Mold Remediation

EPA estimates indicate 50 to 100 common indoor mold types have the potential for creating health problems. Common allergic molds include Cladosporium and Alternaria. Molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys and Trichoderma, can pose a serious health hazard.

Molds typically grow in buildings affected by water damage. These areas are the potential cause of many health problems including asthma, sinusitis, and infections. People sensitive to molds are particularly uncomfortable on cloudy, rainy, damp days. Molds may also play a major role in cases of sick building syndrome and related illnesses. Allergic reactions can be caused by molds.

ARC Abatement has performed remediation of all types of mold problems from houses, schools, hospitals, hotels and office buildings.

Molds are forms of fungi that are found indoors and outdoors. In nature, molds help break down dead materials like leaves and wood and grow on soil, foods, plants, and other items. Molds produce tiny spores, which spread easily through the air. Under proper conditions, spores can germinate and produce new mold growth. Because mold spores are present in the outdoor air and soil, mold spores cannot be eliminated indoors, but mold growth can and should be controlled.

Why should I be concerned about mold?

• Mold can decay building materials and damage property.
• It can also affect the health of people exposed to it.
• People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments.
• People may experience irritation if they inhale microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that produce musty odors.
• Skin contact is not usually a health hazard but eating mold can cause illness.
• Generally recognized health problems include:
  • allergic reactions
  • coughing
  • wheezing/breathing difficulties
  • worsening of asthma symptoms
  • nasal and sinus congestion
  • sore throat
  • skin and eye irritation
  • upper respiratory irritations

Are some molds more hazardous than others? Under certain environmental conditions, some molds can produce chemical compounds called mycotoxins. These toxins are suspected health hazards. Scientific information about mycotoxins in the air is limited. Some molds can cause infections in the lung in anyone who is exposed while other molds infect only people who are susceptible.

How does mold grow? Mold only needs moisture and nutrients to grow and multiply. Moisture can come from water damage due to:

• flooding
• condensation
• roof leaks
• plumbing leaks
• inadequate ventilation
• high humidity & even house plants

For a nutrient source, mold can thrive on many different building materials including:

• wood
• carpet
• drywall
• paper
• leather
• plaster
• food
• tile
• glue
• grout
• insulation and many other everyday items.

Mold growing out in the open is easy to spot. But mold can also grow:

• behind walls
• under carpets
• in attics or under floors

Undetected, mold can rapidly spread, causing significant damage and potential health problems.

How do I know if mold is growing? There are several indicators of a possible mold problem in a building. They include:

• visible mold growth
• noticeable musty or moldy odors
• signs of excess moisture or water damage

This is NOT a do-it yourself project. Mold identification and remediation can be difficult and hazardous. The highest exposure to mold often occurs during the cleanup and a simple mold problem can be exacerbated by improper removal. In one case, building maintenance workers removed a mold-impregnated piece of drywall and carried it through an office area spreading spores throughout. What started off as a simple remediation project became significantly more complex and expensive. All mold problems are different and mold remediation is not a "cookie-cutter" approach.

Because of the potential health problems and liability, mold remediation is best handled by experts.

ARC Abatement can help. Our Certified staff has years of experience in handling complex mold problems. ARC has successfully completed mold identification and remediation projects in:

• Commercial office buildings
• Major hotel and retail stores
• Schools
• Industrial settings
• Private residences
• Hospitals

A thorough investigation is the first step. Our experienced employees have many years experience identifying mold, sources of moisture, and likely locations of hidden mold. Using the latest sampling technology, ARC Abatement specialists collect samples from surfaces and air for analysis-qualified laboratories.

A detailed remediation plan follows. ARC Abatement, Inc. will prepare a detailed remediation plan outlining the scope of work, methods time and controls to be used. The remediation plan may include removal of building materials such as drywall and ceiling tiles, negative air pressure containment, safety precautions for workers and building occupants, chemical treatment, and clearance sampling upon project completion. Remediation plans follow guidelines established by the EPA and others. A detailed, properly drawn remediation plan is the first step in ensuring that mold remediation is done correctly, efficiently, and safely.

ARC Abatement will provide professional mold remediation while adhering to the remediation plan. Experienced and trained professionals will effectively and safely remove mold growth.

ARC Abatement is committed to help you with any size problem. We offer...

Texas best qualified Mold Remediation Supervisors on staff

Building, investigation and remediation plan development

Negative pressure engineering

Controls to prevent further contamination