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INTRODUCTION TO MOLD
Mold has probably been around since the beginning of time. It is only in the last several years that the whole issue of mold has been discussed so much and has become such a hot topic. Because mold has become a normal part of so many peoples conversations we wanted to take a little time to give you some insight into this stuff called “mold”. Unfortunately, a lot of what people hear on the streets regarding mold contains a fair amount of inaccurate information.
Most molds require simple things to exist and replicate. It requires some type of moisture intrusion or water condensation. In some cases, it can take as little as 24 to 48 hours for the process of mold formation to begin. Some of the more serious forms of mold generally take longer to begin colonization. (For example: Statchybotrys atra generally begins colonization in 8 – 12 days). After the source of the moisture has stopped, it does not mean that the mold has stopped forming.
Different molds readily adapt to different temperature levels. Depending on the species, these little organisms will grow just about anywhere. Among other things, mold requires a compatible temperature for each species.
Mold also needs an organic source of food. People might be confused because mold can grow on such items as glass, tile, stainless steel, cookware, etc. but it generally feeding off of some type of organic source (oils, dirt, skin cells, etc.) deposited on this sort of material.
All molds do require some form of moisture to grow, however, like temperature, the amount of moisture varies for different species. For mold to start growing you do not have to have a leak. Humidity or moisture content of the substrate can often be sufficient for sustaining mold growth. In as little as 70% relative humidity, spores may begin to germinate after only 12 hours. Mold can easily spread through any HVAC system.
Excess moisture in homes is definitely a problem. To protect human health, the source of moisture should be eliminated rapidly. To prevent fungal growth, the building should be dried within 48 hours. If fungal growth becomes evident, all affected materials should be carefully evaluated, mold should be removed from surfaces or the affected building material removed.
Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by some molds which can cause a toxic response in some humans if ingested, inhaled, or come in contact with the skin. Mycotoxins can affect the immune system, nervous system, liver, kidneys, blood, and blood clotting. Some mycotoxins are also known as carcinogens. Research is still being conducted to determine how fungal mycotoxins may contribute to vague health symptoms experienced by those who live in environments with a high fungal load.
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HOW OUR COMPANY HANDLES MOLD REMEDIATION
We would like to start by saying that ServiceMaster Quality Services is extremely proud to have both our President and General Manager certified as “Certified Mold
Remediators” by the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA). This important certification was earned only after attending several detailed training classes and passing an extensive examination given by the
IAQA. We are not about the quick buck but we are about doing the job right and keeping safety issues for everyone (our customers and our employees) in the forefront of our minds during our mold remediation procedures.
At this point, our company generally only gets involved in mold remediation jobs less than 15 square feet but certainly can point the customer in the right direction if his/her job is greater than these dimensions.
Our typical mold remediation process would go something like this:
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Customer, and/or insurance adjustor, notifies us of mold growth.
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One (or both) of our Certified Mold Remediators would go to the site and make an initial assessment of the affected
area(s) in order to develop a detailed game plan on the proper way to handle the particular
situation.
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Based on the particular situation we may recommend to get an independent lab out to do initial sampling to see exactly what species of mold is growing and to what extent is the premises affected by the current mold growth.
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A detailed game plan is then developed by ServiceMaster Quality Services (in conjunction with the lab, if appropriate). This detailed plan is then relayed to the customer and/or insurance adjustor.
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Approval of the plan is given and the work commences. The customer, and/or insurance adjustor, is kept abreast of what is going on and whether any deviations from the original plan is taking place or would need to take place.
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After the job is completed we pull the lab (if appropriate) back in to do a final detailed analysis. This final analysis is typically necessary to make sure we properly cleaned everything and the mold is down to acceptable levels.
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Once everything checks out we then get the customer to sign off on the job completion and the appropriate
invoice(s) are generated.
Please give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance!
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