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Caltex International Ltd. Mold Remediation Training. Effects of Mold Differences Between Biocides, Cleaners, Encapsulants, Cleaners, and Cal-Brite Site Inspection How to Perform Sampling Setting Up the Work Site PPE Remediation. Mold Remediation Training. Post Remediation Testing
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Mold Remediation Training • Effects of Mold • Differences Between Biocides, Cleaners, Encapsulants, Cleaners, and Cal-Brite • Site Inspection • How to Perform Sampling • Setting Up the Work Site • PPE • Remediation
Mold Remediation Training • Post Remediation Testing • Disposal and Discarding of Items • Pricing and Marketing • Summary
What Are Some Problems Mold Can Cause? • Mold destroys the surface it grows on. Remember, mold is an organism whose job it is to cause decay. • Mold can be multi-colored, wet and mushy, furry looking, and smelly. • Exposure to mold spores can cause respiratory distress, illness, and allergic reactions of various severities based on the individual, length of exposure, and the amount of exposure. • In areas of mold infestation there is often a strong musty odor and dank air quality.
All About Mold • Mold can be found virtually everywhere. They can grow on almost any organic substance as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Many types of mold grow on wood, paper, carpet, food, and insulation. When excess moisture is present in a building or its associated structures, mold growth will often occur, especially if the problem causing the mold is not corrected. While, eliminating all mold spores in the indoor environment is not realistic, it can be controlled indoors by controlling the moisture levels and removing already present mold.
All About Mold • Mold spores reproduce by creating spores that are generally not visible to the naked eye. Mold spores float through the air on a regular basis. When the spores land on a wet spot indoors or outdoors, they begin growing and eating whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds over time destroy what they grow on because their food is many of your household materials that contain cellulose.
All About Mold • Mold requires water to grow in. This may take the form of a puddle, flowing leak, or even very slight dampness. Therefore, it is important to prevent moisture problems in building. Moisture problems can have multiple causes such as uncontrolled humidity, leaks etc. Other moisture problems have been linked to changes in building construction practices over the last several decades. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly closed. They often do not have sufficient ventilation. In many instances this has led to moisture and mold problems. Moisture problems can include roof leaks, landscaping problems such as insufficient grading, and leaking gutter problems, pipe condensation, cracked foundations, and unvented combustion appliances. Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in buildings.
What Are the Major Types of Mold? • Stachybotrys (stack-ee-BOT-ris) is member of the mold family. This particular member is known to produce airborne toxins. Some of the symptoms that Stachybotris produces are breathing problems, faintness, memory loss, hearing loss, and flulike symptoms. • Two other commonly found mold types are Cladosporium and Penicillium. These molds can grow quickly and produce enough spores and intensity to cause allergic reactions. These reaction include asthma, breathing problems, sinus infections, headaches, coughing, and eye and throat irritation. • There are two types of mold, Memnoniella and Aspergillus versicolor, which are known for producing airborne toxins. Airborne toxins are technically termed mycotoxins. These can cause much more severe problems among which are chronic fatigue, loss of balance and memory, irritability and difficulty speaking.
Adverse Symptoms of Mold Exposure • Asthma • Eye irritation • Rhinitis • Coughing • Chest Congestion • Flu Like Symptoms • Lung Damage • Memory Loss • Fever • More
Mold, mildew, and algae can be found in the following places: • HUD buildings • Schools • Trailers • Garages • Restaurants • Retail Establishments • Residences • Institutions • Out buildings • All types of both commercial and residential facilities.
There are a myriad of types of mold that possess different characteristics but the basic modus operandi of mold is the same. • Mold requires a food source: cellulose, found in building materials such as wood, drywall, wallboard, wallpaper, paper. and others. • Mold processes oxygen and needs it to live. • Mold cannot grow and reproduce without access to a water source whether it is a leak or pool of water. • The only means of eliminating a mold problem is to address the source of the leak or moisture problem. However, keep in mind that not all mold spores (like seeds) can be eliminated post remediation.
Mold Facts • Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on most surfaces where moisture is found. Molds can grow on papers, wallpaper, wallboard, carpets, woods, food and other surfaces. • Be sure to reduce indoor humidity to 30-60% to reduce mold growth. This can be done by using dehumidifiers, using exhaust fans, air conditions, and fans in cooking, laundry, and bathing areas. • Fix the source of the moisture problem or mold will continue to recur. • Mold causes health issues such as allergic reactions, asthma, and many respiratory problems.
Mold Facts • All mold cannot be eliminated so it is essential to control moisture by eliminating moisture problems and leaks. • Be sure to thoroughly dry any wet or even damp building materials within no more than 48 hours to prevent mold growth. • Prevent condensation on cold surfaces such as windows, pipes, exterior walls, roofs, and floors by installing insulation wherever possible. • Clean mold off the surfaces using the Caltex System but be aware that if the surface is absorbent and the mold infestation is severe, you may have to replace part or all of the surface.
Mold Facts • Do not install carpet in areas where there have been moisture problems or where moisture is present such as bathroom, near drinking fountains, sections of piping, or sinks. This removes a food source and ensures easier cleanup. It also prevents potential destruction of materials. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
How Can I Prevent Mold From Growing? • Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building ASAP • Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix the moisture source ASAP. • Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air. To increase the surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if air outside is cold and dry) or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid). • Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
How Can I Prevent Mold From Growing? • Vent moisture generating appliances such as dryers to the outside where possible. • Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity, ideally 30-50%, if possible. • Perform regular HVAC building inspections and maintenance as scheduled. • Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours. • Do not let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope ground away from the foundation. Fix foundation cracks and waterproof basements. Ensuring proper external grading is also crucial.
How Can I Control Moisture to Prevent Mold? • You must fix leaks. If moisture is coming into the home from outside, for example seeping into the basement, you could landscape and ensure that the ground slopes away from the house or perform basement excavation and waterproofing. water problems in the basement can result from no gutter or poorly installed gutters or water flowing toward the home and basement. Pipe leaks create a place for mold to grow. Often leaks from pipes drip onto wooden surfaces such as joists where the mold can then grow and seriously compromise the structure
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth • Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside. This reduces internal humidity. Change filters in furnaces and ventilation systems regularly. • Use air conditioners and de-humidifiers. Be sure they are in proper working condition. • Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60%. • Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in food service areas. Clean exhaust fans regularly so that there is not buildup that could cause a mold problem.
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth • Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks, or spills • Check for moldy odors. • Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors, and window sills. Often this is a reddish brown color. • Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains, or mold . • .Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains, or mold. .Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth • Be alert for musty smells and track them to their source when you smell them. • Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours of occurrence to prevent mold growth. • Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. • Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth • Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced • Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions, leaks, or spills. • Prevent moisture condensation. Pipes are a popular place for this to occur. • Inspect pipes and fix leaks immediately. Clean and disinfect under sinks regularly.
Signs of Mold • Moist carpeting or stained ceiling tiles may signal a leak. The source will have to be determined. • Musty odors. These often signal mold growth. • Recently installed wallboard and other cover-ups. Replacing ceiling tiles or painting stained wallboards can cover a moisture problem, such as a leaky roof or cracked foundation.
Signs of Mold • High humidity can indicate poor ventilation and a moisture problem. vents installed on the external siding are another indicator of a home moisture problem. Keep a temperature- humidity gauge in the classroom or your living room. Relative humidity should be consistently below 60%. • Heat or air conditioning being shut down for long periods such as summer vacation, vacation, or in vacation or second homes. This is especially relevant in humid areas such as the Southeastern United States
Signs of Mold • Wall units or other such large items placed near external walls in humid climates such as the Southeastern United States. This can impair the potential for drying and promote condensation. • Indoor plants are just another source of moisture that can raise the moisture level if they are allowed to leak onto furniture or wooden surfaces where mold can grow. Always place a catch bowl beneath plants and clean it regularly
The primary step is to commence an inspection for mold. • This will entail looking under and above many parts of a house/building. Do not to disturb or remove any building materials such as wallpaper, wood, carpeting, drywall, wallboard and more in areas that possess mold because the spores can become airborne, be breathed in, and cause a host of health problems and/or spread the mold. A boroscope, to look in spaces within ductwork and other hidden spots can also be used. A moisture meter to determine the level of moisture in the air can be used to help determine areas of leaks and moist mold growth locations.
How to Perform SamplingWhere to Send SamplesHow to Interpret Test Results
Why Perform Mold Testing? • It is essential to have mold testing and sampling performed because: • Mold spores are too small to be seen and conclusively identified as a particular species of mold. • The extent of contamination cannot be determined without sampling and testing. • Species of mold have varying health ramifications. • It is essential to have a pre-remediation air sampling to compare to the post remediation air testing (also compared to outdoor air quality). • To educate the customer particularly if they are mold sensitive and to take appropriate action to protect the customer and your staff members.
Why Perform Mold Testing? • It is essential to have mold testing and sampling performed because: • Mold spores are too small to be seen and conclusively identified as a particular species of mold. • The extent of contamination cannot be determined without sampling and testing. • Species of mold have varying health ramifications. • It is essential to have a pre-remediation air sampling to compare to the post remediation air testing (also compared to outdoor air quality). • To educate the customer particularly if they are mold sensitive and to take appropriate action to protect the customer and your staff members.
2 Main Types of Sampling • Surface sampling entails taking physical samples of mold growth from growth locations. A tape sample can be taken by placing the tape on the mold covered surface. The mold then adheres to the tape. The tape is put onto a slide and the analyzed by the laboratory which generates a report documenting the type of mold. Tape sample results only reflect the type of mold. To determine the extent of mold contamination, air sampling will have to be performed. We will discuss this later in this section.
Swab Sampling • Another method of gaining surface samples for testing is to perform a swab test. A swab is wiped across the moldy surface section and then placed on an agar plate (this plate then grows the mold into viable colonies). The mold testing laboratory identifies the type of mold.
Air Sampling • It is also essential to perform pre-remediation air sampling. This will determine the levels of spores in the air. Since mold releases spores into the air and spores travel on air currents, you will know the extent of the contamination by taking air samples from various areas in the structure. It is essential to use both bulk sampling (taking physical samples of the mold form the growth source) and air sampling because NOT all types of mold go airborne easily (refer to section on types of mold).
Air Sampling Involves the use of 1 of the Methods listed Below • Basically air sampling involves selection and use of one of the following methods: • Hole impaction • Sieve impaction • Centrifugal • Filtration • Gravity based • Material settlement • Multiple hole impaction • Liquid impingement
Culture Method • A culture methodology has the air flow impacting upon a culture disk. the viable spores are grown into colonies, the type of mold(s) identified, and based on the air flow the amount of mold colonies per cubic meter of air can be mathematically determined. This method is helpful because the contactor gets a definitive answer as to what type of mold he or she is dealing with.
Air Sampling-Sticky Impaction • Air sampling using a sticky source, allows the laboratory to take an exact count of spores in the air per cubic meter of air. This provides an accurate answer to the quality of air in the structure. This is helpful if homeowner’s have complained about not feeling well and respiratory problems. Either way, air sampling is essential to perform pre-remediation and post-remediation combing with mold remediation and repair of the source of the moisture problem to ensure a job well done.
Charges and Getting Test Results • The samples are sent to the laboratory for testing. Swab and culture sampling typically take several more days to get results because the mold must have time to grow into colonies. Air impact on sticky substrate provides a mold count and takes less time to get results. The customer should have a basic time frame as to when results will come in. Charges for mold sampling usually range from $120.00-$125.00+ based on the complexity of the project and the number and type of samples taken. This average price also takes into account communicating the results with the customer and the cost and labor of 2 visits.
How To Interpret Air Sampling Results? • Air sampling devices have different flow rates. Different air samplers have different rates of efficiency. It is important to use the same exact type of air samplers. It is essential to compare apples to apples. Never compare results from different air sampling equipment types and never take samples for different durations of time and compare results.
How To Interpret Air Sampling Results? • Several common types of air sampling devices are as follows: • Spore traps: • Air-O-Cell cassettes • MCE filter cassettes • Allergeno samplers • Burkhard samplers • These types of air samples collect spores on a receiver or membrane.
How To Interpret Air Sampling Results? • When this type of sample is submitted to a laboratory for testing, all of the mold and fungus parts are counted and identified. The accuracy of total spore count results is very similar to that of the culture plate method. Culture plates usually result in less mold/fungal collection than a spore trap method. Why is this? Collection via culture plate only grows viable spores. Therefore, non-viable or dormant spores cannot grow into colonies on the plate. The advantage of using a culture plate methodology is that the types of mold/fungus can be properly identified.
How Are Airborne Mold/Fungus Spores Results Arrived at From the Spore Counting Method? • Follow the steps herein. The contractor may not need to use all of the steps. If a step is not applicable to your case, go on to the next step. • If there is a large sampling of airborne spores from the total spore counting method, you might be able to define what is considered a low, moderate or high level to screen your results. This type of data should only be used for performance evaluation and cannot be used as criteria for a health evaluation.
How Are Airborne Mold/Fungus Spores Results Arrived at From the Spore Counting Method? • Compare total concentrations from outdoor, indoor, areas without apparent issue, and areas with mold/spore issues. Indoor mold/spores levels should be less than outdoor air quality. However, remember that building with many open windows/door especially in the summer and better weather seasons or locations without can have spore levels that are higher than outside air levels. Locations without spore growth should generally have lower spore counts than areas with actual/suspected spore growth. • Compare spore type and species, indoor versus outdoor air quality, and involved versus non-involved area. Large indoor spaces may not always reflect the same spore/mold types as outdoors because of the large space over which the spores may be spread.
How Are Airborne Mold/Fungus Spores Results Arrived at From the Spore Counting Method? • Compare the data from involved locations to assess what spores are consistently found. If the samples from all involved areas indicate that a consistent level of spores is found, then the mold source is probably nearby. • Look for fungal spores that are usually associated with water damage. Common spores associated with water damage are: Chaetomium, Stachybotrys, Menoniella, Ulocladium. and Eurotium. Reproductive structures of spores such as ascus, conidophores, and ascomata can indicate active mold growth due to water damage, condensation, or high humidity levels. Eurotium, for example, often indicates high humidity, condensation problems, and poor ventilation. Aspegillus and Penicillium types of spores are common both indoor and outdoors. However, if they are found in higher levels indoors, this is indicative of a water damaged environment.
How Are Airborne Mold/Fungus Spores Results Arrived at From the Spore Counting Method? • Low levels of spores in winter indoors do not indicate a healthy indoor air quality environment. In winter, water freezes and temperatures drop thereby putting mold and its spores into dormancy and a non-reproductive state. This can significantly change in spring and summer when temperatures are warm and leaks have unfrozen. Ex: A leaky moldy basement does not actively leak at 10 degrees F or appear as smell and moldy until the spring thaws hit. • If Stachybotrys spores are detected consult the “Guidelines on Assessment and remediation of Stachybotrys atra in Indoor Environments” by the NYC Department of Health. This can be found at www.ci.nyc.us/html/doh/epi/moldrpt1.html
How Are Airborne Mold/Fungus Spores Results Arrived at From the Spore Counting Method? • Be sure to correlate customer complaints, site inspection, and lab results to determine if there is mold/fungal growth. If there is mold/fungal growth, there is a moisture/water problem nearby. The source of this moisture problem must be fixed so that it does not recur. • Understand the background of the type(s) of spores found and identified in the laboratory results. Some spores such as Eurotium are xerophobic and grow where there is low water activity. Others such as Chaetomium, Memnoniella, Stachybotrys, and Ulocladium grow where there is a great deal of water present.
Bulk Sampling Technique • Bulk sampling can be performed on the following materials (but not limited to): • Carpet Fibers • Drywall Materials • HVAC System Liners/materials • Sheetrock
Bulk Sampling Technique • Use a knife to cut out the section to be sent out bulk sampling. Be sure to wear health care type of gloves for personal protection and to protect the sample. Always alcohols swab your cutting tool both before and after taking the bulk sample. • Cut a 1-4 square inch sample and put this in a zip lock bag. Be sure to be gentle when cutting out the sample so that you do not disturb the spores/mold/fungus source. Label the sample and record it on the sample sheet. Record site, sample location, sample size, time and date. • Send the samples to the laboratory ASAP. If the bulk samples are damp or moist ship them in ice by overnight courier. Contact the laboratory and inform then that wet samples are on their way and to get them tested immediately. Verify that you send all samples with the data sheet and chain of custody to the lab.
How to Perform Spore Trapping Samples? • Attach the exit end of the cassette to the tube and air pump. • Be sure to record the location and all required chain of custody information. • Out the cassette and pump down on a stable surface in the location of where the air sampling is to be done. • Do not disturb the area while the sampling is taking place. • Set the sampling time (all samples should be set for the same time period for apples to apples comparison) • When the sampling is completed, re seal the sample inlet slit and remove the sample from the pump mechanism. • Send the sample to the laboratory with the chain of custody documentation (keep copy for your records).
How Are Airborne Mold/Fungus Spores Results Arrived at From the Spore Counting Method? • How Are Airborne Mold/Fungus Spores Results Arrived at From the Spore Counting Method? • Your initial site investigation and visual observations are essential to this process. The contractor should be mapping out the locations of water damage, extent of damage, types of materials damaged, humidity issues, building history, and more. Via this means, the contractor can correlate the mold testing results with the location issues where the samples derived. This can be used in the process of making remediation recommendations.
Wipe and Swab Sampling • To perform wipe/swab sampling do the following: • Follow the directions on your wipe/swap kit but first moisten the swab. • Take the sample by wiping the surface. • Wipe 1 square or 4 square inches. • If the surface looks significantly dirty, double the surface swabbing area. • Properly label the samples. This should include the size of each area sampled. Send a copy of the data sheet with the samples. • Send the samples to the lab via overnight courier. Ice packs may be used and are often helpful is retaining a viable sample. • The laboratory will analyze the samples and send you the results as soon as they are available.
Mold Testing Laboratories • Mold testing laboratories can be found in the Yellow Pages of your local phone book. Galson Laboratories at 888-432-5527 provides kits . • Galson requires that microbiological samples be shipped via overnight courier in a cooler with blue ice. The utilize potato dextrose agar (PDA) for fungal cultures and Trypticase Soy agar (TSA) for bacteria testing. • Please refer to the Galson Laboratories Handouts. These handouts document how to take a sample using different sampling devices, how to send in samples, equipment rentals, and much more! • SKC at www.skcinc.com also rents equipment and provides a full range of testing services.
There is Mold-Now What? • What structural repairs are involved? How will this be done? Who will do this? • Where is hidden mold located? Is the structure compromised? What materials must be removed to get at he hidden mold? • How many rooms are involved? • How will I seal the remediation zone(s) • How many cleaning stations will need to be set up? • What materials can be cleaned and dried? • What materials must be discarded? • How much time and how may staff members will this project require? • What are my overhead costs-materials, time labor, wages and benefits, insurance costs etc.? • The contractor must plan for all of the issues above and more in planning to prepare a quote to discuss with the customer.