The Special Challenges of Mould
  
  
Mould contamination continues to receive increased attention in the media and is a rapidly growing concern for homeowners, property managers, insurance providers and restoration companies. Mould can grow in as little as 48 hours any time excessive moisture is present indoors, whether the moisture is the result of a flood, a slow leak, a broken pipe, or just high humidity. Indoor mould contamination has been identified as a major contributor to allergies and poor indoor air quality. Despite the rapidly growing body of knowledge about mould, it remains the subject of a lot of confusion. We hope that this information will help you to make better decisions.
As members of the IICRC, we follow the S-500 and S-520 whenever dealing with mould contamination.
What is mould?
We have probably all encountered mould at one time or another. It might have been in the shower, or on a stale piece of bread or wet drywall. Mould is a microscopic life form found in all parts of the world. It is part of the natural decay process of organic materials. There are many different species of mould, and while they are diverse, they share some common characteristics:
- Moulds require an organic food source. The most common food source indoors is cellulose, which is found in building materials such as wood and drywall.
- Moulds require oxygen, so they do not grow under water.
- Moulds require moisture. To prevent mould, buildings must be kept dry.
- Moulds are spread by tiny particles called “spores”.
|
Why is it a problem?
- The colored, fuzzy growth on the surface of a wall, floor, ceiling or other indoor surface is obviously very objectionable.
- Active mould colonies usually emit a very unpleasant, musty odor.
- Because the job of mould is to digest, decay and recycle dead organic matter, it will eventually destroy whatever surface it grows on.
- Exposure to mould spores can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, depending on individual sensitivity.
|
What is a reasonable and safe response?
The best way to deal with mould is to prevent it from happening. If the drying of wet building materials is commenced within 24 hours (assuming clean water), the chances of preventing mould growth are excellent. If building materials remain wet, it is inevitable that mould will start to grow. Therefore, addressing and eliminating moisture problems is the critical first step. Simply put, “Got Moisture? Got mould!”
However, once mould is present, drying is not enough. mouldy materials must be either removed or decontaminated. This process is called remediation, which means “to remedy” or “to cure”. Proper remediation procedures will be determined by the size, scope and nature of the mould contamination.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a helpful guidebook for homeowners about the cleanup and prevention of mould problems in homes. This booklet, entitled A Brief Guide to Mould, Moisture and Your Home, can help you decide when you can handle mould cleanup yourself and when you should call a professional. The booklet is available on the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html.
ServiceMaster Restore can help
In the midst of all the hype and hysteria about mould, ServiceMaster Restore is committed to maintaining a reasonable, prudent and responsible position.
All ServiceMaster Restore Quality Restoration Vendors have completed intensive mould remediation training and received instruction in the proper procedures for handling mould claims. All are prepared to handle small (10 square feet or less) and isolated areas affected by mould that may be encountered in the course of normal water damage mitigation services. In addition, we are trained and certified to perform larger mould remediation projects.
Address the issues promptly
Just how far reaching the effects of mould may be is yet to be determined. What is clear is that living or working in a mouldy home or building is ill advised. The obvious response is to address water intrusion issues promptly and thoroughly, before mould has a chance to grow. ServiceMaster Restore is the industry leader in professional water damage mitigation and restoration services and stands ready to serve you.
|
