| |
Mold Remediation
in Schools and Commercial Buildings
Molds can be found almost
anywhere; they can grow on virtually
any organic substance,
as long as moisture and oxygen are present.
There are molds that can
grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and
insulation. When excessive
moisture accumulates in buildings or on
building materials, mold
growth will often occur, particularly if the
moisture problem remains
undiscovered or unaddressed. It is
impossible to eliminate
all mold and mold spores in the indoor
environment.
However,
mold growth can be controlled indoors by
controlling moisture indoors.
Molds reproduce by making
spores that usually cannot be seen
without magnification.
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. Molds gradually destroy the things
they grow on.
Many types of molds exist.
All molds have the potential to cause
health effects. Molds
can produce allergens that can trigger allergic
reactions or even asthma
attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are
known to produce potent
toxins and/or irritants. Potential health
concerns are an important
reason to prevent mold growth and to
remediate/clean up any
existing indoor mold growth.
Since mold requires water
to grow, it is important to prevent moisture
problems in buildings.
Moisture problems can have many causes,
including uncontrolled
humidity. Some moisture problems in
buildings have been linked
to changes in building construction
practices during the 1970s,
80s, and 90s. Some of these changes
have resulted in buildings
that are tightly sealed, but may lack
adequate ventilation,
potentially leading to moisture buildup.
Building materials, such
as drywall, may not allow moisture to
escape easily. Moisture
problems may include roof leaks,
landscaping or gutters
that direct water into or under the building,
and unvented combustion
appliances.
Delayed maintenance or
insufficient maintenance
are also associated with moisture problems
in schools and large buildings.
Moisture problems in portable
classrooms and other temporary
structures have frequently been
associated with mold problems.
Moisture Control is the
Key to Mold Control
When mold growth occurs
in buildings, adverse health problems
may be reported by some
building occupants, particularly those
with allergies or respiratory
problems.
Remediators should avoid
exposing themselves and
others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct
their cleanup activities.
Caution should be used to prevent mold and
mold spores from being
dispersed throughout the air where they
can be inhaled by building
occupants.
PREVENTION
The key to mold control
is moisture control. Solve moisture
problems before they become
mold problems!
|
|
