Arizona Fire & Water Restoration, Inc. is licensed and certified in mold remediation and mold prevention. You can be assured that our specialists will prevent mold growth by quickly drying your structure completely after a water loss. However, if you have a mold problem already, we are fully equipped to provide the containment necessary to prevent further contamination.

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and continually float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on a food source that is wet or damp. There are many types of mold, most grow at different rates but none of them will grow without moisture and food. In general, mold needs an environment that is dark, moist, good food source and little or no air movement. Take away any of those ingredients and mold growth stops.

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment, however, moisture control is key to mold control.

If you discover a damp area it is important to dry the water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles, plywood or particle board & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

If a building smells musty you may have hidden mold. Though you may not see the odor source; further investigation must take place if you suspect there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Extreme caution must be taken when dealing with any kind of mold contamination. Removal of mold contaminated materials can lead to a massive release of spores especially if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden or extensive mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce mycotoxins which are potentially toxic substances that produce allergic responses in some people. These responses are triggered when people inhale or touch mold or mold spores. Some common allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Extreme reactions to mold may be sustained by those who suffer from asthma, weakened immune systems or from being over exposed to mycotoxins. Young children and the elderly are most susceptible to negative health effects of exposure to mold. Remember, even dead mold may cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

In summary, the key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Keep those most likely to be effected by mold away from the contaminated area until the mold is removed from the surfaces as well as the air.

The first step to proper mold remediation is to thoroughly analyze the type and extent of the problem.

• A visual inspection of the affected area will be conducted to discover the extent of the mold problem and document the type of mold-damaged materials.
• The use of specialized equipment may be necessary to inspect and take air samples in ductwork or within walls or to detect moisture in building material.
• Surface and/or bulk sampling may need to be collected to identify specific fungal contaminants and to establish the appropriate remediation protocol.
• If an active leak is present, the original source of the water damage must be located and stopped in order to proceed with the remediation process.

Containment

The purpose of containment during remediation activities is to limit the release of mold into the air and surroundings in order to minimize the continued exposure of remediation technicians, building occupants, and contents to mold spores.

Successful mold remediation requires total mold removal from the indoor environment. This may require the entire removal of the contaminated materials. In most cases the use of specialized professional equipment will be required to remove and safely contain the contamination without causing further contamination to the indoor environment.

The work area and areas used by the remediation technicians for egress must also be decontaminated. It is advisable that all areas remediated be cleared for reconstruction by an independent industrial hygienist.

While mold contamination can become a serious problem for homeowners, insurance companies, commercial building owners and public institutions like hospitals, universities, and libraries, the best answer to the problem is prevention. When you experience any form of water damage be sure to utilize the 24 hour services of Arizona Fire & Water Restoration, Inc., as your restoration contractor so we can contain the problem and reduce your costs.

If you already have a mold problem contact Arizona Fire and Water Restoration, Inc. immediately to begin the safe investigation and remediation process so that your damages, health dangers, and liabilities do not continue to grow.