QUESTION
Can I Do My Own Mold Removal?
Repair persons are often hired to remove small mold problems of less than 10X10 foot.
Such persons should receive training on proper cleaning methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards associated with mold exposure. In commercial buildings, maintenance department personnel often does the work. This is because widely recognized industry guidelines allow such if the mold is less than 10X10 foot. New York City Department of Health Mold Removal Guidelines, and the EPA Guidelines on mold removal are two such guidelines. In addition, such jobs are often too small for mold remediators to want to address. It may be allowed, and it may be done, however it is not always best.
Hidden Mold During Inspections
People often run into problems when following the above 10 X10 square foot rule. The maintenance man they hire starts removing what looks on the surface like a small patch of mold. What may look on the surface like 10 X 10 foot of mold may turn out to be a much bigger area. Finding hidden mold very often complicates mold removal jobs. Therefore, it is best to get a pro to inspect any mold problem before the mold is removed. A professional mold inspector cannot find all hidden mold. However, a mold inspector can usually find more mold than the average home owner or even maintenance man.
Contamination During Removal
If you ever do your own remediation, you could expose your lungs and your homes air to mold, asbestos, or lead dust. Such contaminates are sometimes released during mold removal. Professional remediators use containment, negative pressure, protective gear, and air scrubbers to lessen the spread of such contaminates.
Hire A Professional
My honest personal opinion is that almost all mold problems should be inspected first by a mold inspector, then remediated by a mold remediation company. In addition, you should never have both the inspection, and the remediation done by the same company. Doing so is a conflict of interest. In fact, in the state of Florida, it is illegal for one company to do both. Some exceptions apply, for example, if a contractor is doing a renovation, and finds mold during the renovation, then that contractor can often by law remove that mold.
If you have a mold problem you need to have the moisture, or humidity problem properly repaired. Next, have the moisture and mold problem inspected so written recommendations can be provided. Insurance companies may require such written recommendations in the form of a mold inspection report that contains a mold removal protocol section.
Where To Find Good Inspectors and Remediators
We provide inspections and mold reports with protocols in South East Florid. To locate qualified inspectors and remediators in other areas try IAQA.org or ACAC.org. Put you zip code in and find a remediator or inspector. Of course, we cannot guarantee the companies you find will be good. Research the company’s credentials and reputations yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is very important for you to do your part to help maintain good air quality. But do not bite off more than you can chew, always hire a professional to deal with mold problems.
