Mold Web Course/Chapter 4/Lesson 2

by the Environmental Protection Agency

Lesson 2Assess Mold Problem

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Before planning a remediation effort, the size and extent of the mold problem and any continuing moisture problems should be assessed. Remediations generally can be divided into small (less than 10 square feet of mold), medium (10-100 square feet of mold), and large jobs (more than 100 square feet of mold). A remediation manager should be selected for medium or large jobs. You may choose to involve an experienced health and safety professional in remediation projects, particularly on large or complex jobs.

Questions to consider before starting remediation include:

• Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
• Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?
• Are there hidden sources of water, or is the humidity high enough to cause condensation?
• Are the building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
• Are the building occupants reporting health problems?
• Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
• Has maintenance been delayed or has the maintenance plan been altered?
• Has the building been remodeled recently, or has its use changed?
• Are consultations with health professionals indicated?

Remediating mold and moisture problems may be complex, and it may increase workers' exposure to mold unless personal protective equipment (PPE) is used.

	Avoid Mold Exposure
●	Do not touch mold or moldy items with your bare hands.	click to enlarge
●	Do not get mold or mold spores in your eyes.
●	Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores.
●	Consider using PPE if distributing mold during a building inspection, assessment, or walkthrough, for example. The minimum PPE is an N-95 respirator (available at most hardware stores), gloves, and goggles.
●	Review guidelines for using containment and PPE before starting remediation. (see Table 2)

Remediation workers, especially if they have health concerns, may want to check with their doctors before working on a mold investigation or remediation project. Anyone who has any doubts or questions should consult a healthcare professional before beginning work on a remediation project. See Chapter 6, Lesson 4, for more information on PPE.