A moldy story

'Your Allergy Nurse' shares her own moldy story

October 9, 2002

That was my question at one time. I made some mistakes with my own do-it-yourself mold project. But I've learned from the experts.

Perhaps my sharing some things I've learned with you will help you avoid similar mistakes.

I originally consulted a commercial mold remediation service for a free estimate. The representative told me that before they start working, they set up a containment system that seals the work area. Mold spores released into the air during the clean-up process are immediately exhausted to the outside environment rather than being allowed to scatter themselves throughout the rest of the home.

I didn't have a way to contain and exhaust the mold, so I simply raised a window and used the exhaust fan in the bathroom where I did the mold clean-up project.

He also told me that mold may appear to be dormant, but once a drop of moisture touches a mold spore it begins reproducing again. So it seemed best to try to prevent moisture while I was working on the mold problem.

Since I didn't want moisture, I was careful to peel off as much wallpaper as I could before dampening the area. Fortunately I was unable to remove much wallpaper without spraying it with water first.

I've since learned that recommendations are to mist a moldy area with water BEFORE working in the area. This helps eliminate the dispersion of mold into the air.

Since I'd been living with the mold for months, I didn't consider it necessary to suddenly wear protective gear while working with it. Had I read the instructions first, I'd have known better.

I've since learned that gloves and protective clothing are recommended, as well as respiratory protection and eye protection, since the mold level becomes much higher in a room where a mold restoration is underway.

Here are some guidelines for correctly cleaning up mold that I've gleaned from various resources:

1. Read the instructions BEFORE you begin! (learned by experience)

2. It is recommended that infants less than 12 months of age, persons recovering from recent surgery, elderly persons, persons with chronic lung problems or severe allergies, and persons on chemotherapy or with diseases which may make them more susceptible to infection not be in areas adjacent to the mold clean-up project.

3. Moisten (don't soak) moldy materials before working with them.

4. Wear a dust mask. Be sure the label says it is made to filter out particles such as dust. Some masks only provide comfort from fumes.

5. Use protective eye goggles.

6. Raise a window, or provide adequate ventilation or air exchange while working in a moldy area.

7. Dispose of moldy materials by sealing in a plastic bag while still damp.

8. When finished, wipe and mop the area with water and mild detergent.

9. These are only the baseline recommendations. Before you begin your mold renovation project, check the resources in the footnotes below.

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