Flag Cleaning & Restoration NASSAU 516 498-3524 SUFFOLK 631 226-9800
Certified
Mold Remediation Contractor - CMRC # 11029
Certified
Mold Inspector - CMI # 11124
We work with industrial hygienists and indoor air quality environmentalists to ensure the job is done right the first time. With the proper testing and protocols every job can be a success. We use the most accurate and up to date moisture meter equipment to measure moisture in your wood floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinets. We then use infrared cameras to identify the origin and the extent of the damage. Many times we are called in to complete or redo the mold removal that other companies failed to complete properly.
Mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. The EPA reports that Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.
Health Effects and
Symptoms Associated with Mold Exposure !!!
When moisture
problems occur and mold growth results, building occupants may
begin to report odors and a variety of health problems, such as
headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic
reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms; all of these
symptoms could potentially be associated with mold exposure. All
molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds produce
allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may cause
reactions in humans. The types and severity of symptoms depend,
in part, on the types of mold present, the extent of an
individual's exposure, the ages of the individuals, and their
existing sensitivities or allergies.
Microbial Volatile Organic
Compounds (MVOCs)
Some compounds produced by molds
are volatile and are released directly into the air. These are
known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Because
these compounds often have strong and/or unpleasant odors, they
can be the source of odors associated with molds. Exposure to
(MVOCs) from molds has been linked to symptoms such as
headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
Research on MVOCs is still in the early phase.
Glucans or Fungal Cell
Wall Components (also known as ß-(1-->3)-D- Glucans)
Glucans are small pieces of the cell walls of molds which may cause inflammatory lung and airway reactions. These Glucans can affect the immune system when inhaled. Exposure to very high levels of Glucans or dust mixtures including Glucans may cause a flu-like illness known as Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS). This illness has been primarily noted in agricultural and manufacturing settings.
What needs to be done?
Some materials will
need to be disposed off, such as ceiling tiles, insulation,
wallboards, carpet, soft furnishings, clothes, papers and books.
Non-porous metals, glass and hard plastics may be cleaned and
reused. Depending on the degree of mold damage, semi porous wood
may be cleaned up by drying, sanding and treating with anti
microbial solvent before reusing.
In addition your heating, ventilation, air condition and crawl
spaces will be dried, cleaned and then treated with Hepa
filtration to remove remaining mold particles.
Our professional in house technicians follow our well planned
mold abatement process to take care of mold clean up and repair
to your satisfaction. There are certain steps we follow that
insure we get your mold clean up job done right. First the
contaminated area is sealed off using plastic sheeting, then we
create negative air pressure to direct the mold to prevent mold
spores from spreading to other parts of the house, directing the
mold away from indoor space.
Mold Remediation Project
1.
All Workers to be Properly Protected in PPE Equipment, Gloves,
Tyvek Suits, Respirators, etc.
2.
Set-up critical barriers to prevent cross contamination to
structure and also achieve negative air.
3.
All openings such as doorways, windows, vents, airways to be
covered with 6 mil-poly. This will insure
negative air can be maintained. Full
containment.
4.
Set-up Negative Air Machine to minimize airflow 4 to 8 ACH (air
changes per hour).
5.
Pre-clean (HEPA vacuum) structure and remove all loose
structural debris in doubled (6-Mil) sealed
plastic bags.
6.
The use of electric blower inside each containment area to
suspend fine particulates so that they
are captured by a HEPA filter.
7.
Demolition of contaminated structure, then double bagged and
removed to dumpster daily.
8.
Scrape, wire brush, orbital sanding, Media and or Dry ice
blasting to remove any visible mold growth
from structural materials.
9.
HEPA vacuum, biowash(wet wipe) then HEPA vacuum 2nd time (dust
free environment). Clean
and encapsulate any structure members
affected by mold. (organic surfaces)
10.HEPA vacuum, double bag and
remove all unsalvageable contents to dumpster.
11.Preclean salvageable contents
(HEPA vacuum)
12.HEPA vacuum, wet wipe with
biowash. Then HEPA vacuum all contents again.
13.Removal of all personal
possessions as well as soft goods, i.e. clothing, bedding,
curtains etc.
Clothing may be cleaned using standard
laundering products.
14.Maintain Negative Air Machine
and Air Scrubbers throughout course of job.
15.HEPA Air filtration to run for
a minimum of 72 hours after abatement is completed, and then
shut
down for a minimum of 24 hours before
post remediation testing.
16.Break down of containment
barriers.
The following reference documents
provide guidance for mold remediation procedures and practices.
> Standard and Reference Guide
for Professional Mold Remediation - IICRC S520
(published by Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration, December 2003)
> Fungal Contamination: A Comprehensive Guide for Remediation (
published by Michael A Pinto,
Ph.D. and David Janke, November 2003)
> Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building (
published by US EPA, March 2001 ).
> American Conference of Governmental & Industrial Hygienists
(1999 ). Bioaerosols: Assessment &
Control. American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienist, Cincinnati, OH.
> Guidelines on Assessment & Remediation of Fungi in Indoor
Environment, New York City Department
of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental &
Occupational Disease Epidemiology.
CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR
SERVICE TO PREVENT FURTHER MOLD DAMAGE!
CALL FLAG NOW
NASSAU (516) 498-3524
SUFFOLK (631) 226-9800
(800) 794-3524
