1. It’s important to note that you should seek a health professional before even starting the cleanup process if you have any health concerns.
2. If sewage or other contaminated water is the cause of your mold or water damage, it is best to seek a professional. They should have previous experience specifically dealing with damage caused by contaminated water.
3. If there is any suspicion that your heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system might be contaminated with mold, do not take any further action. You should first refer to the EPA’s Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
4. If you decide to have a professional service provider do the mold cleanup, be sure to do your homework. Specifically, ensure that the contractor has a lot of previous experience in cleaning up mold growth. For example, you should check references and ask the professional to follow the guidelines from a professional government organization. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
5. If the mold growth covers more than 10 square feet and/or if there has been extensive water damage, refer to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. This document is applicable to building types other than commercial buildings and schools.
6. If the moldy area is 10 square feet or less, you should be able to handle the job yourself.
