Mold Control on a Budget

Toxic Black Mold Removal


 

Effective toxic black mold removal must reflect the growth cycle of mold, addressing spores and hyphae (branch-like structures) 
 
Let's review the life cycle of mold briefly by comparing the growth of a plant.


The growth of a plant

 

  • A seed lands on soil.
     
  • The rains come, and the seed starts to grow.
     
  • First, roots extend down into the soil and absorb nutrients.
     
  • Then, the stem and leaves begin to develop above the soil.
     
  • The plant grows and grows, until it begins to bear fruit.
     
  • New seeds form from the fruit.

  • The seeds float away, land, and are the start of the next generation.
     


The growth of mold


  • A mold spore lands on fertile ground, such as OSB (oriented strand board) on the basement ceiling joists of a new house.
     
  • Below-grade relative humidity is elevated.
     
  • Roots (known as "hyphae" -- pronounced high'-phee) extend into the OSB of the ceiling joist. The hyphae are actually the stomach of the mold. Hyphae secrete enzymes which digest the cellulose material and absorb nutrients.
     
  • Then, more hyphae begin to develop into the air. These aerial hyphae are like the branches of the mold.
     
  • The mold grows and grows, until it begins to bear fruit (fruiting bodies).
     
  • New spores form from the fruiting bodies. Only a day or two might pass for this cycle to finish.

  • These spores float away, land, and are the start of the next generation.

What lessons can we glean from the life cycle of mold that are relevant to toxic black mold removal, as well as cleaning up other types of allergenic and toxigenic fungi?


  • Contaminated material that is semi-porous may have to be removed, because hyphae grow down into the material.
  • In cases such as OSB, where this material cannot be removed practically-speaking, the surface can be cleaned and then sealed.
  • First HEPA-vacuum off loose material, including spores and hyphal fragments. (I like the Nilfisk GD 930 HEPA vacuum cleaner - check on-line.)
  • Following cleaning, the surface should be encapsulated (sealed) so that buried hyphae cannot re-grow.
  • Then clean up stray spores, hyphal fragments (broken pieces of hyphae), and other tiny mold particulates that were released into room air.
  • Clean with a HEPA vacuum and damp dusting.
  • A room air purifier can also be helpful.

Question: This sounds like common sense. You mean that cleaning up mold is not rocket science?


Answer: That's right. you're basically looking at a meticulous cleaning job, along with taking steps not to accidentally spread mold around as you clean. Sometimes, the complexity of the task is such that hiring a professional mold remediation company is the wiser choice for black mold removal and removal of other types of fungi. Many times, however, homeowners can proceed on their own.


Question: How do I determine if I should call in a professional mold remediation company?


Answer: I don't know of a rule of thumb for this. Use your judgment regarding the size of the job, the risk for spreading mold particulates throughout your house, whether vulnerable adults and children are involved, how much demolition might be needed, what your handyperson skills are, what equipment you have, and so on. Confer with a physician and get estimates from remediation companies as needed. Be on your guard against remediation companies that go for the jugular. There are some out there who talk a good line but are not necessarily knowledgeable.


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Mold and other environmental inspections available in

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Updated 9-2011