effective removal of mold.
Ask for references and client testimonials from service providers. A reputed HVAC mold removal service provider should be able to provide more than enough satisfactory and genuine client reviews and recommendations from their previous stints.
Request frequent and periodic inspection of ducts and vents to prevent mold buildup. Mold problems can be recurrent. Ask for professional HVAC tips that can help you keep your indoor air clean in the future. Services should include yearly inspection of the cooling and heating systems along with the placement of moisture prevention systems within the HVAC.

Keeping your home clean is easy, but keeping the air inside your house fresh is more than challenging. It is a huge responsibility to ensure that the air you and your loved ones are breathing is free of harmful particles, VOCs, and mold. With the persistent humidity, warmth and water buildup, it is easy for fungus to find a home within your abode. You must be vigilant to keep this uninvited guest out of your home to ensure the proper health of your family and pets.

For over a decade EE&G Air Conditioning Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing have been the leading service provider near you for HVAC services such as air duct cleaning, a/c, and heating system repair and installations. For any other information on how to get rid of mold in air ducts please contact us for a free consultation.

EE&G Companies, EE&G, mold remediation protocol

February 14, 2020by Olga Loreto Olga Loreto No Comments

What is a Mold Remediation Protocol?

A Mold Remediation Protocol is typically written when items or areas have been identified containing an unacceptable amount or type of mold and a client requires an industry-recognized method of removal or cleaning instructions.

Before a Mold Remediation Protocol is written, a mold assessment is conducted by a qualified Mold Assessor (some States have licensure requirements). The information that is gathered, which includes but not limited to; a site visit, client interviews, room drawings, temperature & Relative Humidity readings, cause & origin, and sampling (where applicable), are used in the report generation.

Though no federal standards have been set for mold remediation, industry guidance and practices have been established. Those are:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (2001). Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA Publication No. 402-K-01-001). Washington DC: US EPA
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (1999). Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control. ISBN: 882417-29-1 Cincinnati OH: ACGIH
New York City Department of Health (2000) Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments. New York New York: New York City Department of Health
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (2003, 2004, 2008). Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. Vancouver, WA: IICRC S520
American Industrial Hygiene Association (2008). Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Indoor Mold. Fairfax, VA: AIHA
American Industrial Hygiene Association (2005). Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants in Environmental Samples. Fairfax, VA: AIHA
American Council for Accredited Certification. CIE, CMI, CMR. Glendale, AZ: ACAC.

Who should have a Mold Remediation Protocol Written?

Any entity that is going to have work performed where mold has been identified either visually or by a qualified Mold Assessor.

What is performed with a Mold Remediation Protocol?

Interview – Review, and discussion with an authorized representative of the Property of current conditions which has led to the claim.

Site Assessment – A physical site assessment of the Property in the area(s) of concern to visually assess the damage(s), retrieve temperature and RH readings, take air and direct samples for mold (if applicable), and gather room dimension to create room/floor drawings to identify the location(s) of concern.

Air Sampling – The purpose of non-viable spore trap air sampling is to provide an approximation of the airborne microbial (fungal) spore concentrations. A minimum of one control sample is typically taken outside the most commonly used entrance into the building, then one or more air samples are collected in the areas of concern within the building. Elevated airborne spore concentrations may indicate an indoor microbial reservoir(s), or that cleaning of personal effects or the HVAC system(s), is a necessary component of a microbial remediation plan.
Direct sampling – The purpose of direct sampling is to identify the type and concentration of microbial spores present on affected materials identified with suspect visible microbial growth. The sampling results are also used for reference for source contamination when air samples are taken.

Non-Scope Items – include visual identification and records review for:

Asbestos-Containing Building Materials (ACM)
Lead-Based Paint
Fire Reduction Chemicals

Qualifications: No federal guidelines exist at this time. However, some states have placed requirements for licensed Mold Assessors and Mold Remediators. For those States that do not have specific requirements, it is recommended that you use a person who:

Has taken a minimum of 24 hours of mold assessment and remediation courses,
Follows one or more of the recognized industry guidelines and practices, and
Acquires, at a minimum, 8 Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) bi-annually.

A person not meeting one or more of those qualifications may assist in the conduct of a Mold Remediation Protocol if the individual is under the direct supervision or responsible charge of a person meeting the minimum qualifications.

January 28, 2020by Olga Loreto Olga Loreto No Comments

The Importance of Inspecting for Mold When Buying a New Home

Unless the home you’re buying shows signs of significant disrepair—and if it does, then why are you buying it?—inspecting for mold probably isn’t one of your top priorities during the purchase process.

After all, a general home inspection will pick up on any mold problems, right?

Well—sort of.

A general home inspection can tell you if there are indicators of hidden mold growth, as well as any visible signs, but that’s as far as it will go. A full mold inspection by a specialist is necessary if you think there may be mold in the home. Here’s why.

Mold can create a multitude of hazards

While mold is often the culprit behind mild respiratory symptoms like allergies and frequent colds, it can also cause more severe problems, like asthma and headaches.

A certain strain of black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, can be particularly dangerous, causing chronic symptoms like fatigue, coughing, wheezing, and chronic headaches.

In addition to health hazards, mold can also cause structural hazards. Because mold breaks down dead organic material, like wood, drywall, and fabric, it can slowly eat away at the structures of a house. This is especially true if there are areas where wood is already rotting or places where air and moisture can seep into the drywall or insulation.

What a general home inspector will look for

During your home inspection, a home inspector will look for signs of potential mold growth, like areas of standing water, water damage to the roof, ceiling, or walls, or areas of high humidity, like an attic or basement. Of course, if there is any visible mold growth, a home inspector will note that as well.

When to get a mold inspection

If you or your general inspector notice any areas of visible mold growth or indicators of potential mold growth, it’s a good idea to schedule a specialized mold inspection.

When choosing a mold inspection company, you’ll want to ensure that they hold IICRC (Institute of Inspection Certification and Restoration Certification) credentials. The company should also carry environmental insurance coverage—this provides liability insurance in case contamination occurs during the mold remediation process. If the seller is the one facilitating the inspection, be sure to get assurance that the inspection is being carried out by a company with these credentials.

What happens if mold is discovered?

If mold growth is discovered, you, of course, have a couple of options. If the growth is extremely significant—this is more likely in homes that have been foreclosed or vacant for a long period of time—you may decide to back out of the sale.

If the growth is manageable, however, the mold inspector will start the mold remediation process. This entails disposal of any moldy, porous material that cannot be saved, like drywall or insulation, and then spraying the infected area with a chemical called an encapsulant to trap any existing mold spores. Carpets and floors will be disinfected and cleaned. The company will also clean the air with a HEPA air scrubber, and finally vacuum to remove any lingering mold spores.

Ideally, the home you’re buying will have no mold problems at all, and you won’t have to worry about any of this! However, if there is mold present—even if it’s just a small area—it’s far better to know about it before you close. That way, you avoid a costly, and potentially dangerous, surprise.