School Facility Services
Microbial Remediation
Molds and other microbials are present EVERYWHERE – indoors and outdoors.
The effects on people can very dramatically. Some people will have little or no symptoms, while others individuals at a high-risk level, such as asthmatics, people with bad allergies, or people with weaken immune systems, can have wide ranging negative health effects.
Some of the more common symptoms are:
- Sinus and upper respiratory congestion
- Headache
- Sore and irritated throat
- Fatigue
- Itching Eyes
- Chronic cough
- Skin Irritation
The damages can be much more severe in immuncompromised individuals (e.g. Chemotherapy patients, diabetics, HIV positive or AIDS patients, individuals on certain antibiotics, cancer patients, Asthmatic, etc.). These individuals are susceptible to opportunistic pathogens, which are molds that attack individuals with compromised immune systems. The potential damages are severe in these cases, sometimes even resulting in death. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has discussed such a situation, with the disease Aspergillosis that is caused by the mold Aspergillus. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations states: “Aspergillosis is acquired by inhalation of airborne dust particles that carry spores. Pneumonia develops and the fungus disseminates through the blood stream to other organs. Mortality rates have been reported as high as:
- 95% in bone marrow transplant patients
- 13% - 80% in Leukemia patients, and
- 8% - 30% in kidney transplant patients.”
Aside from the physical aliments that these contaminant molds can levy on people there are other negative impacts caused by microbial growth. Businesses, school systems, government agencies, healthcare organizations, suffer from increased absenteeism, lower productivity, increased risk of liability, and the risk of negative media exposure.
Given the wide range of problems caused by microbials, it is important that you are always on the lookout for potential growth. Molds and all other microbials are in areas where there is chronic moisture, such as areas of excessive humidity, areas were there is consistent condensation, or where water damage has occurred. Common areas where microbials are often found are HVAC Systems, drywall, drop ceilings, wood, and insulation.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that all molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on; Removal of microbials, according to the EPA, can prevent damage to building materials and furnishings, improve the health of building occupants, and save money for building owners.
Given all of these factors, it is paramount that you rely on an experienced contractor to perform microbial remediation in your facility. Rutledge Environmental Services is such a contractor; a member of The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), with an IAQA “Certified Mold Remediator Supervisor” on staff. Rutledge Environmental Services has the training to go along with years of experience to handle your microbial remediation project. Our technicians have been through extensive training on proper cleaning and removal techniques of microbial contaminated materials, as well as training on the correct way to construct negative pressure containments. All of our technicians have also been trained in all the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is required during a microbial remediation project.
There is too much at stake when undertaking a microbial remediation project – people’s health, operational downtime, liability exposure, and public relations. So do not rely on just any contractor to solve your microbial problem. Rely on the company that has the training and experience - Rutledge Environmental Services.
Call our office 800-493-1117 (toll free) or local 502-241-4100 to learn more.