Mold is naturally-occurring, microscopic fungi that are found almost everywhere. In nature, mold break down organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. But indoors, and at high concentrations, mold can affect the health of certain individuals. Exposure to mold and the mycotoxins they can produce, can lead to adverse health effects in sensitive individuals including rash, fever, headache, fatigue and asthma.

Mold occur in a variety of colors including white, orange, green and black. Stachybotrys chartarum (known in the remediation industry as “stacky”) is a type of mold known to produce mycotoxins. It is often referred to as “black mold,” but in reality can be found in a range of colors including white, green and black.

Indications of mold often include visible growths and musty odors, which may indicate hidden growths behind walls or other surfaces. If you believe you have hidden mold, it is best to hire a professional to investigate both the potential hidden mold and moisture sources that could promote mold growth.

Controlling moisture is the key to controlling mold since all mold require a moisture source to grow. If you are dealing with a sudden release of moisture such as a broken pipe, cleanup should begin within 24 hours to mitigate potential mold growth. After stopping the moisture source, take as many of the following actions as reasonably and safely possible:

• Ventilate the affected area(s)
• Increase the temperature
• Lower the humidity

Note that affected porous materials may need to be discarded regardless of the above actions (e.g., drywall, upholstered furniture, carpeting, etc.).

If the moisture source is chronic, such as condensation on cold water pipes, you must find a way to address the moisture source or mold may continue to grow in the affected area even after cleaning and removal.

Again, the key to preventing mold grow is to control moisture. Here are some additional helpful tips:

• Act quickly, within 24 hours, to cleanup sudden large leaks and spills
• Maintain your roofing and drainage systems to prevent moisture intrusion
• Regularly service the HVAC system
• Add and/or use ventilation systems to lower the humidity
• Use a dehumidifier
• Insulate cold surfaces
• Increase air movement and air exchanges
• Increase the air temperature
• Maintain indoor relative humidity below 60 percent
• Add mold inhibitors to paints when repainting

It is easier and less expensive to prevent mold growth than it is to clean and remove mold after they have formed.

If you do have mold, it is best to hire a reputable, experienced abatement professional to clean and remove mold from affected areas. Doing so will limit potential exposures to employees and the possible spread of mold to other areas.

Professionals are better equipped to construct work containment areas, manage the flow of air during cleanup, handle cleaning chemicals and/or biocides, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as identify impacted materials that will need to be treated or discarded.

Consider performing sampling to help document the effectiveness of the cleanup activities and record mold and mold spore concentrations post-cleanup.