What Methods Are Used To Contain Mold?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Mold containment in Geneva, IL

An HVAC system or occupants of a building can carry airborne mold spores. Building owners or managers should turn off the central air system and restrict traffic in and out of areas that are suspected or known to be infested with mold. Remediation professionals use the following containment methods during mold cleanup.

Suspending Polyethylene Sheeting

Heavy sheets of plastic are used to isolate a portion of a structure with mold contamination. Plastic sheeting at least 6 millimeters thick may be used to seal off any of the following portions of a structure:

• Doors and openings
• Flooring in the work area
• Ventilation returns and vents
  

Duct tape or painters tape can be used to create a seal that will ensure that air does not circulate out of the contained area and into the rest of the structure. If necessary, epoxy or studs can be used to suspend sheeting in large areas.

Generating Negative Air Pressure
An exhaust fan with an attached high-efficiency particulate air filter can vent air out of the area in which mold cleanup is taking place. HEPA filters are rated to remove at least 99.7% of particles, including fungus spores. This equipment reduces the concentration of spores and provides negative pressurization within a sealed work area surrounded by sheeting.

Creating a Full Containment Airlock
Plastic sheeting can also be used to set up a two-barrier airlock if full containment is necessary for an infestation affecting more than 100 square feet of a structure or involving toxigenic mold. A decontamination chamber will help remediation professionals avoid carrying spores out of the work area.
Containment is an essential part of mold cleanup. Failure to limit access and put up physical barriers around an infestation may permit mold spores to travel throughout a building in Geneva, IL. Any areas with elevated moisture levels can support growth and cause mold to spread.