Rutledge Environmental Services: Mold Remediation

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Molds 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. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has discussed such a situation, with the disease Aspergillosis that is caused by the mold Aspergillus. JCAHO 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.”
(Page 46 – Joint Commission “A Guide to Managing Air Quality in Health Care Organizations”).

Aside from the physical aliments that 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 that molds can lead to it is important that you are always on the lookout for potential mold growth. Molds 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 molds 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 such molds, 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 mold remediation in your facility. Rutledge Environmental Services is such a contractor; a member of The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), with IAQA “Certified Indoor Environmentalist” and IAQA “Certified Mold Remediator” on staff, Rutledge Environmental Services has the training to go along with years of experience to handle your mold remediation project. Our technicians have been through extensive training on proper cleaning and removal techniques of mold 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 mold remediation project.

There is too much at stake when undertaking a mold remediation project – people’s health, operational downtime, liability exposure, and public relations. So do not rely on just any contractor to solve your mold problem. Rely on the company that has the training and experience - Rutledge Environmental Services.

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