CALTEX INTERNATIONAL LTD.
MOLD AND MILDEW CLEANING OPERATIONS MANUAL
Table of Contents
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TopicPage(s)
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General Introduction4-5
Intro to Issues Caused by Mold6
Problems Mold Causes6
About Mold6-7
Types of Mold7-10
Where Mold Can Live11-12
Mold Facts13
How Can I Control Moisture to Prevent Mold?13
Suggestions for Reducing Mold Growth14
Signs of Mold14
Schools, Mold, and Indoor Quality14
Large Building and Mold Problems14
How To Deal With A Mold Problem15
Safety Tips For Dealing With Mold16
Mold Remediation Steps16
Before Remediation Reminders16
How Can I Tell What Kind of Mold It Is?17
Surface Samples17
Salvage or Discard?18
Setting the Remediation Plan18
HVAC19
Hidden Mold19
Remediation20-23
Small Site20
Medium Site20-21
Large Site22-23
Extra Large Site23
HVAC System Remediation
Small Site23-24
Medium Site24-25
Large Site25
Steps26-27
Be Sure To Use These Cleaning Tips28
Cleanup28
Quality Control29-30
Equipment30-31
Before Job Prep31-32
Professional Image33
On The Job Arrival33
On the Job33
Sample Job34-38
Mold Cleaning Instruction Sheets40-65
Biography66-67
Introduction
There is no one in the mold and mildew industry as advanced in technique, knowledge, and product as Caltex International Ltd. We are years ahead of our competition. Caltex International Ltd. has cleaned mold, mildew, algae, and lichens for many years, in many states, while most other mold and mildew cleaning product manufacturers were not even involved in this industry yet. In fact, most of them didn’t even know this industry existed. All of the products that we manufacture have been designed, engineered and tested by our own mold and mildew cleaning company which has specialized in many types of cleaning such as deck and wood restoration and ceiling cleaning since 1985. This equipment has been refined and constantly improved. Yet, we are constantly researching for faster more efficient ways and methods of cleaning mold and mildew. Mold and mildew cleaning equipment, however, has little to do with the end results. The chemical solutions are what actually clean the mold or mildew on a surface. The equipment, however, does make a great difference in the amount of personnel and the amount of time required to complete a job. This is why our equipment is superior to others. Our equipment is designed to be time and labor efficient. Money invested in good equipment pays for itself on every job from day one. Poor equipment, on the other hand, only continues to cost you additional labor and expense every time you use it.
Caltex International conducted extensive research before we developed our Odorless Mold and Mildew Chemicals for cleaning these types of agents. Caltex International Ltd. employed experienced chemical engineers, microbiologists, and chemists to help us develop a quality product for our own use. Investing both money and out vast experience into research with the help of our scientists, we proceeded to develop hundreds of different formulas. Each formula needed to be tested on many different types of molds, mildews, lichens, and algae. This was done as we serviced many customers’ wood, interior, and stone surfaces that were in many different types of environments. Every moldy or mildewed surface cleans in a little different manner than the other. Because of this, we wanted a chemical solution that would be capable of cleaning as many different of these agents as possible. This research and testing took several years as well as thousands of such surfaces that were cleaned. Throughout this process of testing, we continued to improve and perfect the product. A solution that was easy and safe to work with was finally found. Before we began to market this product, however, we used it in our own cleaning company on thousands of different jobs. Along with this use, we continued to improve the product until we felt there could be no better solution for mold and mildew cleaning. Today, this product is Caltex’s Mold and Mildew Cleaning Solution. This product is safe to use and provides an excellent job of removing molds, mildews, lichens, and algae from many surfaces and also restoring the surface to a newly brightened state. You are not on trial and error basis with our products. You can and will feel confident when using our products. Like all products, good basic training is required to use these products correctly. A sound foundation of knowledge is necessary to enable you to build upon your experience. This training is the first step in your success in the mold and mildew cleaning industry.
Caltex International is providing mold removal and remediation training for its authorized dealers. The mold removal training program begins by examining how mold grows, how it spreads and its life cycle. Caltex also teaches the current and evolving mold remediation standards and explains the reasons for each step in the process and what each party brings to the table.
When the mold is isolated and/or less than 10 square feet, an experienced mold removal company may be equipped to handle the removal job without the participation of an environmental professional.
Caltex International Authorized Dealers will perform the following actions:
- Perform a Mold Locator and Investigation
- Contain the area
- Communicate with the property owner and insurance company
- Commence and complete the remediation.
When the affected area is widespread and/or greater than 10 square feet, the determination of a specific course of action (remediation plan or protocol) should be made by a competent environmental professional. The Authorized Dealer will contain the area and immediately provide the insurance company with a detailed report of their findings. The insurance company will make all subsequent decisions regarding the handling of the claim. Caltex International Authorized Dealers will not begin any mold removal services until directed to do so by the insurance company. However, because the trend has more recently been that insurance companies are not paying for mold remediation claims as frequently as in the past, if the insurance company denies the claim, the authorized dealer must then provide the written plan to the building owner and come to an agreement that complies with safe mold remediation guidelines, solves the mold problem, and is reasonable financially to both parties.
Caltex International Ltd. wants each and every one of our product users to be successful. Their success is our success. We are the front runners in the mold and mildew mold and mildew cleaning industry and we fully intend to stay there. We are not trying to sell everyone in the cleaning business our products. We believe that properly trained quality product users will provide us all the success desired. Remember that success breeds success, it is only a direct result of people and product. When a company represents our products to a customer, it is a direct reflection on Caltex and its products. We hope that each and every customer serviced with our products is a success story. This success helps all of us using these products. It provides credibility to each and every user of Caltex products. Our hope is that some day customers will request their cleaning company to use Caltex products by name. This recognition can only help every company using our products.
Introduction to the Issues Caused by Mold and Related Agents
There has been increasing publicity in the last several years regarding indoor exposure to mold. The public has become increasingly cognizant of the fact that mold can cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms including allergies. Guidelines provide the contractor who has been hired to remediate the mold problem with measures to protect the health of both building occupants and the remediators. By thoroughly reading these materials, it will help the remediator evaluate an action plan.
Mold does destroy the items they grow on. It is important to prevent damage to building materials and furnishing, save money, and avoid potential health risks by controlling and eliminating mold growth.
What Are Some Problems Mold Can Cause?
- Mold destroys the surface it grows on. Remember, mold is an organism whose job it is to cause decay.
- Mold can be multi-colored, wet and mushy, furry looking, and smelly.
- Exposure to mold spores can cause respiratory distress, illness, and allergic reactions of various severities based on the individual, length of exposure, and the amount of exposure.
- In areas of mold infestation there is often a strong musty odour and dank air quality.
About Mold
Mold can be found virtually everywhere. They can grow on almost any organic substance as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Many types of mold grow on wood, paper, carpet, food, and insulation. When excess moisture is present in a building or its associated structures, mold growth will often occur, especially if the problem causing the mold is not corrected. While, eliminating all mold spores in the indoor environment is not realistic, it can be controlled indoors by controlling the moisture levels and removing already present mold.
Mold spores reproduce by creating spores that are generally not visible to the naked eye. Mold spores float through the air on a regular basis. When the spores land on a wet spot indoors or outdoors, they begin growing and eating whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds over time destroy what they grow on because their food is many of your household materials that contain cellulose.
There are many types of mold. All molds have the potential to cause adverse health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can cause allergic reactions, breathing problems, or asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce serious toxins and airway irritants. Potential or actual health concerns are a valid reason to prevent mold growth and to clean up and remove any already existing mold growth.
Mold requires water to grow in. This may take the form of a puddle, flowing leak, or even very slight dampness. Therefore, it is important to prevent moisture problems in building. Moisture problems can have multiple causes such as uncontrolled humidity, leaks etc. Other moisture problems have been linked to changes in building construction practices over the last several decades. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly closed. They often do not have sufficient ventilation. In many instances this has led to moisture and mold problems. Moisture problems can include roof leaks, landscaping problems such as insufficient grading, and leaking gutter problems, pipe condensation, cracked foundations, and unvented combustion appliances. Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance are also associated with moisture problems in buildings. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold laden dusts as they conduct the cleanup. Caution should be used to prevent spores from being dispersed into the air where they can be inhaled by the inhabitants.This will be further discussed in a latter chapter.
Mold has been an ever increasing concern to the public as they have become aware of the variety of health effects and symptoms that can result from mold exposure. General contractors and those involved in both residential and commercial renovations need to become knowledgeable about this subject.
Molds can be found virtually anywhere because they can grow on almost any organic surface as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, food, insulation, and more! Mold growth often occurs because there is excessive moisture in a building. Often this is because a leak or the core cause of the moisture problem is not addressed. While it is impossible to eliminate all mold spores in an indoor environment, the mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture levels or problems.
What Are the Major Types of Mold?
- Stachybotrys (stack-ee-BOT-ris) is member of the mold family. This particular member is known to produce airborne toxins. Some of the symptoms that Stachybotris produces are breathing problems, faintness, memory loss, hearing loss, and flulike symptoms.
- Two other commonly found mold types are Cladosporium and Penicillium. These molds can grow quickly and produce enough spores and intensity to cause allergic reactions. These reaction include asthma, breathing problems, sinus infections, headaches, coughing, and eye and throat irritation.
- There are two types of mold, Memnoniella and Aspergillus versicolor,which are known for producing airborne toxins. Airborne toxins are technically termed mycotoxins. These can cause much more severe problems among which are chronic fatigue, loss of balance and memory, irritability and difficulty speaking.
“On May 7,1993, the New York City Department ofHealth (DOH), the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), and the Mt. Sinai Occupational Health Clinic convened an expert panel on Stachybotrys atra in Indoor Environments. The purpose of the panel was to develop policies for medical and environmental evaluation and intervention to address Stachybotrys atra (now known as Stachybotrys chartarum (SC)) contamination. The original guidelines were developed because ofmold growth problems in several New York City buildings in the early 1990's. This document revises and expands the original guidelines to include all fungi (mold). It is based both on a review of the literature regarding fungi and on comments obtained by a review panel consisting of experts in the fields of microbiology and health sciences. It is intended for use by building engineers and management, but is available for general distribution to anyone concerned about fungal contamination, such as environmental consultants, health professionals, or the general public.” 32
“Many fungi (e.g., species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Memnoniella) in addition to SC can produce potent mycotoxins, some of which are identical to compounds produced by SC. Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that have been identified as toxic agents. For this reason, SC cannot be treated as uniquely toxic in indoor environments.
People performing renovations/cleaning of widespread fungal contamination may be at risk for developing Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) or Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP). ODTS may occur after a single heavy exposure to dust contaminated with fungi and produces flu-like symptoms. It differs from HP in that it is not an immune-mediated disease and does not require repeated exposures to the same causative agent. A variety of biological agents may cause ODTS. HP may occur after repeated exposures to an allergen and can result in permanent lung damage. “ 32
“Fungi can cause allergic reactions. The most common symptoms are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma. Fungi are present almost everywhere in indoor and outdoor environments. The most common symptoms of fungal exposure are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma. Although there is evidence documenting severe health effects of fungi in humans, most of this evidence is derived from ingestion of contaminated foods (i.e., grain and peanut products) or occupational exposures in agricultural settings where inhalation exposures were very high. With the possible exception of remediation to very heavily contaminated indoor environments, such high-level exposures are not expected to occur while performing remedial work.
There have been reports linking health effects in office workers to offices contaminated with moldy surfaces and in residents of homes contaminated with fungal growth. Symptoms, such as fatigue, respiratory ailments, and eye irritation were typically observed in these cases. Some studies have suggested an association between SC and pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants, generally those less than six months old. Pulmonary hemosiderosis is an uncommon condition that results from bleeding in the lungs. The cause of this condition is unknown, but may result from a combination of environmental contaminants and conditions ( e.g., smoking, fungal contaminants and other bioaerosols, and water-damaged homes), and currently its association with SC is unproven. “32
“Fungi in buildings may cause or exacerbate symptoms of allergies (such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and eye irritation), especially in persons who have a history of allergic diseases (such as asthma and rhinitis). Individuals with persistent health problems that appear to be related to fungi or other bioaerosol exposure should see their physicians for a referral to practitioners who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialties and are knowledgeable about these types of exposures. Decisions about removing individuals from an affected area must be based on the results of such medical evaluation, and be made on a case-by-case basis. Except in cases of widespread fungal contamination that are linked to illnesses throughout a building, building-wide evacuation is not indicated. “ 32 Remember that illnesses related to mold exposure can occur from an intense short term exposure to a low level long term exposure.
Currently there are no United States Federal, or State regulations dealing with the health effects of mold and remediation.
“The presence of fungi on building materials as identified by a visual assessment or by bulk/surface sampling results does not necessitate that people will be exposed or exhibit health effects. In order for humans to be exposed indoors, fungal spores, fragments, or metabolites must be released into the air and inhaled, physically contacted ( dermal exposure ), or ingested. Whether or not symptoms develop in people exposed to fungi depends on the nature of the fungal material ( e.g., allergenic, toxic, or infectious), the amount of exposure, and the susceptibility of exposed persons. Susceptibility varies with the genetic predisposition ( e.g., allergic reactions do not always occur in all individuals), age, state of health, and concurrent exposures. For these reasons, and because measurements of exposure are not standardized and biological markers of exposure to fungi are largely unknown, it is not possible to determine "safe" or "unsafe" levels of exposure for people in general.