Mold remediation professionals are needed in many industries.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a new career or just trying to do some side work on the weekends, there’s something here for everyone.

We’ll highlight what mold remediation jobs are available, and what are some of the best certifications and education for you to be successful in mold removal industry.

What is mold remediation?

Before you decide to become a mold remediation professional, lets first define what mold remediation is.

Mold remediation is the process or series of activities involved in removing and discarding items contaminated with mold that are beyond salvaging.

When materials become contaminated by mold growth, the course of action taken depends on whether the items are porous, semi-porous or non-porous, and the extent of damage caused by the moisture itself.

Mold remediation can be broken down into two parts: restoration and prevention.

The first part refers to the process of removing contaminated materials after a water loss has occurred.

Water damage might occur due to flooding or leaky pipes for example, this kind of work requires different equipment than other types so it’s important not to confuse them with one another.

This type usually requires full protective gear including an N-95 respirator mask because spores are released during removal processes which could irritate your respiratory system if inhaled by accident.

The second part is about preventing future issues through training homeowners on how to perform basic maintenance tasks such as changing air filters regularly and maintaining good moisture control in the home.

What kind of mold remediation jobs are available?

Now that we know what mold remediation is, let’s move on to the next step.

There are many different types of mold remediation jobs available in many sectors.

In fact, this industry is growing rapidly as more and more people become aware of the dangers associated with black mold and other harmful strains.

Some of the most common positions include:

• Mold Remediation Technician
• Mold Inspector
• Mold Remediation Project Manager

Each position has its own set of qualifications or skillset. It’s important to remember that not all positions require a degree.

Why is mold remediation industry growing so rapidly?

As more individuals become aware of the potential hazards associated with mold infestations and other microbial contaminants, there’s been an increase in demand for professionals that know how to handle mold safely.

Perhaps you’ve seen cases, where homes have been infested by mold growth or you have experienced mold issues in your home before.

Either way, mold remediation is a hot topic these days and it is important for mold remediation professionals to stay up to date with the latest industry trends, knowledge, and education to deal with a client’s mold problem successfully and safely.

Importance of Certifications in the Mold Remediation Industry

Certifications are important in any industry, but they can be especially important for mold remediation companies.

This is because the work that these professionals do takes a lot of time and skill.

If you lack the right skillset and certifications, then it’s going to be much more difficult for you to get the job done correctly.

Not to mention, the lack of knowledge can lead to liabilities and possible OSHA citations.

Recommended certifications for Mold Remediation Professional

Below we will review some common certifications in the mold remediation field.  

It is important to note that some states require special certifications and license to perform mold remediation operations. Check with your local regulatory department to see what their requirements are.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) offers a variety of different certification levels, so it’s important to make sure that you select the one that is most appropriate for your business.

These certifications include:

• Mold Removal Specialist Certification
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS)
• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

Health and safety certifications and knowledge are also important in the mold remediation industry. The following are some useful certifications that any mold remediation professional should have

• OSHA 30 Hour Certification for General Industry

When performing mold remediation in older homes, for instance, homes built in the 1950’s or 1970’s, other potential hazards can be present.

These hazards can include lead based paint and asbestos. As a result,  having the certifications below will be beneficial:

• Lead Renovator Certification: Renovate Repair Paint (RRP) certification for handling Lead-Based Paint Hazards.
• Asbestos Awareness Training
• Leas Awareness Training

Where to get hands on experience in Mold Remediation

Mold remediation professionals are needed in many industries, however, they appear to operate mainly in the construction, property management, and retail industry.

Keep in mind, just working with a Certified Mold Remediation Company can also provide a vast amount of hands on experience.

#1 – The Construction Industry

The construction industry is a great place to start your career with mold remediation, because it has one of the highest rates of all industries with problems related to water damage and mold growth.

Annually, companies spend millions of dollars on mold remediation in the construction industry. Therefore, we can all agree that there is plenty of opportunities in this industry!

#2 – Retail Businesses

Retail businesses are another excellent choice when looking at where to begin your career in mold remediation.

These types of companies have the potential for high turnover rates, which can make it difficult for them to maintain their buildings or facilities.

The retail business industry is constantly growing, so you can be sure to find a job in this field relatively easily.

#3- Property Management

Mold is a big concern for property management companies.

With so many properties being rented out to people, there is an equally high chance of them growing mold and not reporting it.

This can lead to property management companies having a lot of issues with their buildings due to lack of maintenance on the part of the tenants or owners.

Because they often spend most or all of their time inside these structures, this industry is a great place to get hands-on experience in mold remediation.

Final Thought On Becoming A Certified Mold Professional

Many different certifications can be obtained and industries available to gain hands-on experience in mold remediation.

Certifications from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and providers such as the IICRC offer certifications that will be crucial when performing mold remediation operations.

The construction, retail business, and property management industries all provide great opportunities for those looking to get started with or further their career in this growing field.

With the right knowledge and experience, you can begin a successful career in mold remediation.

The post Mold Remediation Certifications: How To Become A Pro appeared first on The Mold Insider.

Business comes to a halt, and the company executives can face significant legal ramifications as a result.

With the potential health risks, building damage, and negative financial impact on a business, it’s critical to establish a procedure for mold prevention in commercial structures.

The good news is that indoor mold growth can be prevented by the regular facility and building maintenance, upkeep, and inspections, as well as appropriate design, installation, and maintenance of commercial HVAC systems.

How Can Mold Get a Foothold in your Facility?

Mold can grow on a variety of materials, including drywall, carpeting, textiles, and wood.

Mold thrives in buildings that have an ample source of food, moisture, and the right conditions.

Mold can get a foothold in your facility in many ways, including:

• Leaks in exterior walls or roofs that aren’t addressed quickly enough.
• Plumbing leaks on the roof or under the building.
• Cracks or gaps at joints, beams, siding, or other points of entry where moisture can make its way into your facility.
• Improperly insulated piping and HVAC
• Condensation may develop on windows when the temperature outside drops and indoor air is warmed, causing moisture. Mold thrives in an environment with too much interior moisture.
• Sewer backups in the facility.
• Leaks from a poorly maintained heating venting and air conditioning system. Clogged condensate disposal lines cause millions of damage in commercial buildings annually.
• Flooding in basement areas that go unnoticed is also a frequent cause of mold growth in commercial structures.

The problem with mold for commercial buildings

Molds aren’t all bad. For example, some molds are utilized to create delicious cheeses and lifesaving antibiotics like penicillin.

That does not mean that it should be growing in your facility.

What commercial building managers should be concerned about is the growth, possible impact on the indoor air, and possible building structural damage if mold growth is left unaddressed.

Mold sensitivity is common and some individuals are susceptible to its effects.

Mold spores can cause allergic reactions in some workers, including coughing, sneezing, stuffiness of the nasal passages, eye irritation, and skin rashes. Workers who have underlying health conditions and respiratory ailments are more likely to be affected by mold growth.

Molds have the potential to produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially mycotoxins, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In a nutshell, interior mold growth is not to be taken lightly. It can have a significant impact on employee performance and health.

How To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Facility

Poor building maintenance and poorly maintained HVAC systems may contribute to mold formation in commercial facilities if basic knowledge of mold is understood.

When mold is visible, it’s usually considered an issue and must be addressed. You can prevent mold formation in commercial buildings by identifying the conditions that encourage mold to grow and spread.

The most effective approach to prevent mold formation is to maintain your facility and fix any moisture-related issues as soon as they occur.

Here are some ideas for preventing mold infestation in your facility:

• Regularly, check the building for moisture, mold, and water damage. Mold is devious. Having a well-developed inspection checklist can be beneficial when conducting monthly or weekly inspections.

• Good housekeeping practices can prevent mold infestation in commercial buildings. Dry up spills, avoid the accumulation of wet materials in the facility.

• Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60 percent.

• Don’t use ceiling tiles made of cellulose which are likely to absorb moisture.

• Check facility water lines for condensation which can encourage growth.

• Take care of any leaks or water damage that you find as soon as possible.

• Regularly clean the HVAC system coils and drip pans. Moisture builds up quickly in pans that are plugged and do not drain, becoming a mold-friendly environment and causing water damage to building materials.

• Check for any moisture in the HVAC system’s ductwork and components, such as air handlers, blowers, and enclosed spaces.

• Keep walls and floors dry by cleaning all sections of the property, including bathrooms.

• Examine the HVAC air intakes’ position. Inside the structure, fungal spores may be driven upward by air being drawn in from regions near standing water or trash bins.

• Inspect the exterior of the building for cracks and openings where moisture can seep in. Look for any damaged gutters and downspouts that can cause water to seep into the building.

• Keep the building properly ventilated by having adequate HVAC airflow. Ensure vents are not blocked by items.

• If you have a larger commercial facility, it may be beneficial to use a mold-mitigation company that can conduct a risk assessment to determine if conditions are present that can contribute to mold infestation situations.

• Educate your maintenance personnel and custodial staff on mold awareness. This training should include: what causes mold to grow, what actions they should take if they observe mold growth in the facility, safety precautions to take when dealing with mold, and mold prevention strategies.

• Create an inspection method that incorporates a regular HVAC maintenance plan after the mold is gone to prevent future mold issues.

If you already have a mold problem, cleaning up the surface or painting over it will not fix the issue. Nor will it prevent the mold from continuing to grow and cause more issues.

The cause of the mold growth must be found and addressed.

In a commercial building, it is always best to consult a licensed mold removal company that is certified and has the proper insurance coverages to remediate any mold-related issues.

Remember, regular maintenance, frequent inspections, and well-maintained commercial HVAC systems can go a long way toward preventing mold growth that can negatively impact your business.

The post How To Prevent Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings appeared first on The Mold Insider.

This is especially true in commercial, institutional, and industrial structures.

Many commercial buildings in the United States have poor Indoor air quality, due to a lack of proper maintenance and repair operations.

Poor maintenance of commercial structures and deferred maintenance can lead to many structural issues in addition to poor indoor air quality and mold growth.

Winter months are especially difficult for indoor air quality because workers tend to spend more time indoors.

That coupled with the lack of proper ventilation can create an unhealthy working environment for individuals.

Why does indoor air quality get really bad during winter? 

We’ve increased the amount of insulation and installed high-efficiency windows and doors to keep the cold out and energy expenditures down.

Reduction of the amount of available fresh air introduced into the structure. This causes building occupants to inhale a greater volume of recirculated air, not-so-fresh air.

In addition to heat, the recycled air can be filled with airborne particles such as hair, skin cells, dust, mold, and other allergens.

Increased building design and insulation means more stagnant air inside the structure (compared to open-air office buildings).

This condition that creates stagnant air can increase moisture within the structure; both of which benefit mold growth.

Another major reason for indoor air pollution in the winter is poor functioning central heating systems.

When the central heating system is not serviced regularly, this can lead to a build-up of mold, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants in the air distribution system.

Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The health effects of bad air can be immediate, short-term, and readily treatable, but long-term exposure can lead to more severe conditions.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, poor winter indoor air quality can exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma and raise the risk of pneumonia and other upper respiratory problems.

Indoor air pollution can also cause respiratory illnesses and a host of other issues, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.

Poor indoor air quality can also increase employee loss time from work and significantly lower worker productivity.

Even if a sick employee shows up for work, no one is at their best with watery eyes and a runny nose.

Some more direct effects or poor indoor air quality in commercial buildings (workplaces) that can impact the company’s bottom line include:

• Increase operational expenses
• Increased loss time incident rates
• Reduction in productivity
• Low employee morale
• Unsafe working conditions

How to Improve and Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality During Winter

Even in the cold, indoor air quality can be enhanced. Here are a few things to try if you have a business or industrial facility

1. Keep it clean. 

In the winter, be sure to keep all surfaces of the structure clean, especially in the basement.

Wearing an air-filtering mask and performing regular and frequent vacuuming will help to minimize airborne pollutants including mold, pollen, and dust mites.

To prevent dust from being circulated back into the environment, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. When feasible, utilize non-toxic cleaning supplies instead of harsh chemicals.

If harsh chemicals are required, make sure the space being cleaned is well ventilated to avoid fumes from hanging around and on the surfaces cleared with them.

2. Make sure to regularly Check the ducts. 

Dirt and debris can accumulate in the ductwork and spread to the air inside the building.

Consider having the ducts cleaned and then sealed if they’re clogged with dirt and debris. In situations where the ducts can’t be cleaned, budget to have them replaced as soon as feasible.

3. Pay close attention to the air filters.

Filters in HVAC systems are the first line of defense against indoor air pollutants, but to do their job effectively, they must be maintained, especially during the winter when the heating unit is operating almost constantly.

Clogged or dirty air filters are a major source of poor indoor air quality.

Check your filters regularly and replace them as needed. When you install the filters, make sure they are tightly fastened to prevent gaps between the filter frame and rack so that bypass air is reduced.

4. Consider upgrading filters. 

Consult with a commercial HVAC professional to see whether it’s feasible and cost-effective to switch to filters with a higher MERV rating, or filtration efficiency.

A superior filter may improve the capture efficiency of the submicron particles, which can cause health issues.

5. Control it at the source

Like toxic cleaners, eliminating other sources of indoor air pollution can significantly improve the air quality.

Gas emissions from old equipment, for example, maybe reduced with regular maintenance. It is critical to seal or enclose asbestos properly.

Ventilation improvements, on the other hand, might raise energy costs.

6. Increase ventilation

Bringing more fresh air into circulation is an easy approach to lower indoor air pollution.

Condensation on the walls or windows, stuffy air, and dirty heating or cooling devices, as well as “earthy” smells that are most apparent when you enter the building from the outside, are all signs of insufficient ventilation.

Take notice of any hot spots where special attention should be paid to ventilation.

Paint, sanding, welding, or gases can be dispersed throughout the premises if there is insufficient ventilation.

7. Use an air purifier designed for commercial buildings.

The use of an air purifier intended for business usage may be beneficial, but keep in mind that some air purifiers only capture particulates.

In order to remove gas, smells, and chemicals, activated carbon filters are required.

Some contemporary air purifiers may capture and destroy even tiny germs, such as bacteria, viruses, pollen, smoke, animal dander, and other pollutants.

Some units can clean the air several times each hour using cutting-edge technology. It may be a useful technique to keep the indoor air cleaner throughout the winter.

When choosing air purifier technology, keep in mind that it must have the necessary capacity to accomplish the task. This is determined by pollutants, sensitivity, and room size.

8. Install and maintain energy-recovery ventilators 

These systems, sometimes known as air-heating exchangers, are used to supply enough fresh air into a structure to sustain a healthy environment.

When stale, polluted indoor air is removed and replaced with pure outdoor air through air-heat exchangers,

The system is heated with energy recovered from the operation of the entire system.

In addition, in the summer, energy-recovery ventilators remove excessive moisture from the building. They may be controlled by humidistats that register low or high humidity levels.

9. Add Some humidity

Not just polluted indoor air, but also the extreme dryness of winter air, can cause discomfort or sickness.

To boost the moisture content of the air and decrease static electricity, fan-powered humidifiers send moisture vapor directly into the heating ducts.

Dehumidifiers help people breathe easier since they prevent dry throats and nasal passages. Dust mites, mold, and mildew are also controlled by the correct amount of moisture in the air.

10. Fix Issues Promptly

Ensure any issues that arise are addressed promptly and avoid deferring maintenance in the facility.

As we have discussed, poor indoor air quality can be a significant issue during the winter.

This is especially true in commercial buildings such as warehouses, industrial facilities, and office buildings.

It is important to ensure the structure is well maintained, all systems such as ventilation, air distribution, and air filtration systems are operating as intended.

Failing to improve and maintain the indoor air quality can be costly and can lead to loss of productivity, increased employee loss time due to illness, and many other issues that can impact the company’s bottom line.

The post Commercial Indoor Air Quality: 10 Tips For The Winter Months appeared first on The Mold Insider.

It can disrupt business, negatively affect the health of customers and employees. As a property owner. it’s problem you don’t want to have.

Also, lets not forget the legal problems that comes with it.

In this guide, you’ll 10 ways to help prevent mold in commercial buildings.

What Causes Mold In Commercial Buildings?

Moisture can lead to the growth of mold which can cause health problems especially in people who are allergic or sensitive such as asthma sufferers.

The risk increases if mold grows indoors. Therefore, the control of moisture within a building is important. In commercial buildings one major source of moisture is ‘condensation’ issues.

Condensation from water vapor being absorbed by cool surfaces whether they be metal, wood or stone may require additional ventilation or air conditioning to remove them. Warm humid air condenses against cooler surfaces resulting in condensation on the outer walls that collects dirt and allows microorganism to grow.

This is one type of humidity problem called ‘wet’ or ‘damp’ and it is not generally considered mold but wet rot can create perfect conditions for a small amount of mold to start growing.

The next type of humidity problem is called ‘dry.’

This occurs when warm dry air meets cooler surfaces. The air will take moisture out of the surface or walls on contact, resulting in cracks and opening that encourage mold growth to occur.

A third source of condensation is known as stack effect. Stack effect results from wind causing warm moist air to rise in a building, while cool ambient air replaces the rising layer, bringing down drier air with lower relative humidity levels which have greater capacity to absorb moisture.

This can cause condensation problems at roof level if windows are open or at floor level where cold air flow meets warm air.

This is the typical moldy ceiling you see in kitchens with overhead cabinets or in bathrooms and laundry rooms which are areas that are difficult to ventilate properly.

There are several ways to prevent condensation in buildings:

1. Ventilation

All commercial, industrial and domestic buildings need some form of ventilation.

Fresh outside air must be brought into a building while stale indoor air is removed in order to maintain an appropriate fresh/stale inside environment for people working, living and eating in the building.

Without proper ventilation mold will grow inside the structure because the moisture levels continue to increase as we breathe out water vapor which forms more humidity (relative levels) inside than outdoors due to poorly maintained or nonexistent ventilation.

2. Air conditioning

This is a simple way to control and remove humidity from the structure of the building by cooling the air inside and maintaining relative humidity levels through proper filtration and circulation management.

3. Proper insulation

It is important to maintain efficient thermal properties in a structure so that heat can be withdrawn from higher areas to lower areas such as attics and basements where it cannot be removed, otherwise condensation will occur on surfaces below this temperature difference threshold.

In older buildings insulation can become degraded over time allowing more moisture absorption resulting in mold growth. Insulation also slows down warm air convection, which helps reduce stack effect but also makes heating systems work longer and harder, wasting energy since they have to work longer to heat and cool a building.

4. Increase or reduce humidity in the structure

Increasing temperature or relative humidity levels can also be controlled by installing humidifiers and dehumidifiers, which work well when combined with an air conditioning system to maintain proper relative humidity levels throughout the year.

5. Ventilation fans

These help remove moisture by removing stale as well as fresh air from inside the building to prevent condensation conditions on surfaces, especially during hot summer weather when windows are closed and AC is not functioning properly or at all.

Depending on energy costs in different countries that use more natural resources compared to other countries where AC remains on all year round (the same situation applies for heating systems). Moisture in the home should be removed to prevent mold growth.

6. Indoor air quality

All homes and buildings should be ventilated, aired out or even have outdoor access to let in fresh air from time to time so that the humidity concentrations are kept as low as possible (normally 30-50% RH).

Ventilation is required for all structures in order to maintain indoor air quality by ensuring that there are no moisture build up problems inside the building.

High levels of moisture will cause mold contamination if not properly managed. Proper ventilation also speeds up drying of materials after it rains or when exposed to water supply from washing machine leaks which causes higher relative humidity levels for a short period of time.

7. Outdoor plants & gardens

Having living plants indoors reduces the need for humidification.

The increase of plant life in interior spaces helps prevent mold growth and makes the air fresh inside with less humidity levels compared to synthetic materials such as plastic or vinyl.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide, producing oxygen while releasing water vapor into the environment through transpiration (the release of water vapor from plant leaves). The key is to not have too many plants indoors.

8. Frozen water pipes

Water pipes also act as humidifiers. This is why they be insulated properly so that heat can be removed when warm water is flowing through them that creates a temperature difference.

This insulation will prevent condensation from occurring on cold surfaces such as outside walls and ceilings during winter months when there would normally be more moisture in the air.

9. Drainage system

In order to prevent mold formation, it is important that a building’s drainage system is clean and well maintained so that any standing water, puddles or leaks do not remain after rain events.

Mold will begin to grow on building materials that remain wet for long periods. Having an effective drainage system also prevents flooding depending on the amount of precipitation where you are located.

10. Lighting

A lighting maintenance schedule should be implemented as part of an overall plan to reduce mold growth in commercial buildings. Excessive heat is generated when lights are left on all day (or night) which causes higher temperatures inside the building.

Bright lights also have a negative impact on natural circadian rhythms and melatonin release. This is one of the reasons why people can’t sleep at night, it’s too bright inside their bedroom since they use various light sources such as LED and fluorescent bulbs.

The solution to high heat caused by excessive lighting is immediately turning them off when not in use. Also, using dimmer switches for different rooms which saves electricity and helps reduce relative humidity levels.

What Types Of Mold Are Commonly Found In Commercial Buildings?

Indoor mold is common in many commercial buildings and can be harmful. The most common are the black and green molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria or Stachybotrys Chartarum.

It’s best to use a dehumidifiers, fans, and ventilation systems for added protection when combatting molds and moisture problems in buildings.

How To Ensure Mold Growth Is Prevented In Commercial Buildings?

It is recommended that all porous materials including carpeting are removed if dampness has occurred before any new installation occurs, neutral cleaners should be used on affected areas after removing old materials in order to kill any existing mold that has occurred.

The use of a dehumidifier helps to remove the moisture from indoor air.

Any area affected by mold should be completely eliminated by a mold remediation professional.

Key Points To Remember

• Ventilate the building if possible with fans and air conditioning systems.
• Make sure that all moisture problems are addressed or removed as soon as possible.
• Use neutral pH cleaners to clean all moldy areas including walls and floors
• Use sealants over openings such as windows, door frames and other places where water can get in or out of the structure via penetrating cracks
• Insulate pipes leading outside from hot water heaters etc…
• Ensure the air conditioning system is serviced as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Remove mold infested materials completely
• Prevent condensation build-up with insulators and dehumidifiers
• Ventilate bathrooms, laundry areas and kitchens
• If you have a mold or moisture problem, contact a professional company that can take the right steps to get the job done safely.

The post Commercial Mold Remediation: 10 Actionable Tips To Prevent Mold In Commercial Buildings appeared first on The Mold Insider.