Mold may look like an easy to contain issue when you can see where it is growing. The most dangerous part of the mold is what you can’t see, though.
When cleaning and removing mold from an Akron, Ohio residence, business, or any other structure, it is of the utmost importance that you don’t breathe in mold spores.
Mold poisoning can occur if you are exposed to toxic molds. Symptoms can range from aches and pains, nosebleeds, mood changes, headaches, and memory loss.
Here, RFD Services, LLC will go over ways to protect yourself during mold removal operations. The personal protective equipment and information could save you from bigger headaches down the road.
Mold Spore Dangers
What you wear during mold removal in Akron, Ohio matters. We mentioned mold poisoning above, but constant exposure to mold can result in asthma and other respiratory issues, allergies, and skin infections as well.
With that in mind, the protective gear you will need to keep yourself safe during mold removal may surprise you. Due to the tiny size of a mold spore, 2-100 microns in diameter, it can travel easily through the air and cause skin irritations and find its way into your eyes and lungs.
Protective Gear for Mold Removal
Keeping yourself safe requires a professional’s approach to protective gear.
With the size of mold spores in mind, you’ll want to make sure you are completely covered. This will include a head to toe approach. Here are some of what RFD Services, LLC recommends as far as personal protection gear during mold removal.
First of all, wearing a face mask is a start, but it will need to be the proper type of protection to be effective. An N95 respirator mask will filter out 95% of particles, and it is the lowest rating recommended when working in mold removal.
Many will recommend an N99 (which will filter out 99% of particles). A P100 rated respirator will eliminate the additional need for goggles, as it will cover your entire face and protect you as you breathe.
Safety goggles are needed if you are not wearing a P100 respirator. These will prevent the spores from entering and irritating your eyes. Proper safety goggles can be fitted over glasses as well, so no need to worry about losing the ability to see while layering on another lens.
Nitrile or rubber gloves are imperative when doing mold removal. When you are protecting your skin from the mold spores, our hands will instinctively try to scratch our faces or hair while working. This way, the spores will not be transferred even from under your nails, as you will have been protected from the start.
Finally, you will need to wear clothing that can be easily removed and immediately laundered after this type of work. Ideally, one would wear a disposable safety suit, like a Tyvek suit, over clothing for this line of work. That way, the suit can be shed after leaving the mold affected area you are working on.
Are You Protecting Yourself During Mold Removal?
Mold removal is a large job dealing with a small, dangerous spore. After discovering it growing in a residence or building, it can explain quite a few adverse health symptoms.
Dealing with it head-on can be even more daunting. Are you up to the task of working to safely work with mold? Contact RFD Services LLC if you are in the Akron, Ohio area to get an estimate on mold remediation and removal.