Commercial Mold Remediation Services

Mold remediation is now a major concern and attention-getter.  Today’s tighter energy-efficient buildings make mold growth more common and better understanding of the effects of long-term exposure has revealed more hazards to building occupants.  Many companies make mold inspections a part of their building maintenance plans, and inspection and test are warranted if you have any evidence or suspicions of a mold  problem.  If there is an issue, Regal Emergency Services is ready with all the experience, expertise, and equipment necessary for superior commercial mold remediation in the Los Angeles Area.

About Mold Issues

Mold is a type of fungus, and is able to grow in complete darkness. All it needs is moisture and some source of organic food such as cellulose. There are some 1,000 different species common in the United States (out of some 100,000 world wide) and many are present outdoors to some degree in pretty much every location. When growing conditions are no longer ideal they spread by releasing microscopic spores that can float great distances even on imperceptible air currents.

Besides spores molds release a variety of irritants and allergens, reducing indoor air quality. Most significantly toxic mold species (not all are black) release mycotoxins that can lead to several very serious health conditions. In addition to health effects mold growth damages building materials, often requiring their complete replacement.

For commercial buildings the EPA has specific recommendation plans for dealing with mold and mold spores. They include vigilance concerning sources of moisture (such as roof leaks and unvented heaters) and note that simply killing the mold is inadequate. It’s necessary to physically remove spores, contaminants, and toxins from throughout the building. The EPA guide notes several levels of growth each requiring more training, expertise, and attention to details.

  • Level I (under 10 square feet — sf — affected) typically involves replacing ceiling tiles and cleaning areas on walls. The space should be unoccupied.
  • Level II (10-30 sf) requires additional protection and more detailed cleaning.
  • Level III (30-100 sf) requires professional consultation, work-area isolation, and dust suppression.
  • Level IV (100 sf and above) requires extensive personal protective equipment and more advanced isolation and cleaning.

All levels require special training and personal protection, and in general only licensed professionals should deal with levels II and above.

Other issues also come into play regarding commercial mold remediation.

Real Estate Transactions

The 2001 California Toxic Mold Protection Act puts liability for an undisclosed mold problem on the seller.  Note that specific disclosures are now required, yet mold inspection and testing may not be included in standard building inspection services.

Landlords and Business Owners

The health effects of mold are an important part of health and safety responsibility, with serious liability issues falling under OSHA General Duty Clause 5(a)(1) calling for a workplace free of recognized hazards.  In general costs are $50,000 and up per settlement, with total litigation sometimes running in to the tens of millions of dollars.

Insurance Issues

Insurance typically covers mold remediation only in cases of a covered peril, such as a burst pipe or water heater.  Mold removal isn’t covered if it could have been prevented by reasonable maintenance with attention to humidity, leaks, and condensation.

Our Commercial Mold Removal Services

So mold remediation for commercial buildings is indeed a serious issue and should be taken care of by our professional services rather than custodial personnel in all but the smallest instances.  And especially if there has been an incident of water damage.  As outlined by the EPA, the overall remediation plan is that of eliminating the source of moisture, removing detectable mold and spores, restoring indoor air quality, and completing follow up inspection and testing.

Mold Inspection And Testing

Regal Emergency Services can perform our own inspections and testing, but for added legal protection you may wish to have independent initial and follow-up testing.  That should include building- and site-wide visual assessment by a certified inspector, moisture measurements, and testing air and surface samples.  The objectives are to identify the underlying causes, the extent of the problem, and the presence or absence of toxic mold species.

Containment and Isolation

Isolating the work area to prevent the spread of toxins, spores, and contaminants to the rest of the building is critical in any commercial mold remediation plan.  That also allows other areas to remain occupied.  As per EPA and OSHA requirements and recommendations we’ll provide plastic sheeting and other barriers then deploy HEPA air scrubbers and negative-pressure exhaust along with all required, recommended, and suggested worker personal protection equipment.  All materials leaving the work area will be in sealed containers.  During our work period the HVAC system should be fitted with high-quality air filters, which should be replaced when mold removal work is completed.

Mold Removal

The actual mold removal methods we use depends primarily on the building materials affected.

  • Damp wipes are suitable for non-porous materials.
  • Wet vacuuming is suitable only for already damp non-porous materials.
  • HEPA vacuuming is suitable for surface removal and in final cleanup.
  • Dry ice blasting provides more thorough cleaning but typically requires extensive preparation and that the building be unoccupied.
  • Affected porous materials such as drywall and carpet must be replaced.
  • Hazardous wastes with proper transportation and disposal.

Commercial Mold Abatement

To further reduce the likelihood of regrowth and to restore indoor air quality we’ll also complete further decontamination through services such as commercial air duct cleaning and applying mildicides certified for human-occupancy indoor use.

Odor Removal

Mold problems and moisture problems are frequently accompanied by musty or earthy odors.  Our mold remediation services often include the use of foggers, hydroxyl generators, and/or ozone generators.  This equipment produces vapors that reach through small openings and penetrate surfaces to safely neutralize odor compounds, then harmlessly dissipate.

Re-Test

To assure that the affected area is fully safe for occupancy, follow up air and surface-sample tests along with visual inspection should be completed.

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