San Francisco Apartment Association
SFAA Magazine Archives

May 2002

Feature

Mold, the New Environment Problem With an Ancient History

by Mark Simkins

What is Mold?
Molds are the digesters and recyclers of almost any organic material. They can grow and multiply almost anywhere for all they require is moisture, oxygen and a food source to survive. Mold spreads by producing spores that disperse and start new colonies. Mold spores have been found almost everywhere from deep underground to the upper atmosphere. Mold organisms are extremely durable and adaptable and can survive in extremely severe atmospheric conditions. When conditions are right, mold populations can explode. They will continue to grow and reproduce until they have used up the entire food source. Then they will wait in a dry state for another opportunity when conditions are more favorable for proliferation.

Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold spores are present in most environments.Oxygen-richenvironmentswith either standing liquid or humidity over 70 percent are optimal for mold growth. Moisture is the key element in mold control and must be eliminated before mold growth will stop. Colonies will grow on any food source such as wood, paper, carpet, drywall or other household items.

How Can I Tell if I Have Mold?
If you see mold, you have mold. Once a colony has been established, it will continue to grow and expand until the food source is eliminated. If you smell a musty odor, you probably have mold.

If you or any member of your family is having respiratory problems, you may have mold. If symptoms improve when you leave either home or work, mold is possibly present in those places. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, asthma and rhinitis. Mold can contribute to many specific illnesses including allergies, asthma, hypersensitive pneumonitis, humidifier fever, infections and mycotoxicosis.

Identifying Mold at Home or Work
Damp places are typically the first areas toinspectwhenlookingformold. Basements, attics, garages and other poorly ventilated areas are prime locations for mold growth. Mold often grows as a result of flooding, leaky roofs, sewer backflows or plumbing leaks. Water intrusion is the key. Once a surface gets wet, it becomes a prime target for mold growth. When mold growth is not visible, it can be detected by a musty odor. A professional should treat mold growth quickly, for it causes structural damage. Certain molds have been found to be extremely toxic. Left untreated on a surface such as wood, mold will begin to break down the surface, weakening it and causing a potential structural problem.

What Remediation is Available?
Don’t try to repair a mold problem yourself.There are few good options when it comes to clearing mold from your home or business. Proper removal of mold or remediation requires specialized equipment and knowledge of how mold spreads. Mold remediation involves eliminating the mold, potential food sources and moisture. Without elimination of each of these components, the mold is likely to return.

Doing Things Right the First Time
New laws and regulations address the disclosure of mold presence to a prospective buyer or tenant. There is evidence that neglected water damage can be destructive and dangerous to health. In some cases, disregarded water damage can even bring litigation.

Mold Remediation in Your Home or Commercial Building
Dealing with mold can be viewed as a three-step process. First, analyze the situation. Second, prevent the mold from growing. Third, clean it up.

If you have mold contamination, the situation does not necessarily mean that office materials or personal effects must be thrown away. However, in many instances the remediation company is required to remove and dispose of contaminated materials such as carpeting, walls, flooring, ceiling tiles, furnishings or construction debris. This removal process is done under the specific instructions of a certified industrial hygienist to ensure the health of the occupants. The trained remediation technicians will thoroughly decontaminate the affected items before returning them to the occupied space.

The Mold Remediation Technicians
Mold remediation technicians must go through intensive Environmental Protection Agency workshops and water restoration training courses. They also must follow general procedures developed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Responsible mold remediation services should include the following:

  • Mold Decontamination
  • Structural and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Decontamination
  • HEPA (High Efficient Particle Air) Vacuuming
  • Building Containment
  • Sealing
  • Documentation
  • Removal and Disposal of Contaminated
    Materials

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the SFAA or the SF Apartment Magazine. Mark Simkins is the Customer Service Manager for Ideal Restorative Drying.He can be reached at 800-379-6881. © Copyright 2002.