Mold Removal and Remediation FAQ

No, it is not possible to remove all of the mold indoors. Since mold is present in the air outdoors, mold is therefore always present indoors. However, the air quality indoors should be comparable to the outdoors air – if mold levels are much higher indoors, then unusual mold conditions are present and cleanup is needed.

Mold is a living organism (fungi) that needs moisture, air, and food source to grow. Mold, as a living organism, can reproduce itself and grow.  Mold spores reproduces and can be found throughout the air in the world.  Mold also is not a recent phenomenon;  the Bible actually states a mold remediation plan in the book of Leviticus.  In fact, the “mold remediation plan” from the Bible is the basis of our remediation process today!

Black mold, or stachybotrys, can cause allergic and respiratory issues. Some people are more susceptible to mold exposure than others due to underlying conditions.

Mold must be treated carefully, as it can spread and then infect other areas.  Proper mold remediation guidelines have been developed by the ACGIH, the US EPA New York City Department of Health, OSHA and other Agencies and Associations.  These guidelines should be followed for proper results. 

It depends, of course, upon the size of the job and the areas affected.  A smaller job of a few square feet can generally be handled without professional assistance (as noted in the US EPA Guide to Mold), so the only expense involved there is the cleaning supplies and PPE (such as rubber gloves and masks).  Once you go beyond the smaller jobs, there is a wide range of possible costs based upon work required.  If porous components like drywall are contaminated with active growth, then removal and disposal are required.  However, situations that involve cleaning generally involve lower costs than ones that require removal of walls, carpeting, etc. 

Yes, mold can cause allergic reactions and asthma-type attacks. Other possible effects of mold are still being studied.

Mold is found in the air everywhere, both inside and outside. However, a moisture condition, such as a roof leak and broken plumbing, provides the water that mold needs to grow.

The source of the moisture must be identified and repaired. If the moisture problem is not fixed, mold will return even if it has been properly cleaned. Common moisture sources include plumbing leaks and roof leaks.

There are two basic types of mold tests: air and surface.  In each case, the sample is taken and then sent to a lab for analysis.  Surface tests involve a sampling of visible mold. If conducted properly, the lab then reports the types, quantities, and other information about the mold.  Tape and swab tests are used to investigate surface mold and are fairly limited in terms of usefulness; however, they tell what is on the surface.
Air tests can be much more informative.  First, air tests can provide information about the levels for the air we breathe.  Second, air tests often reveal mold that is hidden from a surface test.  Third, several air tests in a structure can be used to see if mold contamination has spread to several rooms.
What do the test results mean?  Mold is located everywhere in the air, and there are normal and abnormal quantities of mold.  If there is an abnormal mold condition, mold remediation may be necessary.