DIY Mold Remediation MUST DOs
Mold mycotoxins can contribute to very serious health conditions for susceptible individuals. It’s quite common for kids with PANS/PANDAS and other complex and chronic conditions to have exposure to mold mycotoxins in their history. Healing from complex and chronic conditions can take years, especially when mold toxicity is in the picture. Homeopathy can be a game changer in the healing process and a critical early step is to remove any on-going mycotoxin exposure. For many, healing is suboptimized until the source of the mold exposure has been fully remediated.
It is always optimal to work with mold remediation experts to identify the level of mold in the home, identify sources of ongoing moisture (which are food sources for mold), remediate the moisture source, and remove building materials that have been water damaged. Mold must be removed from the house; building materials with mold cannot be allowed to stay in the house. While it’s ideal to have a mold remediation specialist do mold removal from a home, it’s also expensive and not always feasible. In this article, I’m going to share some important steps to take to protect yourself and your family if you find yourself or a handyman/contractor doing mold removal. Some contractors may try to tell you that certain steps are overkill - they are not overkill and it’s worth it to work with someone that will follow all of these steps.
Contain the workspace. This is critical because, once you start working, mold spores will become airborne and natural airflow through a house will disperse them broadly. You want to make sure contamination doesn’t spread through the house during the removal and remediation process. A few key points for setting up your containment unit:
Make sure the workspace is large enough for all of the work, including storing the debris from your demolition work, space for cleanup, room for a good air scrubber with airflow, etc.
Use a double layer of 6 mil (minimum) poly sheeting and painters tape that will stick to your ceiling texture. Plan to use two layers of tape to tape the poly.
Completely enclose the workspace including walls, floor, ceiling, and especially all openings for things like lights, windows, etc.
Use a zip wall or zipper system so that you have a sturdy doorway to enter/exit the workspace. This will help protect the integrity of the containment unit and minimize contamination into the other areas of the house.
Create a contained walkway to the exterior of the house. Materials exiting the house must be contained as well.
Use a good, clean HEPA airscrubber with negative air in the contained workspace. A HEPA airscrubber will filter out mold mycotoxins, dust, and other debris. This helps you work in a healthier environment and helps get the mold mycotoxins out of the house. You’ll know your containment is set up properly if the negative air filter slightly sucks in the poly. A good, clean airscrubber can often be rented from a local remediation or restoration company.
Wear PPE (personal protective equipment). This is to keep you safe AND prevent airborne contamination that has landed on you from getting into your living spaces. A respirator or N95 mask, gloves, booties, and a full body suit. Make sure that you remove your gear in an outdoor setting and that anything brought back into the house is fully cleaned.
Use a moisture meter to make sure you’re removing all of the compromised material. Use a moisture meter to check building materials surrounding any visible moisture. It may not be obvious from touch or look that there is moisture, a moisture meter will help. This unit is relatively inexpensive and has been recommended to me by a mold remediation specialist. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HARYVUQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Once moisture damaged materials and mold are removed from the home, all surfaces must be washed with a solution of water and a drop of dishsoap, plus vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum is required. In addition, run the air scrubber for an additional day to ensure any airborne or environmental mycotoxins are removed.
If you are struggling with health issues and believe mold toxicity may be a contributing factor reach out to begin your healing journey with homeopathy today.
Note: Sue McKinley is not a certified mold remediation specialist. Always consult a trained professional before undertaking any mold remediation efforts yourself.