Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

This online engineering PDH course presents guidelines for the remediation/clean-up of mold and moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings. These guidelines include measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and remediators. Individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation should be able to use this course to help them make a reasonable judgement as to whether the situation can be handled in-house. It will also help those in charge of maintenance to evaluate an in-house remediation plan submitted by an outside contractor.

Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any organic substance if moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors. 

When mold growth occurs in buildings, adverse health problems may be reported by some building occupants, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants.