Ohio Toxic Mold Information   

"More than 5% of all construction lumber manufactured each year in the United States is used to replace wood that has decayed in service. This need not be the case. Damage to wood-frame buildings by mildew, mold, staining fungi, and decay fungi is entirely preventable. Their presence points to design flaws, poor workmanship, and neglected maintenance"

From Wood-Destroying Fungi in Residential Construction by Stephen Smulski, Ph.D. Wood Science Specialists Inc. Shutesbury, Massachusetts

The issue of mold cleanup is just as important as mold contamination. There are varying opinions concerning remediation projects. The materials and information placed on this page will hopefully make the task of cleanup a little easier. It is suggested that you consult with an IAQ professional before any large remediation project. An unprofessional cleanup could create a bigger problem by aerosolizing the fungi that created the problem in the first place. Also, some chemicals used by some remediation contractors can also cause reactions in certain individuals. If you have an IAQ problem in your home, it is suggested that you question the company you hire to perform any remediation work. Ask about their experience, methods and protocols. It is also suggested that you consult with the consultant that performed any assessments of the problem to assist you in proper remediation protocols. If the remediation company you are considering hiring offers to also perform the assessment, you may wish to consider hiring a different company. The practice of the same company performing both the assessment and the remediation may be a conflict of interest at best.

The images on the left were taken from three different projects performed by large Northeast, Ohio are remediation companies. All were performed using encapsulants, sealers and/or biocides. The images speak for themselves as far as the successfulness of the remediation procedures used. The first image was taken from a single family home. In this case, not only was the remediation a failure, the homeowners were made quite ill from the methods used.

The second image was taken from a small commercial facility which was remediated by a large Northeast, Ohio remediation company. Again, the success of the remediation is self evident in the image. This company offered a long term guaranty, unfortunately this image was taken only months after the remediation was performed. It should be noted that in both of the cases noted so far, the remediation contractor used either no scope of work or performed their own assessments.

The final image was taken from yet another remediation project and the image speaks for itself. This remediation was performed by a large NE Ohio remediation company. While investigating this particular case it was discovered that the remediation was performed by spraying water sealer onto the mold and water damaged sheathing. This not only did not address the problem, it actually made matters worse by creating a moisture barrier in the attic. This project was performed based on a single tape lift sample performed by an unqualified home inspector and the advice of a real estate agent that has no training or education in biological contaminants, building construction or indoor air quality. Unfortunately for the buyer, the house did sell (to him).

The three projects shown were all performed by different mold remediation companies working in Northeast Ohio. All were performed WITHOUT a third party consultant or a valid scope of work. This is why hiring a qualified Indoor Air Quality professional (CIEC, CIH or CSP) is an important first step when fungal contamination is suspected in a building.

Links to Remediation Information:

Fungal Abatement Safe Operating Procedures

Stachybotry Remediation Guidelines

Mold and Fungi Cleanup

NYC Dept. of Health Remediation Guidelines (Recommended)

EPA Remediation Guidelines (Flood)

EPA Remediation Guidelines (Mold)

Improper Flood Cleanup Causes Problems

The Bible on Mold and Cleanup

Misuse of Antimicrobials (Could Get You Sued)

Tackling Contamination in Buildings

EPA Information on Ozone Air Cleaners

Limiting Contamination During Remediation

Proper Restoration and Mitigation

NJ Dept. of Health - Bioaerosols

Tips for Drying Out a Water Damaged Building

CWRU: How to Clean Up The Mold

Flood Cleanup: Avoiding IAQ Problems

Flood Safety and Sanitation

Consequences of Improperly Restored Water Losses

Floods Carry a Hazardous Potential For Toxic Mold

The Growing Liability for the Insurance and Restoration Industries Posed by Hazardous Mould in Buildings

Black Mold in Basements and Bathrooms FAQ

Preventing Mold Growth in The Home (KSU) .pdf