Toxic Mould (Mold) Remediation Case Study

How To Effectively Eradicate Toxic Mould (Mold) From A Property

Situation Analysis:

A property in St Austell suffered from storm flood damage following heavy rain overnight. Storm water ran off the fields adjacent to the house and entered through the bottom of the door. The property owners were away on holiday for a fortnight and were unaware of the flood damage until they returned, by which time severe toxic mould (mold) had developed.

Objectives:

Eradicate the toxic mould (mold) growth and bring the property back to a healthy living environment.

Considerations:

When toxic mould (mold) spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some toxic moulds (molds) also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The term "toxic mould" ("toxic mold") refers to moulds (molds) that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful.

Health and safety procedures need to be followed for people on site as well as the residents. A paper suit, gloves and face mask must be warn when working in a building affected by toxic mould (mold). Residents may be advised to seek alternative accommodation until the toxic mould (mold) remediation work has been completed, especially if they start to show an allergic reaction.

Implementation:

• A Richfords British Damage Management Association (BDMA) technician and fully equipped rapid response vehicle were dispatched immediately. The technician arrived on site 30 minutes after the initial call came in.

• A risk assessment and survey were carried out.

• Damage limitation work was carried out and the priority was to prevent any secondary damage occurring. This included removal of wet carpets and extraction of any remaining water.

• Damage contents were triaged. The technician examines the contents and categorises them as beyond economic restoration, restorable or unaffected.

• A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration system was set up to remove toxic mould (mold) spores from the air.

• The contaminated area was thoroughly vacuumed using a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner to remove loose toxic mould (mold) and toxic mould (mold) spores.

• A specialist toxic mould (mold) remediation chemical is then used to denature the toxic mould (mold) and prevent further growth.

• The area is then HEPA vacuumed again.

• The property is then fogged using a chemical that will also kill the toxic mould (mold).

• Following this some redecoration may be required to cover over any remaining staining.

Results:

The house was returned to a safe, healthy and clean state.

For more information on toxic mould (mold) and mould (mold) remediation work please click here