Indoor Air Quality & Mold
What Are Molds?
For molds to grow and reproduce, they need only an organic food source (such as leaves, wood, paper, or soil) and moisture. Because molds grow by digesting the organic material, they gradually destroy whatever they grow on. Sometimes, new mold will grow on old mold colonies.
Mold growth on surfaces can be seen in the form of discoloration, which is frequently green, gray, brown, or black but also white and other colors. Molds release countless tiny, light-weight spores, which travel through the air.
Microscopic close-up of Aspergillus niger fruiting structure
Health Effects
- Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.
- Nasal and sinus congestions.
- Eye irritation.
- Dry hacking cough
- Nose or throat irritation
- Skin rashes or skin irritation.
Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occassionally reported in mold cases, but their cause is not understood. CSC recommends that you consult with a medical physician if you suspect that mold exposure has affected
Stachybotrys chartarum on growth medium
Assessment & Remediation
Identify and eliminate the source of water.
Dry all affected surfaces.
Remove and dispose of all moldy porous items, such as rugs, carpeting, drywall, etc.
Disinfect non-porous items such as glassware by using a solution of detergent and water.
Perform a post-mold remediation evaluation to determine if remediation has been effective in removing the mold contamination.
Most remediation practices are conducted in negative pressure enclosures to prevent the migration of mold spores to unaffected areas of the building. Contractors are encouraged to use proper protective equipment during mold remediation projects.
Post-Remediation Evaluation
The work area undergoing remedial work must be clean from construction dust and debris, which may contain mold spores.
The work area must be free of visible mold growth.
The affected building materials must exhibit a moisture content less than 15% to prevent further mold growth.
The indoor mold spore con-centration must be lower than the outdoor spore concentration, and the types of mold found indoors must be generally similar to the types found outdoors.
Our Team of Experts
Professional Engineers (PE)
Doctorates in Toxicology and Chemistry (PhD)
Certified Industrial Hygienists
Certified Microbial Consultants
Certified Indoor Air Quality Technicians and Professionals
Industrial Hygienists