(1) Mold spores remain allergenic and toxic even when dead. Living with mold can be harmful to one’s health. Black mold can grow in the lungs; the immune system can break down; and mold has even been found in the blood stream.

(2) Mold, mildew and allergens are concerns in basements. In order to remediate these problems, the moisture and dampness issues must be identified and fixed before remediation can begin.

(3) The mold spores will not grow into mold colonies if there is insufficient moisture. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If organic materials are wet for more than 24 hours, mold growth can begin.

(4) Cellulose is the main substance in the cell walls of plants (and thus of wood), and it is used in the manufacture of many organic building materials such as drywall, plasterboard, plywood substitutes and ceiling tiles.

(5) Mold growth is often the result of a structural or construction defect, or of maintenance neglect, that allows moisture to enter the building.

(6) The contractor must first fix the water problem (roof leak, plumbing leak, high indoor humidity) that enables the mold to grow. Effective mold remediation requires killing the mold with an EPA-registered fungicide, and treating the cleaned area with an EPA-registered preventive fungicidal coating.

(7) Require that any company representative (regardless of service category) consulting with you on your job, service or project, completely understands every detail about their products and services, product features and benefits, installation specifications, warranty information, etc.

(8) Repair of the defects that led to water accumulation (or elevated humidity) should be conducted prior to fungal remediation or the fungal growth will recur.

(9) The goal of remediation is to remove or clean contaminated materials in a way that prevents the emission of fungi and dust contaminated with fungi from leaving a work area and entering an occupied or non-abatement area, while protecting the health of workers performing the abatement.

(10) Just four words neatly summarize what has to be done in effective and safe mold removal, mold remediation, mold mitigation, and mold abatement: CONTAIN, KILL, REMOVE, and PROTECT: (1) CONTAIN the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas; (2) KILL the mold; (3) REMOVE the dead mold; and (4) PROTECT the cleaned out area against future mold infestations.