If you are conducting a mold remediation job in your home or in your business, then the mold spores will become airborne and the risk of breathing these spores in becomes a much higher. Anything that can stir up the mold spores is something that should be avoided unless you are wearing a respirator, which you should be wearing, anyway. What can stir up mold spores? Breaking up any porous material that is contaminated with mold, peeling or stripping wallpaper to remove it, using any invasive procedure to look for mold inside a wall, and using household fans or air conditioners to dry wet items can stir up these spores. If you are planning on doing anything like this and not hiring a professional, please wear a respirator.
The minimum amount of PPE that should be used when you are cleaning up after mold is an N-95 respirator. This device will cover your mouse and nose and will keep out about 95 percent of any particles in the air around you. These are available in most general hardware stores.
If you are looking for something a little stronger, then a full or half-face APR (air purifying respirator) that has a HEPA filter on it is something you might want to consider. Make sure that the respirator you purchase is approved for use by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It should be noted that these do not protect your eyes.
If you are in a situation where there is a large amount of mold growth and you will need a long amount of time to remove it, then you will want and need a powered air purifying respirator. These are full-face and use a blower to force the air through a HEPA filter that will collect any mold spores that are in the air. You must be trained to use this kind of respirator and the usage of it must be in compliance with the regulations of OSHA.
Some disposable clothing will be needed while you are cleaning up mold. If you are on a serious budget and it is not that much mold to deal with, you can use some disposable paper towels. If you are not on a budget, then some disposable foot and head coverings and a body suit made of something breathable, like TYVEK should be used. There will be gaps around the wrists and ankles and these need to be sealed up with something such as duct tape.
Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of quality
Miami Residential Water Damage Restoration Contractors and
Orlando water Damage companies.
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