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Mold is everywhere. And, it’s been around forever. So, why is it such a problem to us now? Indoor air quality problems abound because of it.

“Sick Building Syndrome” is the term used to describe metabolic gases emitted from molds and fungi. These, in turn, create breathing problems along with other respiratory infections. These molds and fungi are plentiful and can grow well inside of our buildings. In fact, there are over 10,000 species of molds alone!

Any place that is wet or damp from seepage or flooding can host them. In buildings, the spores spread easily and quickly because of natural built-in conduits for their movement---like corridors, ventilation systems and other convenient connectors.

These “volatile organic compounds” (VOC’s) contribute to the “Sick Building Syndrome” which certainly can he a health hazard to its occupants. The presence of certain molds and fungi can actually render a facility uninhabitable. If left uncontrolled, mold and fungi can also cause deterioration of wood, insulation and other building materials. It is imperative that knowledgeable and experienced professionals be consulted to curb this hazardous threat through remediation and removal.
 

LEC’s deep experience, rich knowledge and long-term process development in this environmental area is unique in the environmental services industry.

 
Remove contaminated porous materials, clean HVAC systems, treat contaminated surfaces without introducing more water, and ultimately provide an antimicrobial surface to prevent future contamination.
 
Restoration is an equally important part of LEC’s environmental services. The owner can choose to self-perform or use LEC.
 
From sheetrock to “drop in” ceiling tiles to vinyl flooring, LEC can provide restoration services with it's own skilled employees.
 
High tech moisture testing assures of both mold detection and saving time.
 

       

 
New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology


 

Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation
of Fungi in Indoor Environments

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3. Remediation

In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or fungal growth will recur. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned immediately. An immediate response (within 24 to 48 hours) and thorough clean up, drying, and/or removal of water damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. If the source of water is elevated humidity, relative humidity should be maintained at levels below 60% to inhibit mold growth.31 Emphasis should be on ensuring proper repairs of the building infrastructure, so that water damage and moisture buildup does not recur.

Five different levels of abatement are described below. The size of the area impacted by fungal contamination primarily determines the type of remediation. The sizing levels below are based on professional judgement and practicality; currently there is not adequate data to relate the extent of contamination to frequency or severity of health effects. The goal of remediation is to remove or clean contaminated materials in a way that prevents the emission of fungi and dust contaminated with fungi from leaving a work area and entering an occupied or non-abatement area, while protecting the health of workers performing the abatement. The listed remediation methods were designed to achieve this goal, however, due to the general nature of these methods it is the responsibility of the people conducting remediation to ensure the methods enacted are adequate. The listed remediation methods are not meant to exclude other similarly effective methods. Any changes to the remediation methods listed in these guidelines, however, should be carefully considered prior to implementation.

Non-porous (e.g., metals, glass, and hard plastics) and semi-porous (e.g., wood, and concrete) materials that are structurally sound and are visibly moldy can be cleaned and reused. Cleaning should be done using a detergent solution. Porous materials such as ceiling tiles and insulation, and wallboards with more than a small area of contamination should be removed and discarded. Porous materials (e.g., wallboard, and fabrics) that can be cleaned, can be reused, but should be discarded if possible. A professional restoration consultant should be contacted when restoring porous materials with more than a small area of fungal contamination. All materials to be reused should be dry and visibly free from mold. Routine inspections should be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of remediation work.

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. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these treatments is unproven and does not address the possible health concerns from the presence of the remaining non-viable mold. For additional information on the use of biocides for remedial purposes, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' document, "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control."

 

 


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Last modified: 06/07/10