About Mold Remediation

ECA Mold provides indoor air quality investigation and testing services only. When extensive fungal growth is discovered, we recommend that you engage the services of a professional cleaning and restoration company.

The amount of mold present, the location, the sensitivity of the occupants, and the likelihood of the mold being disturbed are important considerations when determining whether or not to clean mold. The disturbance created by cleaning mold can increase exposure risks due to making the microscopic spores become airborne. Cleaning small areas of mold growth, typically less than 10 square feet, is relatively straightforward. The EPA's website provides general advice for cleaning small areas of mold.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit, independent certification body that establishes standards for the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries. Their website will have links to help you find a certified remediation firm. Be sure to obtain estimates from multiple firms as there can be quite a range of prices, approaches, and qualifications.

Remediation Terminology

The purpose of mold remediation is to repair the source the mold growth and to remove the mold in a way that protects occupants and workers while preventing cross-contamination to other areas of the structure.

Negative Air Machine –A high powered fan designed to exhaust air from an area of remediation. This will depressurize the area of remediation so that dislodged mold spores are prevented from containing other areas.
Air Scrubber – an “air scrubber” is a high efficiency, recirculating filter that continually removes suspended particulates from the air
Containment – The cleaning of mold spores can release levels of airborne spore concentrations thousands of times higher than normal. Containment techniques such as using sealed plastic sheeting and negative air are used to prevent airborne particulates from spreading to other areas of the structure.
HEPA – This is an acronym for “high efficiency particulate arrestor”. HEPA filters are extremely fine filters that are used for the removal of submicron particulate matter from air. A true HEPA filter is tested to filter out 99.97% of air particulates at 0.3 microns. Mold spores range in size from 2-10 microns.
Personal Protective Equipment – During any clean-up of fungal contamination, proper personal protective equipment (gloves, body suits, respirators, goggles, etc) should be used to protect occupants and workers.
Baseline Air Testing – Prior to professional mold remediation, initial air sampling is uset to establish baseline levels and establish the degree and location of fungal contamination.
Post Remediation Verification – Industry guidelines recommend that post-remediation testing and verification be conducted by an independent third party indoor air quality consultant and not by the remediation firm itself.