EPA Mold Remediation Guidelines

Mold can grow on almost any surface where there is adequate moisture and oxygen. There are more than 1,000 known species of mold, some of which are harmless and some that are extremely toxic. Many molds can cause people who are exposed to them to become ill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines for mold remediation and abatement.

The Facts

• Molds are ubiquitous in our environment. We are exposed to low levels of mold spores indoors and outdoors. When mold has an opportunity to grow in our living space, the concentration of mold spores in the air can become so high that the spores cause an allergic reaction and sickness in humans and pets. Chronic exposure to high levels of mold can cause long-term respiratory illness.

Identification

• Molds are red, black or brown and grow in areas of high humidity. Molds may be raised or flat, but they often swell in and around the materials on which they are growing. Molds can grow behind drywall, paneling or other wall coverings and will emit a foul or musty odor.

Cleanup Methods

• The EPA has established four specific cleanup methods based on the type of furnishing or material affected by mold growth.

  In Method 1, use a wet vacuum for objects such as carpet and backing, concrete and cinderblock, non-porous surfaces such as plastics and metals, porous surfaces such as linoleum and vinyl flooring, upholstered furniture, drapes and wood.

  Method 2 includes damp wiping with clean water or water with detergent solution. Use this method for porous and non-porous surfaces including flooring and wood.

  Method 3 incorporates the use of a vacuum equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This is to be used on all surfaces after they have thoroughly dried. Dispose of vacuum waste in sealed plastic bags.

  With Method 4, mold-covered materials are discarded in sealed plastic bags. This method can be used for all porous materials in which mold cannot be removed, such as drywall and ceiling tiles.

Containment

• Containment guidelines are based on the size of the surface area contaminated by mold. No containment area is required for areas that cover less than 10 square feet. Contaminated areas between 10 and 100 square feet should be minimally contained. Tape polyethylene sheeting, ceiling to floor, around the contaminated area. Cover doorways with two sheets of polyethylene sheeting. Seal air vents during remediation. Use negative air pressure and a HEPA-equipped air filtration unit to collect airborne mold spores and prevent them from leaving the containment area.

  When contaminated areas are larger than 100 square feet, the EPA guidelines call for full containment. In addition to minimal containment as previously detailed, create a negative-pressure air lock chamber with a second wall of polyethylene sheeting. Use a HEPA filter outside of the containment area.

Personal Protective Equipment

• EPA guidelines use the size of the contaminated area to determine personal protective equipment for the remediation project. Areas less than 10 square feet require minimal protection, including rubber gloves, eye protection and an N-95 respirator. Contaminated areas that are 10 to 100 square feet require disposable overalls, rubber gloves, eye protection and an N-95 or half-face respirator with HEPA filter. Areas of contamination that are larger than 100 square feet require full personal protective equipment including foot coverings, full-face respirator with HEPA filter, head gear and full-body disposable clothing.

Prevention/Solution

• Mold can be controlled, and often prevented, by controlling moisture. Completely dry areas damaged by moisture from leaking pipes, roofs or other leaks as soon as possible. Make repairs as needed to keep all areas of the building dry. Wash all contaminated areas with warm soapy water as soon as they are noticed. Dispose of moldy ceiling tiles, carpeting or other porous materials to reduce the recurrence of mold growth.