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Pioneering Remediation Contractor Keeps Mold at Bay in DELMARVA Area
8/9/2006–Salisbury, MD–First there were the weeks of steady rain and now it is the relentless high humidity. Summer 2006 in the Eastern Shore of Maryland has been a veritable paradise for one unwanted visitor to the Delmarva area: mold. The good news is that Maryland is also home of the nation’s leading mold remediation and environmental contractor, MARCOR Remediation, with an office in Salisbury. MARCOR has the distinction of being the first licensed mold remediation contractor in the country.
“Conditions are perfect for mold growth right now,” said Lance Fisher, general manager of the Salisbury office of MARCOR, based in Hunt Valley, MD. The office handles mold problems for businesses and industry in the region, as well as wide variety of other environmental services such as asbestos and lead abatement, decontamination, and emergency spill response.
He explained that mold growth requires a “three-legged stool” to grow. The first is a consistent environment, which includes lack of airflow, dark or damp conditions, and temperatures above 65 degrees F. The second factor is a “food” source, which can consist of wood, paper, or other cellulose-based material. The third and most important “leg” is moisture, which includes not only pooled or running and dripping water, but also high humidity (greater than 60% relative humidity). Usually, if water intrusion is not addressed within a 48-hour window, mold can begin to grow.
According to Fisher, there still exists confusion as to what constitutes mold. Molds are simple, microscopic fungi that grow on the surface and crevices of objects, such as wood, carpeting, and objects like ceiling panels and drywall. More than 100,000 species of mold exist naturally in the environment, each at its own level, depending on the locale.
Mold and people have co-existed for thousands of years without negative health effects. However, only a small number of molds are suspected of having the potential to negatively affect human health if touched, inhaled, or ingested.
“There’s no exact science which can directly relate illnesses and symptoms to the presence of mold,” said Fisher, “although health experts agree that mold should not be allowed to grow and should be remediated immediately once it’s identified.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains that “there is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment.” The best way to avoid mold problems is to prevent mold spores from growing the first place. The EPA’s approach can be termed common sense: “The way to control mold growth is to control moisture.”
So the first step in mold remediation is to repair obvious leaks from roofs, windows, doors, and pipes. Steady moisture build-up caused by poor ventilation or improper insulation should be eliminated. Building materials should be kept dry and adequately ventilated before and after installation.
If mold is found to be in only a few locations and is accessible, it may be possible to eliminate the moisture and clean up the mold during routine cleaning using chlorine bleach and other cleaning solutions. But if it is not certain what is causing the mold or if the infestation is pervasive, it is time to contact a contractor. MARCOR recommends bringing in a qualified remediation contractor. “There are some disreputable contractors out there who claim to perform mold remediation,” Fisher pointed out. “You should look for contractors who can present documentation of ongoing training, long years of experience in mold remediation, and references.”
Soon the hot and humid summer will be ending and the dryer, cooler days of autumn will be coming. But mold can still thrive where there is moisture and “food,” even through the winter months. The suggestions of MARCOR experts is to do routine inspections for mold, clean up what can be cleaned, and to call in the specialists if the problem appears to be too large. To get more information on mold remediation, go to www.marcor.com or call 800-247-0369.
MARCOR Remediation, Inc., a specialty contracting company founded in 1980 with a staff of 700, performs a full range of services in addition to mold remediation. These include industrial cleaning, building decontamination, plant/process decommissioning and demolition, soil and groundwater remediation, disaster recovery, gun range remediation, and storage tank management. Clients include government agencies, industrial hygienists, environmental consultants, real estate development and property management firms, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT), the hospitality industry, educational institutions, health care facilities, and others. Each of the 16 company’s offices is staffed with the necessary mix of senior technical management, regulatory compliance experts and experienced HAZMAT labor force. MARCOR celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2005.
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