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Molds
produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor
and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot
indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are
growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on
wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
When excessive
moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur,
particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores
in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth
is to control moisture. The key to mold control is moisture control.
It is important
to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent
mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold
and get rid of the excess water or moisture.
Fix leaky plumbing
or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent
and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling
tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
This document
presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and moisture
problems in schools and commercial buildings; these guidelines include
measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and
remediators. It has been designed primarily for building managers,
custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building
and school maintenance.
It should serve
as a reference for potential mold and moisture remediators. Using
this document, individuals with little or no experience with mold
remediation should be able to make a reasonable judgment as to whether
the situation can be handled in-house. It will help those in charge
of maintenance to evaluate an in-house remediation plan or a remediation
plan submitted by an outside contractor.
Contractors
and other professionals who respond to mold and moisture situations
in commercial buildings and schools may also want to refer to these
guidelines. |
