Why Chose Us
Angstrom Testing Services has been successfully conducting mold remediation work for the past approximately 20 years. In New York State, we are required to follow Article 32 of the NY State Mold Law. Following this law assures that acceptable occupant, premises, and worker safe work practices are utilized and that workers have the necessary training and experience to successfully complete the mold remediation work.
Call Angstrom Testing Services (516) 724-4574 and speak to one of our mold remediation specialists to discuss your mold problem.
Mold Remediation Work Overview
In general, water damaged materials removal work and mold remediation work involve the removal of impacted finishes under controlled conditions followed by surface treatment and clean-up of materials which will remain. Materials and surfaces that may have been contaminated but can be treated in place, such as framing, are scrubbed with a biocide solution registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following all manufacturers’ instructions, or blasted clean with a mild abrasive, and then encapsulated, if necessary, with a clear antimicrobial coating. All work areas and surrounding areas are cleaned using HEPA vacuums and disinfectant wiping, and all areas are cleared of airborne spores using air filtration devices under neutral pressure. Acceptable conditions and air quality is then determined by follow-up visual inspection, along with testing the air quality for airborne mold spores during a post-remediation verification assessment.
Angstrom Testing Services’ approach to mold remediation is to address all mold- and moisture-impacted building materials, clean all areas of settled and airborne mold spores using HEPA vacuums, disinfectant wiping and air scrubbers, and then perform post-remediation verification, to include a visual clearance assessment and the collection of air samples for mold analysis. Where clearance is not achieved by visual clearance and/or mold sampling, additional removal and cleaning may be required.
Mold Removal Safe Work Practices
To prevent exposure to molds and their mycotoxins, water damage should always be promptly addressed before significant mold growth occurs. Where water damage is recurrent, mycotoxin producing molds can be expected to predominate within weeks of the water damage event, provided that nutrient is available to support the mold colony.
Paint contains organic materials that provides a sufficient nutrient supply to support rampant mold growth, and therefore most interior surfaces are highly susceptible to such growth. The paper covering of sheetrock also provides an ideal source of nutrient (refined cellulose) to support potent mycotoxin producing fungi such as Stachybotrys.
To prevent the migration of mold spores from the work areas into other areas of the building, the use of negative air filtration units is strongly recommended. To be effective, the negative air filtration units need to be exhausted to the outdoors. when removing moldy building materials.
To protect occupants during mold remediation work, poly sheeting containment and isolation barriers should be used to separate contaminated work areas from non-contaminated areas.
To protect workers during the performance of mold remediation work, workers should wear HEPA filter respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
Mold Prevention Strategies
Humidity should be maintained less than 60% to prevent mold growth from occurring on furniture and furnishings, especially in basements.
Chilled water pipes should be insulated to prevent condensate formation on pipes in the summer.
The earth near the foundation of the house should be at the highest elevation and then pitched downwards to help water drain away from the foundation.
Air handlers in attic should be inspected during periods of high usage. Condensate drip pans should be pitched to drain towards the drain pipes, and drain pipes should be inspected for clogs.
Mold Clearance Criteria
After mold remediation work has been completed, and prior to any rebuild work being performed, a post-mold remediation clearance inspection and airborne mold testing should be performed to evaluate whether the remediation work was properly performed and the air quality with regard to airborne mold levels is in the normal and acceptable range and safe for reoccupancy. The following guidelines apply:
- No discernible musty odors
- No significant levels of measurable moisture (below 17% on wood surfaces)
- No significant levels of visible settled dust
- No significant visible water damage
- No significant visible mold growth
- Levels of airborne Penicillium/Aspergillus should be less than 500 structures/m3 higher than outdoors, and levels of airborne Stachybotrys should be less than 50 structures/m3 higher than outdoors.
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