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Monday, February 01, 2010
Getting Rid of Mold in HVAC
If you have been doing any research on the subject of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) then you will probably have come across info about toxic mold. There are many people who say you need to have your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system cleaned out. However before you do so you should find out more at the EPA who offer a lot of advice on this subject.
If you do decide to have the HVAC system cleaned it needs to be carried out by professionals who are experienced in working with HVAC systems. There are different techniques and equipment that gets used by these professionals and it really comes down to the individual circumstances which ones get used. Someone who is experienced will be able to implement judgment and know how to clean mold in air ducts very well.
If the HVAC system has been found to have been contaminated with mold then the system needs to be shut off until the mold has been eradicated. You should never knowingly use an HVAC system that is contaminated with mold because it will only serve to distribute the mold spores further around the home. Ideally, the mold should be dealt with when there is no one else in the building.
All steps should be taken to prevent the spread of mold in the property by sealing the vents with tape and negative air pressure should be used in areas where the work is being carried out. If there are any porous materials in the HVAC then they need to be placed securely in a bag and then taken away. A HEPA vacuum cleaner can be used to clean up the area too. Alternatively a damp cloth with detergent can be used. Everything should then be dried off.
Edited on: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 5:12 PM
Categories: Sick Building Syndrome