The Importance Of Containment During Mold Remediation

The Importance Of Mold Remediation Containment

Proper mold remediation containment is a fundamental part of the mold remediation process. It is important that mold remediation technicians are efficient when setting up the containment of the areas of remediation. Before starting any work, mold remediation technicians must set up the proper containment chambers for remediation. Isolating the work areas to prevent cross-contamination of clean, unaffected areas of the building structure is imperative. Mold remediation containment ensures that any mold found in the areas of concern does not spread into other areas of the building. Containment chambers also lighten the load of the clean-up process by keeping any dust and other debris within the confines of the work area.

Mold Remediation Containment & HEPA Filtered, Negative Air Pressure

Mold remediation containment is used to keep any airborne contaminants (mainly mold spores) from spreading beyond the work area. Containment chambers isolate contaminated areas to prevent cross-contamination to areas of the property that are not contaminated during the remediation process.

In combination with containment barriers, mold remediation technicians use HEPA filtered, negative air pressure to maintain safe indoor air quality throughout the remediation. During mold remediation, technicians will set up HEPA-filtered air filtration devices. HEPA filters create negative air pressure with sealed ducting to remove mold-contaminated air from a sealed containment area. The filtered air is exhausted outside of the containment area. Negative air pressure means creating a vacuum effect, which helps limit the spread of contaminants to other areas inside the structure.

Personal Protective Equipment

Containment of the contaminated area isn’t the only important protective measure taken during mold remediation. Personal Protective Equipment is worn by all mold remediation technicians to keep them safe in the contaminated environment. Personal Protective Equipment is used to protect mold remediation technicians from mold exposure. During mold remediation, you always run the risk of mold spores becoming airborne. This increases the risk for inhalation of these mold spores, which can possibly cause adverse health effects. Gloves, full body protective suits, and full-face respirators with built in HEPA filters are a few of the tools employed to ensure the safety of mold remediation technicians.

The Adverse Effects Of Improper Mold Remediation Containment

The method used during containment varies depending which South Jersey mold remediation company you choose to work with. It is important to ensure that you look into each companies’ containment methods and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Improper containment can have a multitude of adverse effects.

• If mold remediation containment is not adequate, you run the risk of contaminating areas of the building that were previously clean and unaffected. As soon as the mold remediation crew begins work, spores quickly become airborne. If mold remediation technicians do not properly isolate the work areas and contain the moldy areas, airborne mold spores can spread and lead to cross contamination that will require additional cleanup and expenses. 
• Lack of proper containment can result in additional damage and expensive repairs. Not only could this cause more issues for the building, but it will also be more costly in the long run. It is easier to do a job the right way the first time than to cut corners and have to retrace your steps.  
• Cross-contamination occurs when a building’s problem areas are not properly contained. Mold spores can cause a variety of effects on your health and your family’s health. airborne mold spores are microscopic. All too often, when cross-contamination occurs, NJ homeowners won’t notice until it is too late. These health effects include:
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Sudden emergence of previously nonexistent allergies
  • Feeling faint or dizzy
  • Nausea
  • Irritated skin

Preventing Cross-Contamination During Mold Remediation

When mold remediation technicians are setting up containment around the contaminated area, it is important that they also employ containment hallways. Containment hallways form a pathway from area of remediation to the outside. Containment hallways are helpful in the transportation of contaminated contents and materials. Additionally, contaminated and non-salvageable building materials should be proper bagged and carried out of the property via containment hallways for disposal. 

Mold is a living organism, meaning that it’s main purpose in life is to grow. It wants to continue to grow and spread. Containment is meant to limit the spread of mold growth within the area. This helps to minimize exposure of not only the mold remediation technicians, but also the building’s residents. If there is a larger area of contamination, there is a greater risk that someone will be exposed to mold. This means that there is a greater need for containment in these areas.

Containment is arguably one of the most important steps in the mold remediation process. Aside from the actual mold removal, proper containment helps to maintain the good condition of the rest of the building to prevent more problems from arising in the future.