Accredited Laboratory- A lab that has been accredited by a recognized agency to the ISO 17025 Standard.
Aflatoxin- A Mycotoxin which is known to be one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances which is from Aspergillus flavus mold growth.
Allergen- A substance such as mold or pet hair which can cause an allergic reaction.
Ambient air- Outdoor air or representative of a general volume of indoor air.
Amplification of molds- Any indoor scenario which may increase the concentration of molds such as moisture in a wall cavity or mold growth in an HVAC system.
Anti-fungal treatment- Any mold remediation activity which removes, disinfects, or treats surfaces contaminated by mold.
Asbestos- A naturally occurring mineral fiber used in hundreds of building and insulation materials. Exposure to asbestos is a known health risk for cancer especially due to occupational contact. Asbestos is a regulated material and professional removal using engineering controls is recommended in most cases.
Asthma- A condition of respiratory sensitivity when lung tissue swells in reaction to exposure to particles which irritate the small passages of the lung tissue.
Indoor Air Quality Association- www.iaqa.org
American Indoor Air Quality Council- www.iaqcouncil.org
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency- www.epa.gov/mold/
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification ( IICRC)- www.iicrc.org/pdf/buydocs.pdf
Mold remediation, or cleanup, is the process used to remove mold and prevent its recurrence. Many different methods may be used during remediation, but it is imperative than any mold remediation be performed by a professional. Mold releases spores when it is disturbed; these potentially toxic spores can lead to many health problems ranging from asthma to respiratory illness, so mold remediation should be left to the professionals.
During mold remediation, professionals may use wet vacuums, high-efficiency particulate air vacuums, and disinfectants to remove the mold. The remediation may take several hours to several days depending on the area of contamination. During remediation, the contaminated area will be sealed off from the rest of the house. The final step of remediation is ensuring the affected area is thoroughly dry in order to prevent new mold growth.
Molds grow as a result of damp, humid conditions and may rapidly grow and spread within just 24 to 48 hours. The longer you put off mold remediation and cleaning, the greater the damage to your home and the greater the health risk for your family.
Contact RTS Environmental for more information on the mold remediation process. Serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, RTS Environmental Services' team of licensed and experienced professionals have completed thousands of mold and asbestos inspections and solutions in such communities as Sterling, College Park, and Olney.