glossary
Glossary of Mold Remediation Terms
Abatement
Mold abatement is the process of fully removing any source of mold on a property. Abatement is marked as successful when you may return to your home or business knowing the abundance of mold is no longer present.
Air Sampling
The use of a probe that samples mold spores in the ambient air. If there is an elevated level of spores in the air, a test from the mold site will be taken and sent to a lab for analysis.
Air Scrubber
This important device in the mold abatement process is used to remove mold particulate matter from the air. The air filtration device utilizes a high-powered fan that will suck air in through a series of filters, which includes a pre-filter and a HEPA filter.
Allergen
An allergen is a substance that is responsible for producing allergic reactions. Substances such as dust mites, animal dander, mold, and pollen can cause allergic rhinitis, and inflammation in the nose, and may cause other, potentially severe, allergic reactions.
Antimicrobial
An antimicrobial agent is used to suppress microorganisms on direct contact; a chemical agent to combat fungi and mold.
Assessment
Mold assessment is when a professional company, such as United Water Restoration Group, goes onsite to visually assess for mold on the premises. A mold assessment must be conducted before a professional company can perform mold remediation.
Cleaning
The practice of controlling contaminants by locating, containing, removing, and disposing of unwanted infestations.
Colony
Colonies are a cluster of mold that has spread on a surface and can be viewed with the naked eye. These colonies can quickly spread mold infestation along the rest of the surface and through the air.
Containment
Barriers and seals are put in place to close off the infestation. Filtration devices are used to control the movement of airborne spores to help avoid secondary contamination. Mold containment is an important step of the mold remediation process.
Containment Barrier
This is a plastic, polyethylene sheeting used to seal the affected area and prevent airborne from spreading outside the containment zone.
Disinfectant
Any chemical that significantly reduces, but does not necessarily kill, the presence of microorganisms. There are different types of classifications for disinfectants depending on what they are tailored towards. For instance, class N disinfectants are the only current type of disinfectant shown to kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Fungi
The overall term identifies fungi that define the entire kingdom. There are many subclasses – such as molds, mushrooms, yeasts, and puffballs.
HEPA
A high-efficiency particulate absorbing air filter that removes 99.97% of particles that are greater than 0.3 micrometers.
Microbe
A microbe is a microorganism that is a type of fungi and bacteria that can’t be seen by the naked eye.
Moisture Content
The amount of moisture inside a material, relative to the actual material. Certain materials can sustain a greater moisture content before mold growth occurs.
MVOCs
Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals produced by mold colonies that are released into the air as a moldy, musty odor.
Mycotoxin
These are compounds produced by fungi that are designated as toxic to humans.
Porous
Materials that allow air to easily pass through. These materials can absorb and allow mold spores to easily flow into hidden areas and grow. When mold is accessible to hidden locations it gives the fungi a substantial place to expand.
P.P.E.
Personal Protective Equipment is gear regulated by OSHA that technicians will wear when performing mold remediation. These masks help filter out any potentially dangerous substances one may inhale on the site of a mold outbreak.
Relative Humidity
A ratio that identifies the amount of water present in the air to the maximum water the air is capable of holding. Mold thrives in wet environments, so a high ratio promotes mold growth.
Remediation
Mold remediation is the action of a professional mold handling company going to an infected area and fully remediating the site. This is through assessment, containment, removal, and treatment.
Spore
Spores are microscopic, reproductive structures emitted from fungi. They travel through the air, looking for the proper environment to latch onto and reproduce.