Frequently Asked Questions
Mold Inspections and Cleanup in Anne Arundel County
• What is a containment?
• How much does a mold remediation job cost?
• Can my children get sick from mold growing in my home?
• Should I test to see what type of mold is growing in my home?
• Why should I use a remediation contractor instead of just a general contractor?
• Can I fix the mold myself?
• What is a decontamination (decon) chamber?
• What is a N95 respirator?
• What does PPE stand for?
• How do I determine whether or not I need remediation?
• What is mold air sampling?
• What are spore traps?
• What is a negative air machine (NAM)?
• What is post remediation verification aka Clearance testing?
• What are air moving devices?
• What are pressure differentials?
• What does HEPA stand for?
• What does humidity mean?
• What are Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds MVOC’s?
What is a containment? Back to Top
A precaution used to minimize cross contamination from affected to unaffected areas by traffic or material handling. Containment normally consists of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, often in combination with negative air pressure, to prevent cross contamination.
How much does a mold remediation job cost? Back to Top
Every mold job is unique and prices vary. Our company does provide free over the phone consultations.
Can my children get sick from mold growing in my home? Back to Top
Research has shown that infants and children, elderly people, individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma, and persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients) are more susceptible to becoming ill from prolonged exposure to mold spores.
Should I test to see what type of mold is growing in my home? Back to Top
If you know you had previous water intrusions or you smell musty odors. Or humidity problems are present. This is a valuable tool to determine the extent of the damage to your home or building.
Why should I use a remediation contractor instead of just a general contractor? Back to Top
Because a remediation contractor is trained in the use of pressure differentials and the proper methodology to remove microbial contamination.
Can I fix the mold myself? Back to Top
PTCC does not recommend or endorse a homeowner performing remediation on it’s own but knows of no law that prevents a homeowner in doing so. But the risk of cross contamination and making things worse is high and should be left to a trained certified professional.
What is a decontamination (decon) chamber? Back to Top
This is an area for workers to separate the clean room from the contaminated room via the use of a box where workers can disrobe and decontaminate themselves.
What is a N95 respirator? Back to Top
NIOSH approved half faced respirators (like a painters mask)
What does PPE stand for? Back to Top
Personal Protective Equipment. This will include tyvek suits and rubber gloves full or half faced respirators, goggles, rubber boots or booties.
How do I determine whether or not I need remediation? Back to Top
You should have a mold inspector evaluate your home or business to determine whether or not remediation is necessary and to write a protocol for such work. This inspection may also include microbial sampling.
What is mold air sampling? Back to Top
These can be done by using spore traps or Anderson cassettes. These can be viable or non-viable samples.
What are spore traps? Back to Top
These are non-viable samples to allow for spore identification to the genus level and not the species level. Thus comparison of levels of similar types of indoor and outdoor spore types is not exact.
What is a negative air machine (NAM)? Back to Top
It is an AFD used to create pressure differentials.
What is post remediation verification aka Clearance testing? Back to Top
This evaluation involves application of the internal quality control procedures of the remediator, and a sensory inspection of the containment area to insure that malodors, contaminated materials, visible dust and debris be removed.
What are air moving devices? Back to Top
Air moving devices are also known as AFD’s these devices consist of a fan an electric motor and a set of filters and a housing. The air stream is filtered to remove dust mold spores and other microbial particles. These machines can also be used to create negative pressure differentials also referred to as negative air machines NAMS and also may be used as air scrubbers used to recirculate and filter air within a space.
What are pressure differentials? Back to Top
Pressure differentials are used to manage air flow. If pressure differential areas are used, contaminated areas must be negatively pressurized relative to unaffected or clean areas of the building to prevent cross contamination. If nams are used it is our recommendation that hepa filters be used.
What does HEPA stand for? Back to Top
High efficiency particulate Air filter.
What does humidity mean? Back to Top
A measure of moisture in the atmosphere. As this relates to a built structure this should be maintained between 30 and 50 percent relative humidity.
What are Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds MVOC’s? Back to Top
These are gas-phase metabolites and typically are recognized by the human nose as musty mold and mildew odors. Their presence is usually an indicator of microbial growth and moisture problems.