How a mold problem is investigated

Sidebar: Safety Tips While Investigating and Evaluating Mold and Moisture Problems

• Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.
• Do not get mold or mold spores in your eyes.
• Do not breathe in mold or mold spores.
• Consult Table 2 and text for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and containment guidelines.
• Consider using PPE when disturbing mold. The minimum PPE is an N-95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection.

Photo caption: Moldy Areas Encountered During an Investigation

Photo caption: Photo 3A: Mold growing in closet as a result of condensation from room air

Photo caption: Photo 3B: Front side of wallboard looks fine, but the back side is covered with mold

Citation: EPA 402-K-01-001, Investigating, Evaluating, and Remediating Moisture and Mold Problems, p. 4.

Read on the official site ↗ See it in the full EPA 402-K-01-001

Sidebar: Questions to Consider Before Remediating

• Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
• Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? (See Table 2 and text)
• Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?
• Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
• Are building occupants reporting health problems?
• Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
• Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?
• Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?
• Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?

Citation: EPA 402-K-01-001, Plan the Remediation Before Starting Work, p. 6.

Read on the official site ↗ See it in the full EPA 402-K-01-001

Assess the size of the mold and/or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials before planning the remediation work. Select a remediation manager for medium or large jobs (or small jobs requiring more than one person). The remediation plan should include steps to fix the water or moisture problem, or the problem may reoccur. The plan should cover the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and include steps to carefully contain and remove moldy building materials to avoid spreading the mold.[2] A remediation plan may vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered.

The remediation manager’s highest priority must be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. It is also important to communicate with building occupants when mold problems are identified.[3] In some cases, especially those involving large areas of contamination, the remediation plan may include temporary relocation of some or all of the building occupants. The decision to relocate occupants should consider the size and type of the area affected by mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with debris, and the amount of disruption likely to be caused by remediation activities. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled for off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected.

Remediators, particularly those with health-related concerns, may wish to check with their doctors or health care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. If you have any doubts or questions, you should consult a health professional before beginning a remediation project.

[2] Molds are known allergens and may be toxic. You may wish to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while investigating a mold problem, as well as during remediation/cleanup situations. The minimum PPE includes an N-95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection.

[3] See Appendix C.

Citation: EPA 402-K-01-001, Remediation Plan, pp. 6–7.

Read on the official site ↗ See it in the full EPA 402-K-01-001

Moisture Meters: Measure/Monitor Moisture Levels in Building Materials

Moisture meters may be helpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materials following water damage. They can also be used to monitor the process of drying damaged materials. These direct reading devices have a thin probe which can be inserted into the material to be tested or can be pressed directly against the surface of the material. Moisture meters can be used on materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete.

Humidity Gauges or Meters: Monitor Moisture Levels in the Air

Humidity meters can be used to monitor humidity indoors. Inexpensive (<$50) models are available that monitor both temperature and humidity.

Humidistat: Turns on HVAC System at Specific Relative Humidity (RH)

A humidistat is a control device that can be connected to the HVAC system and adjusted so that, if the humidity level rises above a set point, the HVAC system will automatically come on.

HVAC System Filter: Filters Outdoor Air

Use high-quality filters in your HVAC system during remediation. Consult an engineer for the appropriate efficiency for your specific HVAC system and consider upgrading your filters if appropriate. Conventional HVAC filters are typically not effective in filtering particles the size of mold spores. Consider upgrading to a filter with a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined by Test Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. Remember to change filters regularly and change them following any remediation activities.

Photo caption: Moisture Meter

Photo caption: Photo 9: Moisture meter measuring moisture content of plywood subfloor

Citation: EPA 402-K-01-001, Equipment, pp. 23–24.

Read on the official site ↗ See it in the full EPA 402-K-01-001